Computer Science | Grinnell College

On November 8 in CS Table, we will discuss the state of JavaScript, the language running inside your browser. This is a programming language that seemingly ignores virtually all of the wisdom garnered in programming language design over the last half century, and yet it has a huge devoted fan base and enormous impact worldwide. We'll talk about some of the amusing quirks in JavaScript, briefly dive into the world in which JavaScript developers must operate, and speculate about why JavaScript has still been so successful. As always, you do not need any experience with JavaScript to participate in this discussion.

Readings:

• First, we have an imaginary dialogue between a new JavaScript user and an experienced developer. How it feels to learn JavaScript in 2016. Jose Aguinaga.
• Next, we have an article that should have the title "Ten astonishing things you never knew JavaScript would do to your values". Truth, Equality, and JavaScript. Angus Croll.
• And finally, the always-hilarious James Mickens on the horrors of web development. This was a suggested read last year, so you may have seen it already. To Wash It All Away. James Mickens. USENIX ;login: logout.

Computer science table (CS Table) is a weekly meeting of Grinnell College community members (students, faculty, staff, etc.) interested in discussing topics related to computing and computer science. CS Table meets Tuesdays from 12:00-1:00pm in JRC 224B. Contact the CS faculty for the weekly reading. Students on meal plans, faculty, and staff are expected to cover the cost of their meals. Visitors to the College and students not on meal plans can charge their meals to the department.