From: lexfridman
The conversation with Brendan Eich, the creator of the JavaScript programming language and co-founder of Mozilla, provides a deep dive into the evolution and future trajectory of web technologies and standards. Eich’s insights stem from his pioneering work in developing JavaScript and his ongoing efforts with Brave Software, which aims to push the boundaries of web technology while safeguarding user privacy.
Evolution of Web Standards
Web standards have undergone a significant transformation since the early days of the internet. With the advent of browsers like Netscape and Internet Explorer, new features like HTML tables, frames, and JavaScript were introduced, shaping the way the web is built and experienced today [00:23:22]. The competition and collaboration between different organizations and standard bodies, such as W3C and ECMA, have been instrumental in driving these innovations forward [00:55:02].
Privacy and User Control
A critical future element of web technology is privacy—an area where Eich is profoundly invested. Brave Software, which Eich co-founded, characterizes a new wave of browsers focusing on privacy-first approaches by default [02:14:23]. This contrasts sharply with the historical approach of browsers running ad scripts blind to user privacy.
Brave's Mission
Brave aims not only to block tracking elements and unnecessary scripts but also to create systems where users can directly support content creators through mechanisms like the Basic Attention Token (BAT) [02:16:26].
The Role of JavaScript
JavaScript remains integral to web standards and technology, experiencing continuous evolution with versions like ECMAScript 6 and beyond [00:56:26]. The language’s versatility, combined with strong community support, has also led to large ecosystems of frameworks, further cementing its role in current and future technology stacks [01:07:00].
Future Trajectories
While technologies such as future programming languages and machine learning frameworks are poised to influence how web applications are built, the core web standards are increasingly focusing on user-centric design. As consumers demand more privacy and control, the expectation is that web standards will evolve to fill these gaps, bridging the current chasm between user experience and security.
New methodologies, potentially encapsulated in the community-driven development, could shape how standards are decided and implemented, ensuring a more democratic technological ecosystem.
Standardization Challenges
As Eich points out, there remains a tension between innovation and the slower pace of standardization. This friction can hinder the swift adoption of new technologies, but it also ensures a level of interoperability and security that is critical in maintaining the web’s reliability and reach [00:53:02].
Conclusion
The future of web technologies and standards seems rooted in balancing rapid innovation with essential privacy and security measures. As the ecosystem evolves, browsers and web technologies will likely continue to innovatively address these needs, ensuring that the internet remains a robust and reliable platform for information, commerce, and community.