Code Related ExtJS as Javascript FrameWork

[Sheep]

Well... while i'm arround there, i could suggest a little thing:

use ExtJS as javascript framework. I've been using it latelly... and it's "Oh My God" like (functionnally speaking, and ... code speaking: it's so well done!).

The demo page is talking by itself
Ext JS - Client-side JavaScript Framework

[Jamie Edwards]

Hi Sheep,

We've developed a lot of our own JavaScript for Version 4. We have made use of libraries in some places and may use more, and will keep Ext JS in mind. It is certainly impressive, although I haven't personally done anything with it to fully exercise what it is capable of!

Thanks for the suggestion,

[John Haugeland]

Wow, that is actually quite nice.

[supportskins]

Yeah looks promising!

[craigbrass]

Coding your own means less unneeded functions are in the code and you can get exactly what you want.

[John Haugeland]

Yeah, we're not switching to ExtJS. I'm just saying ... wow, that's really nice. It may be the nicest generic JS/ECMA UI kit I've seen, with possible competitors in Flex and OpenLaszlo.

That said, v4's interface is already built, and in my opinion it's better for this kind of work than ExtJS, because it's built specifically for the job we're doing. Also, Varun's really good at UI stuff.

[craigbrass]

Yea, it is very nice and has given me some ideas but I stick with own code is better.

[Jamie Edwards]

Originally Posted by craigbrass

Coding your own means less unneeded functions are in the code and you can get exactly what you want.

There is nothing wrong with 'unneeded' functions; that is the very nature of a framework with a good API. The difference between a good framework and a bad one is that a good one won't slow anything down with stuff you aren't using.

These JS libraries aren't solutions to problems, they are just a means of getting to a solution - usually easier and providing you with a better end-solution. Just like an operating system's APIs, PHP Pear packages, OpenGL, standard Java packages - they supplement application development.

People mistake them, thinking they're intended to replace work by your own developers - these are the people who will misuse the frameworks and give them a bad name.

Taking Ext JS for example, it is maintained by a group of seriously hardcore JavaScript experts. They spend their time maintaining the incredibly quick and cross-browser framework, which depending on the task, developers and businesses often wouldn't have the time or resources being able to do as well.

There is no use reinventing the wheel just because.