Javascript is a bad language with poor libraries, and I'm forced to use it. I've said before: if it weren't for its distribution, it simply wouldn't be used. If given other choices (emphasis on the plural there), not one developer would opt for Javascript.

"The good parts" of Javascript get a lot of play, but I don't want to have cope by using patterns and avoiding the dull, broken bits that go along for the ride...and I'm surprised that many (most?) other competent developers that wouldn't put up with such compromises in their "real" languages aren't as irritated about Javascript as I have been.

"If given other choices (emphasis on the plural there), not one developer would opt for Javascript"

How do you explain the recent widespread enthusiasm for Node.js, including from server-side engineers with little to no previous JavaScript experience?

Some percentage of developers do choose Javascript among multiple choices: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JavaScript#Uses_outside_web_pag...

Stockholm syndrome?

"Javascript is a bad language with poor libraries, and I'm forced to use it."

The same can be said for any programming language that you don't like.

No it can't. Browser is pretty much the only platform where you have to use a certain language.

I suppose you've never had to work a day job at a "real" company before?

agreed - it was initially developed in about 10 days of caffeine, and it shows.

gorram it, jwz.

Brendan, right? http://www.jwz.org/blog/2010/10/every-day-i-learn-something-...