No-JS Web Debate

The cluster revolves around debates on browsing the web without JavaScript, weighing privacy and performance benefits against the breakage of most modern sites and the expectation that JS is now essential.

📉 Falling 0.4x Web Development
6,317
Comments
20
Years Active
5
Top Authors
#116
Topic ID

Activity Over Time

2007
8
2008
41
2009
54
2010
167
2011
158
2012
284
2013
409
2014
332
2015
429
2016
482
2017
435
2018
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2019
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2020
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2021
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2022
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2023
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2024
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2026
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Keywords

e.g NoScript STEAMD CSS JS HN HTTP JavaScript HTML AdBlock javascript js disabled web sites website user websites site disable

Sample Comments

nvk • Jan 12, 2016 • View on HN

This is rude, there are many reasons and needs for no JS. A good example is Tor, where turning off JS helps with privacy.

na85 • Jan 13, 2018 • View on HN

The web is better as a whole without js

ranger_danger • Feb 4, 2023 • View on HN

actually most people will miss out on most of the usable internet without javascript. not everyone goes to the same sites as you or has the same browsing patterns.

slaxman • Jul 1, 2013 • View on HN

May be that works for you. But a significant number of web developers are moving on JS frameworks for web development such Angular, Meteor, Node, etc. Most sites built on these frameworks will break is javascript is disabled. As an end user, that is the worst user experience you can ask for.

anarchy8 • Apr 1, 2015 • View on HN

How can you reasonably expect to browse the web today without turning on Javascript?

plorkyeran • Jan 18, 2013 • View on HN

A shocking number of web sites are better with JS disabled.

fittingopposite • Nov 30, 2025 • View on HN

Doesn't it make some websites unusable? Feels tedious to know when to turn JS on and when off.

executive • Jan 28, 2021 • View on HN

Why not make a website that doesn't require Javascript?

joelhaasnoot • Mar 6, 2012 • View on HN

What website is useable these days though without Javascript?

LukeB_UK • May 11, 2014 • View on HN

Nowadays you can't realistically expect to browse the internet with Javascript disabled.