SSJS = Server Side JavaScript

LiveScript was a very nice, general purpose programming language initially, however it was subsumed into the marketing hype of the day to be renamed and forced fit into a company's web browser product to manage the HTML DOM and we have the often/much maligned result: JavaScript.

I know many web developers, especially in enterprise settings, that barely tolerate JavaScript and others that "hate" it (their words not mine) and others that banned its' use or at least limited its' use for a myriad of reasons, mostly due to security.  Web security is very convenient if you want to limit something...even if there is a kernel of truth to it...however that is mostly an implementation issue that should not reflect on the language itself, IMO.

FWIW/IMO, ECMAScript is maturing rather nicely. The JavaScript language has a great set of programming features some of which were created in one of my favorite languages that never-really-was-successful, Self.  Dynamic, prototypes, functional, imperative, OO, ... very flexible.  For more information on the language itself, I highly recommend Eloquent JavaScript.

V8, Google Chrome's JavaScript engine, has reinvigorated this space, though I'd like to see more interest from Mozilla on Rhino and SpiderMonkey...and see other players enter this space.   By far, the most interesting and promising SSJS is provided by node.js.  I'd like to hear about other options and/or experiences using node.js or SSJS, please share 'em if you got 'em!

No technology is perfect, and you have to determine which technology is the best fit for purpose for your solution.  I have a core set of technologies that I use for what I tend to call "nextweb" or realtime web solutions, and SSJS is a foundational component...and so far node.js is the best option I've found for SSJS. 

In the past, JavaScript has been limited by its' implementations and where it has been "forced fit", though the number of client-side JavaScript frameworks and SSJS indicate that these limitations are no longer valid.  With a small core set of technologies, most with open source options, and open standards, the nextweb can be utilized today by any organization willing to capitalize on it...if only they can give up some of their reliance on enterprise "bloatware" for their web solutions.

SSJS, just think about it, and maybe, just do it!

REBOL 3, where art thou?

Nearly a year since I blogged about my anticipation of REBOL 3 and its imminent release, and I'm still waiting. Anyone else waiting too? The latest status update was last October. Now the reason things "appear" to be so quiet on REBOL 3 is simple. Since I'm not an active participant in the development of REBOL 3, I don't have access to the information flow. This cuts down the noise the actual, active developers need to deal with, and the promise of new, open AltME worlds once 3 is released all makes sense.

As I was waiting looking in from the outside, I took a quick look around the REBOL sites and found (from here) the alpha is available. (scroll to the bottom of the blog entry to get the link). Kudos to the REBOL 3 team! (and many thanks too!)

REBOL 3.0

It looks like REBOL 3.0 will be here soon!

First, there is a high-level component architecture overview document here...

... a list of 2007 priorities here...

...and if you follow the link to the REBOL Developer Conference, the program states "Introducing REBOL 3.0" by Carl Sasserath.

Can we hope to see REBOL 3.0 released and available this summer? I can't wait!

REBOL, REBOL, Waiting for REBOL 3.0!

If you haven't heard of, or tried, REBOL you should have a look. What it does, and how easily it works is just amazing. The size:power ratio is incredible. This is the way much business computing could/should be done. If you are a SMB (small to mid-size business), you should consider REBOL (large enterprises too, but then the beauracracy and politics would probably be problematic because REBOL can actually help your organization!).

I've been dabbling with REBOL for the last few years. Based on my experience with current and prior versions, the next version, 3.0, promises to be even more amazing. So, Carl I'm waiting patiently for version 3.0, please update the timeframe estimates!

I plan more blogs on REBOL in the future. It is a key tool in my personal toolbox. REBOL is different, innovative, simple, elegant and powerful: all things I like in a programming language, and it is more than a programming language.

Disclaimer: I don't work for REBOL Technologies nor have I been compensated to endorse or develop REBOL solutions. (I am interested in REBOL solution development opportunities. If you are a SMB and in need of enterprise software solutions, let me know.