I recently shared my website on an imageboard and got criticized for using JavaScript, particularly for the fact that my site doesn't work without it. I'm not very knowledgeable about this topic, so I'm wondering—should having a website that requires JavaScript be considered a bad practice? Should I be concerned about catering to users who prefer not to enable it?
5 Answers
The critiques you received sound more like internet bullying than genuine advice. The reality is that the vast majority of web traffic today relies on JavaScript to some degree. Don’t let the haters get you down—focus on building what you enjoy!
Honestly, it's common for sites to require JavaScript nowadays. You might consider offering a minimal version of your site for those few users, but understand that most visitors expect sites to leverage JS for a richer experience. If your goal is to engage the majority, you're good to go with JS.
JS is quite flexible and widely supported; most browsers can handle it without problems. If your target audience isn't using really obscure tech, requiring JS is usually fine. Just ignore the negativity—lots of successful sites are built on it.
It's all about knowing your needs. If you want to make your site accessible for everyone, including those with JS disabled, consider a progressive enhancement approach. Basically, make sure your site works without JS, then enhance it with JavaScript for those who have it enabled.
JavaScript powers the majority of modern websites, so no, it's not inherently bad to require it. Just keep in mind that about 1% of users might have JS disabled. It's a good idea to evaluate what your audience needs and whether a no-JS version of your site would add value or not.
I agree! Plus, many major companies rely on JavaScript, so you're in great company!