Recently, with the creation of modern web frameworks such as AngularJS and Ember, we’ve seen a push to render on the client and only use a server for an API. We’re now seeing a possible return or, rather, more of a combination of both architectures happening. Web architecture definitely goes through cycles. We started out rendering everything on the server and shipping it down to the client. Then, JavaScript came along, and we started using it for simple page interactions. At some point, JavaScript grew up and we realized it could be used to build large applications that render all on the client and that use the server to retrieve data through an API.
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As the volume of data on the web has increased, web scraping has become increasingly widespread, and a number of powerful services have emerged to simplify it. You can use Node.js to create a powerful web scraper that is both extremely versatile and completely free. A basic understanding of Node.js is recommended for this article; so, if you haven’t already, check it out before continuing. Also, web scraping may violate the terms of service for some websites, so just make sure you’re in the clear there before doing any heavy scraping.
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From simple charts to fancy infographics to complex timeline animations, data visualizations are popping up all over the Internet. However, as in any other area, once everyone gets on the train, distinguishing yourself from the pack becomes hard. There is virtually no limit to what you can do with the physics of data visualizations. Create column charts and make them fall like dominos, or make pie charts roll, bounce and more. You can make objects in charts and maps roll, spin, bounce, change shape and morph in ways that will capture the viewer’s attention much more quickly than regular static or even interactive versions!
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Static analyzers look at code and find problems before you run it. They do simple checks, like enforcing syntax, and more holistic checks, like making sure your functions aren’t too complex. Static analyzers also find errors that you can’t find with testing, like instances of == when you meant ===. In large projects and on big teams, you’ll be happy to have a little help finding those “simple” bugs that turn out to be a lot less simple than they looked.
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When approaching AngularJS for the first time, the interaction between scopes, directives and controllers is what immediately becomes (and remains) confusing for most. After the confusion sets in, you start learning about the advanced concepts, which are mind-blowingly complex as well. In this article, Nicolas Bevacqua will navigate the salt marsh that is AngularJS scopes and the lifecycle of an AngularJS application, while providing an amusingly informative, in-depth read.
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AJAX calls do not cover updates from the server, which are needed for the modern real-time and collaborative web. PubSub (as in “publish and subscribe”) is an established messaging pattern that achieves this. In this article, Alexander Gödde will look at precisely how PubSub solves the updating problem, and he’ll look at one particular solution (the WAMP protocol) that integrates both the calling of procedures on the server and PubSub into a single API.
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Chartist was developed for a very particular need: to create simple responsive charts. While other charting libraries do a great job of visualizing data, something is always missing to satisfy this simple yet demanding need. In this article, Gion Kunz will show you how to use Chartist to create your own beautiful responsive charts. You’ll learn some key concepts of Chartist, how to easily extend it and also some advanced features, like responsive configuration overrides and the animation API.
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Developing a polyfill is not the easiest challenge. On the other hand, the solution can be used for a relatively long time: standards do not change often and have been discussed at length behind the scenes. Also everyone is using the same language and is connecting with the same APIs which is a great thing. This is quite a technical article, and while Maksim Chemerisuk will try to minimize the code snippets, this article still contains quite a few of them. So, be prepared!
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In the wake of so much “CSS versus JavaScript animation” infighting, a new API specifically for web animation is coming out that might just unite both camps. In 2014, Rachel Nabors had the chance to travel the world to talk about using animation in user interfaces and design. She met and interviewed dozens of people who use and champion both CSS and JavaScript. What you’re about to read is purely observational and as unbiased an account as you will be able to find on the subject of web animation.
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In this article, Daniel Sternlicht walks you through the development process of a Chrome extension with modern web tools and libraries. It all begins with an idea. Daniel thought it would be nice to create a Chrome extension that enables you to mark your reading progress in articles so that you can continue reading them later — anywhere. “Markticle” is the name he chose for this extension. He’ll share here the technologies that he used to develop it. After reading this article, you’ll have a ready-to-use “Save for Later”-like Chrome extension.
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