Writing Safer JavaScript for Older Browsers
Write safer JavaScript for older browsers by checking support, avoiding fragile assumptions, containing failures, and keeping core interactions usable.
Articles
JavaScript, page 17 of 18
JavaScript is probably one of the most‑used programming languages in the world, and a cornerstone of front‑end (and more general) web development. It enables the development of interactivity and features that HTML and CSS alone simply cannot, and includes more advanced concepts like closures, callbacks, and asynchronous programming.
Below you will find a subset of articles from my blog specifically about JavaScript. This is an area I have worked with for many years, and it has been a regular subject in my writing. There are three hundred twenty‑one articles collected together for you below.
Writing Safer JavaScript for Older Browsers. 
Invoked Function Expressions (IIFE). Invoked Function Expressions (IIFE)
IIFEs were a common JavaScript pattern before modern modules took over. This guide explains what they do, why they existed, and when they still appear.
Understanding call, apply, and bind in JavaScript. Understanding
call,apply, andbindin JavaScriptUnderstand call, apply and bind in JavaScript, including this context, borrowed methods, callbacks, partial application and production review caveats.
Appending and Prepending Items to an Array. Appending and Prepending Items to an Array
Append and prepend array items in JavaScript with push(), unshift(), spread syntax, mutation trade‑offs, return values, and cleaner update patterns.
How Inheritance Works in the JavaScript Prototype Chain. How Inheritance Works in the JavaScript Prototype Chain
The JavaScript prototype chain underpins inheritance, enabling object property sharing. Here, I explore its workings, property searching, and quirks.
JavaScript Build Tools and Module Formats. JavaScript Build Tools and Module Formats
A practical overview of JavaScript build tools and module formats, covering globals, CommonJS, AMD, Browserify, bundling, and project trade‑offs.
Type Coercion in JavaScript: Implicit vs. Explicit Conversion. Type Coercion in JavaScript: Implicit vs. Explicit Conversion
Type coercion in JavaScript explained clearly, including implicit vs. explicit conversion, equality surprises, string concatenation, and number casting.
Using CommonJS to Implement Modules in JavaScript. Using CommonJS to Implement Modules in JavaScript
Use CommonJS modules in JavaScript with require() and module.exports, covering Node.js origins, browser bundling, limitations, and ES module comparison.
Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Components in React. Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Components in React
Controlled vs. uncontrolled components in React explained with form examples, refs, validation trade‑offs, and why each approach suits different jobs.
Why this Changes in JavaScript Event Handlers and Methods. Why
thisChanges in JavaScript Event Handlers and MethodsUnderstand why this changes in JavaScript methods and event handlers, including call sites, arrow functions, bind(), event objects, and context bugs.
Looping in JavaScript ES5 and ES6: forEach and for...of. Looping in JavaScript ES5 and ES6:
forEachandfor...ofWith the introduction of the new JavaScript standard ES6, there are some new and interesting ways to loop through data, which I discuss here today.
Asynchronous Module Definition (AMD) in JavaScript. Asynchronous Module Definition (AMD) in JavaScript
Asynchronous Module Definition explained, including AMD module loading, define(), dependency handling, CommonJS, ES modules, and modern relevance.
Keeping jQuery Plugins Maintainable. Keeping jQuery Plugins Maintainable
Keep jQuery plugin usage maintainable with clear wrappers, option defaults, event names, lifecycle checks, CSS boundaries, ownership, and update notes.
Getting Started with Callbacks in JavaScript. Getting Started with Callbacks in JavaScript
Callbacks are a core part of JavaScript, even if promises get more attention now. This guide explains how they work and where they still show up.
Primitive vs. Reference Types in JavaScript. Primitive vs. Reference Types in JavaScript
Primitive vs. reference types in JavaScript explained clearly, including copying behaviour, mutation, equality, and why arrays and objects surprise beginners.
Lifting State up in React. Lifting State up in React
Lifting state up in React explained clearly, including shared state, single sources of truth, child callbacks, and when moving state higher helps.
Check If Your Site is Running on localhost. Check If Your Site is Running on
localhostThere are many reasons that you might want to detect whether your code is running on localhost. Aside from using environment variables, there's also JavaScript!
When to Use a jQuery Plugin and When to Write Your Own. When to Use a jQuery Plugin and When to Write Your Own
Decide when a jQuery plugin is worth using, and when a small custom script is safer, clearer, easier to maintain, and less likely to leak assumptions.
