4 ms·
I'm implementing git in JavaScript to bring more independence to developers on more devices. This will enable more apps to have distributed data that works ful
by creationix 13y ago
I'm implementing git in JavaScript to bring more independence to developers on more devices. This will enable more apps to have distributed data that works fully offline and doesn't require cloud services to work.
One benefit of this as mentioned in the fundraiser text is to build developer environments for kids.
But another benefit that's less obvious and very relevant to this week's news is it moves power back into the hands of the users of software. Much of software has been moving to the cloud in recent years and most new devices can only work with cloud data. You can't even log into a chromebook, surface, android tablet, or iPad without registering with some online service and giving them your personal details.
If you want to write some software on these devices you have to use the device like a thin-client and be at the mercy of your internet connection and some cloud service (like online IDEs). The platforms, for the most part, don't allow much local work to be done.
They do all allow JavaScript and have some form of network connection and persistent storage. By implementing git in pure javascript we'll be able to build tools that work completely offline, peer-to-peer or, if desired, with cloud based systems. I believe the owner of the hardware and software, the author of the code, should decide how and where it gets distributed.
But I need funding to complete this project. I have a house, a wife and 3 kids to take care of. I've quit my paying work so that I can make time to finish js-git. It's getting close, but I need just a little more time to finish it to be something useful.
If you care about giving control back to the user or believe in enabling kids and think this is a useful way to accomplish this, please back me and/or spread the word.