31 Aug 2013

New Tools For Web Design and Development: July 2013

Mark Penfold examines the tools of note that came out in July

This month, developers seem to be focused on stripping away unwarranted code and returning to essentials. Whether in the form of a 'strict' interpretation of JavaScript (GorillaScript) or the simple body movements that provide Move.js with input, the spirit is for streamlining.

This is good. It's far too easy to keep adding libraries and functions to a project, which eventually falls over thanks to the morass of interlocking objects vying for control. Frequently, it's when this happens that you realise things could have been done much better if you'd just had a bit of discipline and planned ahead.

So, do your playing around in a sandbox (Kodiak JavaScript on the iPad would be good for that). Then apply the lessons once learned. And don't for get to document the process, not just for others but for yourself too. Daux.io makes this easy enough, and strange as it may seem, explaining yourself is a great way to spark new ideas and insights. And these are what we're all looking for.

1. Kodiak JavaScript iPad IDE

Price: £6.99

There's not many who would want to do really serious development on the iPad, but there is a case to be made for those relaxed moments where you don't want to power up a laptop, let alone get out of your hammock, but you do want to hash out some JavaScript-related idea you've had. For those moments, Kodiak JavaScript hits the spot.

There's a few shortcomings, such as a missing console for debugging and documentation for finding things like the console. However, the app is pleasant to use and provides a whole rash of libraries ready to include in a setup that actively encourages experimentation.

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