Require Javascript on site?

[pspman]

javascript is needed alot on devices nowadays

[Zach]

Yeah, but a lot of the JavaScript used is unnecessary, and some functional elements of design could be done with CSS instead. Not that that's a better solution...

[Matt]

Good old PHP and HTML and CSS. The Terrific Trio.

[Vanilla]

Well, i know that a lot of javascript might be used unnecessarily, and might not be needed, but the same actually goes for CSS in a lesser degree, if you look at the broader perspective. I mean, when you lay down the cards, CSS is only used to enhance your experience with the site, and so is Javascript (if used right). You could potentially view a plain html site just fine with just text. The internet is just there for people to share and get information. But today, it's almost a non-arguable standard that you have CSS activated within your browser, because otherwise your site would look like sh*t :P. Both Javascript and CSS is there only to present a website in enhanced visual manner.

Another side of the case is Javascript vs. Flash. Until recently, Flash's only rival was Online Java applets, but due to the speed and difficulty write such application for online use, Flash claimed tremendous market share regarding interactive online media. HTML 5 and it's enhanced javascript features (Audio, Video, 2D-drawing and also 3D with Googles O3D) is becoming a much more interesting solution with it's versatility, seen in contrast to the Adobe Flash Player. The could potentially make javascript a much larger player in the future.

Also, considering that top-100 sites such as Youtube and Facebook relies heavily on javascript, and deactivating it would degrade the experience to a very high degree, and in Youtubes case you can't even watch videos without Javascript, thus it requires you to have javascript in order to make use of the site.

So again, can I require Javascript on my "casual" site? Does it matter what kind of site it is, and what content is has? And in that case, on which sites is it acceptable to require javascript to actively make use of the site?

[Zach]

Flash is for things like games and animations and crap. I don't think it was ever meant to be used so heavily. JavaScript is for things like input validation or dynamic web pages

[Matt]

Yeah, I'm not a fan of Flash, always crashes my computer. HTML5 for the win.

[KSubedi]

javascripts can make your sites smart and more powerful. they somewhat even make the interface of your site better. but if you want to go for seo then javascript is not recommended. most of the browsers today have javascripts enabled but using it is not good in my view because they can cause a lots of errors and problems in the browsers and sometimes can permanently crash ur browser [my phone's browser still doesnt work due to this :D] . overall i do not recommend using javascript in your site as it slows down your site too ...

[HiddenKnowledge]

javascripts can make your sites smart and more powerful. they somewhat even make the interface of your site better. but if you want to go for seo then javascript is not recommended. most of the browsers today have javascripts enabled but using it is not good in my view because they can cause a lots of errors and problems in the browsers and sometimes can permanently crash ur browser [my phone's browser still doesnt work due to this :D] . overall i do not recommend using javascript in your site as it slows down your site too ...

Since when does javascript make your website smart?
It does make it more powerful though..
And ksubedi, try using dots on the right place and all.
Makes your posts much easier too read.

But back ontopic: It really depends on the website.
What kind of website are you making?

[Vanilla]

What kind of website are you making?

Not any particular kind, I was just asking for opinions on whether it was ok to require javascript on your site as the browsers are today. Especially also considering the upcoming HTML5 and it's javascript improvements.

As i've propably already stated, many top-sites such as youtube requires javascript (and flash btw.) to be of any use, and some sites gains tremendous amounts of easier-to-use'ness(?), when javascript is enabled, facebook for example, with the auto-updates and javascript/AJAX chat.

Anyone having any consideration regarding M$ Silverlight? Considering it's cross-platform, have almost the same amounts of features, has a lot more languages available than Adobe Flash?

[Matt]

Nice post there, Vanilla! Valid description.