Re:Chromium/Blink – Intent to Implement: Experimental Framework
by xg15 on Monday October 12, 2015 @03:09AM
(#10372971)
I like the general idea of this, but I'm bothered by the "slippery slope" effect this might cause.
Right now, the proposal is to strictly timebox the experiments and to implement procedures that discourage participants from relying on the experimental features.
However, timebox or not, what this framework does is to put in place a system for granting API access based on privilege. Once this system is standardized and accepted, what keeps it from being abused?
At the simplest, certain experiments could be extended for "infinite" time at the request of big-name participiants if the features are particularly valuable. One of the browser vendors could decide to open up registration for everyone but keep the new feature permanently registration-only.
In the most extreme case, this could cause an "app-storisation" of the web.
Another point that might cause trouble is the current distinction by origin (and not, say, top-level browsing context). Participiants could "smuggle features out of the lab" by building a JS library with a hidden iframe and selling/offering it to third-parties of their choosing.
Right now, the proposal is to strictly timebox the experiments and to implement procedures that discourage participants from relying on the experimental features.
However, timebox or not, what this framework does is to put in place a system for granting API access based on privilege. Once this system is standardized and accepted, what keeps it from being abused?
At the simplest, certain experiments could be extended for "infinite" time at the request of big-name participiants if the features are particularly valuable. One of the browser vendors could decide to open up registration for everyone but keep the new feature permanently registration-only. In the most extreme case, this could cause an "app-storisation" of the web.
Another point that might cause trouble is the current distinction by origin (and not, say, top-level browsing context). Participiants could "smuggle features out of the lab" by building a JS library with a hidden iframe and selling/offering it to third-parties of their choosing.