A NetSurf coder has sparked debate over the future of the web browser by suggesting ways in which JavaScript support and other features can be developed. In tentative plans sketched out by John-Mark Bell, which are to be discussed with fellow programmers, he suggested that version 2.0 of NetSurf could feature JavaScript.John-Mark, pictured, said: "JavaScript is the key feature missing from NetSurf and, for some, is the barrier to it becoming their first-choice browser. NetSurf's current engine is coming close to the end of its design life."
The open source browser will require a new engine under the bonnet to process HTML, CSS and web page designs in a more flexible manner before it can support JavaScript, he proposed.
In his memo to fellow NetSurf coders, John-Mark said: "It must be stressed that the views contained within this document are those of the author alone - nothing is set in stone. This document aims to stimulate the debate surrounding the goals for future NetSurf releases. Criticism and new ideas are welcome."
As well as highlighting the strengths of NetSurf, John-Mark also pointed out that the browser was "particularly picky" about badly written web pages, could be made to run faster, and does not fully support CSS 2. He also suggested better handling of XHTML, amongst other improvements for the software, as well as touching on Flash, plugins and broken printing support on RISC OS 5.
John-Mark's PDF memo was circulated ahead of the first official release of the freely available web browser. It is hoped that after five years of development, a stable 'version 1.0' of NetSurf can be released in time for this year's Wakefield show. Recently, users have offered to donate cash to the project to fund development of JavaScript support.
Links
NetSurf website
