3 ms·

This is pure ignorance on my part but why do you disable javascript? I can only think of two reasons: a) safety concerns and b) old browser. Both of these can

This is pure ignorance on my part but why do you disable javascript? I can only think of two reasons: a) safety concerns and b) old browser. Both of these can be taken care of pretty easily. Are there other reasons?

tdavis 18y ago
Many lesser mobile browsers still have limited/no Javascript support. I know quite a few people who disable both JS and Flash because they don't want crazy crap flying around the screen and so forth. Some people are security nuts as well. It's not a matter of coming up with a lot of reasons, though. The fact is that as a web developer, even today, we cannot safely assume that Javascript will be enabled or available. For some the need for JS far outweighs the consequences of not having it. Take for example an app suite like Zoho or Zimbra. However, even GMail has an HTML version. Javascript also causes usability and accessibility concerns, especially for those using screen readers, CLI browsers (like lynx), and other non-typical devices to browse the web. There are countless books and essays and blog posts on the subject of Javascript's destruction of usability and accessibility when not used in a progressively-enhancing way. Personally, I never disable Javascript. I disabled it on that site in order to confirm my suspicion that their entire navigation structure depends on it. However, I do recommend turning off Javascript for a day while browsing the web and visiting your favorite sites. It is truly an eye-opener.
- rrwhite 18y ago
  I'm sure it's an eye-opener just as browsing with Netscape 4 would be, but I don't think it really means anything. I gave up on caring about what a site does without JS a long time ago. It's not worth my time to do it just like it's not worth designing cars for people without legs.

3 ms·

This is pure ignorance on my part but why do you disable javascript? I can only think of two reasons: a) safety concerns and b) old browser. Both of these can

by misterbwong 18y ago

tdavis 18y ago
Many lesser mobile browsers still have limited/no Javascript support. I know quite a few people who disable both JS and Flash because they don't want crazy crap flying around the screen and so forth. Some people are security nuts as well. It's not a matter of coming up with a lot of reasons, though. The fact is that as a web developer, even today, we cannot safely assume that Javascript will be enabled or available. For some the need for JS far outweighs the consequences of not having it. Take for example an app suite like Zoho or Zimbra. However, even GMail has an HTML version. Javascript also causes usability and accessibility concerns, especially for those using screen readers, CLI browsers (like lynx), and other non-typical devices to browse the web. There are countless books and essays and blog posts on the subject of Javascript's destruction of usability and accessibility when not used in a progressively-enhancing way. Personally, I never disable Javascript. I disabled it on that site in order to confirm my suspicion that their entire navigation structure depends on it. However, I do recommend turning off Javascript for a day while browsing the web and visiting your favorite sites. It is truly an eye-opener.
- rrwhite 18y ago
  I'm sure it's an eye-opener just as browsing with Netscape 4 would be, but I don't think it really means anything. I gave up on caring about what a site does without JS a long time ago. It's not worth my time to do it just like it's not worth designing cars for people without legs.