Object Control in JavaScript: defineProperties()
Object.defineProperties() gives you fine‑grained control over JavaScript objects. This guide covers descriptors, defaults, and practical use cases.
Articles
Cross‑browser Compatibility
When I started in web development (twenty‑three years ago), cross‑browser compatibility was a hot topic. Many days and hours were lost cursing Microsoft for interpreting the specs differently to other browsers, and a lot of money could be made if you were fluent in these issues. Nowadays, these issues tend to stem more from differing levels of compatibility with new JavaScript features (with iOS Safari being a prime suspect), rather than with CSS.
Below you will find a subset of articles from my blog specifically about Cross‑Browser Compatibility. This is an area that I have worked with for many years, and have managed to write about quite a few times. There are twenty‑three collected together for you below.
Object Control in JavaScript: defineProperties(). Object Control in JavaScript:
Exploring the call() Method in JavaScript. Exploring the
call()Method in JavaScriptUncover the capabilities of JavaScript's `call()` for invoking functions with a custom context, a key technique for effective function and method management.
Understanding Object Types with JavaScript's instanceof. Understanding Object Types with JavaScript's
instanceofUncover the differences between JavaScript's `instanceof` and `typeof` for type checking, with practical examples and insights on when to use each operator.
Leveraging .then() in Modern JavaScript. Leveraging
.then()in Modern JavaScript.then() still matters in modern JavaScript. This guide explains promise chaining, return values, and why Promise.prototype.then() remains useful.
Creating Custom Viewport Units Instead of Using vh and vw. Creating Custom Viewport Units Instead of Using
vhandvwCreate custom viewport units with CSS variables and JavaScript to avoid mobile 100vh bugs caused by browser chrome, keyboards, and visible height changes.
Repetitive Asynchronous Tasks with JavaScript's setInterval(). Repetitive Asynchronous Tasks with JavaScript's
setInterval()A discussion about using JavaScript's setInterval for repetitive tasks. Manage intervals effectively and understand best practices for time‑bound executions.
Understanding prototype.apply() in JavaScript. Understanding
prototype.apply()in JavaScriptUnderstand Function.prototype.apply() in JavaScript, including this binding, array‑like arguments, call() differences, dynamic invocation, and modern use cases.
JavaScript's hasOwnProperty() Method. JavaScript's
hasOwnProperty()MethodDiscover JavaScript's `hasOwnProperty()` for checking an object's own properties, an essential method for accurate and reliable object property iteration.
Harnessing the Power of Prototype.bind(). Harnessing the Power of
Prototype.bind()Explore JavaScript's `Prototype.bind()` method to master function contexts and argument handling, enhancing your code's flexibility and reliability.
Harnessing JavaScript's defineProperty(). Harnessing JavaScript's
defineProperty()Unlock the capabilities of JavaScript's `Object.defineProperty()` for precise property control on objects, enhancing security and data integrity in your code.
Understanding setTimeout() in JavaScript. Understanding
setTimeout()in JavaScriptAn exploration of JavaScript's `setTimeout` function. Understand its nuances in component lifecycles, and learn effective timing strategies using it.
Do Websites Need to Look the Same in Every Browser? Do Websites Need to Look the Same in Every Browser?
Progressive enhancement in web development is often misunderstood: it allows us to take advantage of more modern browsers, without penalising the older ones.
Adaptive vs. Responsive Design & Development. Adaptive vs. Responsive Design & Development
Now used as almost trivial marketing buzz words, there really are significant differences between responsive and adaptive design and development techniques.
Removing p Tags from Contentful List Items. Removing
pTags from Contentful List ItemsOne of the quirks of rendering Rich Text from Contentful is that list items come wrapped in paragraph <p> tags. Fortunately, this is a simple one to resolve.
CSS Focus Styles for Keyboard Users Only. CSS Focus Styles for Keyboard Users Only
Keep CSS focus styles accessible without showing outlines after every mouse click, using keyboard‑only patterns, :focus‑visible thinking, and UX trade‑offs.
Disabling Text Selection Highlighting with CSS. Disabling Text Selection Highlighting with CSS
User‑select makes stopping visitors from selecting items on‑page easy, and can be combined with ::selection to capture the browsers where user‑select is absent.
If Not Internet Explorer Conditional HTML. If Not Internet Explorer Conditional HTML
Conditional comments were once the standard way to target Internet Explorer. This guide shows how the non‑IE pattern works and where it catches people out.
Understanding the JavaScript Event Loop. Understanding the JavaScript Event Loop
The JavaScript event loop manages asynchronous tasks in a single‑threaded environment. I explore how it works with the call stack, task queue, and microtasks.
