Devs criticize Windows 8's reliance on HTML5, JavaScript
updated 07:25 pm EDT, Mon June 13, 2011
Windows update expected to shift coding standards
Developers have criticized Microsoft after a recent Windows 8 preview video hinted that the upcoming version of the company's desktop OS would drop support for many familiar development standards. Windows Experience VP Julie Larson-Green showed off an example of an immersive application that utilizes the "new developer platform," which is based on HTML5 and JavaScript rather than the traditional languages that serve as the backbone of current Windows editions.
The comments frustrated developers, many of whom are accustomed to technologies such as Win32, Silverlight, WinForms, .NET and Visual Basic 6, according to an Ars Technica report. Critics fear such a move will represent a step backward, or at least a step in the wrong direction, as HTML5 and JavaScript are viewed as insufficient for creating proper desktop applications with high-level functions.
The shift was reportedly anticipated by some developers before the Windows 8 video was published, when Microsoft diverged from its reliance on Silverlight for Internet Explorer 9. As with IE9, however, Windows 8 will likely expand the number of supported APIs instead of abandoning the standards that most Windows developers are already familiar with.
Microsoft has yet to clarify the situation, leaving developers to continue to speculate about the future under Windows 8.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2011
Wise move.. too late..
It is wise from microsoft to adopt this new tool where you can be more cross platform. Problem is that microsoft is too late to the party and the only advantage they had, which is developers, is now reset to zero.
I make installers for windows (from XP to 7) and it is ver difficult and painful because many programs rely on many different microsoft tool not embed into windows. So some times he programs requites windows installer 3.5, some others Visual C runtime, others DotNet2.1, others Dotnet 3.5 and so on. So moving to a simple and standardized HTML and Java is more than welcome, for the 2 or 3 years it will last :)