Ask HN: Could I build a browser that doesn't support JavaScript?

Posted by npchampion on Friday June 12, 2020 @10:14AM
from the ask-hn dept.

Wondering if it's possible, what problems might be encountered along the way, if it has been tried. Let's get a discussion going.

( 7 comments | 3 points | on HN )

Re:Ask HN: Could I build a browser that doesn't support Java... by archived22 on Friday June 12, 2020 @10:26AM (#23499538)

I wish someone create one.

It will solve problem of cross site tracking. However lot of sites will break because of their over dependence on javascript.

Have you ever tried browsing by turning javascript off. A lot of garbage just does not get loaded.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: Could I build a browser that doesn't support Java... by npchampion on Friday June 12, 2020 @10:29AM (#23499570)

Yeah, realistically it would only work with sites specifically designed for that browser. Don't think interoperability would be the goal with something like this.

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Re:Ask HN: Could I build a browser that doesn't support Java... by npchampion on Friday June 12, 2020 @01:16PM (#23501427)

To clarify, I meant to say "a browser that supports a different language than Javascript".

It does seem like WebAssembly is the answer here, but would be cooler (I think) if that sort of thing was built from scratch.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: Could I build a browser that doesn't support Java... by gvb on Friday June 12, 2020 @11:51AM (#23500436)

Already available...

Chrome: Turn off Javascript support - chrome://settings/content/javascript

Firefox: Install NoScript and disable Javascript support.

Both have the advantage that you can whitelist sites that you trust.

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Re:Ask HN: Could I build a browser that doesn't support Java... by nonsapreiche on Friday June 12, 2020 @11:31AM (#23500232)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Links_(web_browser)

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Re:Ask HN: Could I build a browser that doesn't support Java... by gus_massa on Friday June 12, 2020 @10:21AM (#23499476)

Can you just fork Chromium and // the support of JavaScript?

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Re:Ask HN: Could I build a browser that doesn't support Java... by npchampion on Friday June 12, 2020 @10:28AM (#23499558)

That's probably what I'll try first if I do give it a go. Either chromium or firefox.

[ Parent | on HN ]