Dec 19, 2011

Don't Be A CoffeeScriptster


Brandon Satrom takes a thoughtful look at CoffeeScript in CoffeeScript is for Closers, a recent video recorded for the RedDirtJS Conference. He makes a number of great points, including:
CoffeeScript is not a replacement for learning JavaScript.
I couldn't agree more. However, I'd like to add my own rejoinder:
CoffeeScript is a wonderful inspiration for learning JavaScript. 
Programming CoffeeScript is so much fun, it makes diving deep into JavaScript all the more worthwhile.

Dec 14, 2011

Eco CoffeeScript Templates Presentation at URUG

The slides from my presentation to URUG on Eco (Embedded CoffeeScript templates) are now online: backbonecoffeescript.com/eco-coffeescript-templates.

The talk makes two major points:

  1. You can get started on the path to better-organized client code easily and incrementally by moving AJAX view rendering into embedded templates.
  2. The impact of Step 1 is easy to underestimate, but can be the basis for a tectonic shift in your application architecture, in which your server becomes a JSON-based web service.
Please comment here on the slides, I would love your feedback.

Dec 5, 2011

Little Book on CoffeeScript to be Published by O'Reilly

In September I reported that O'Reilly had a CoffeeScript book in the works. This evening Alex MacCaw confirmed that he just completed a new version of The Little Book on CoffeeScript, including a couple new chapters, to be published by O'Reilly in early 2012. I'm a big fan of the Little Book. Bravo!