The Digital Press

The article explores the phrase "It's Just JavaScript," highlighting how JavaScript code varies widely depending on runtime, tooling, and context, making the phrase often misleading.

Why it matters: JavaScript's behavior and compatibility differ across browsers, servers, and build tools, complicating development and debugging.

The big picture: Modern JavaScript often involves compilation, special syntax, and environment-specific APIs, blurring the line between "just JavaScript" and transformed code.

Quick takeaway: Truly universal JavaScript runs unmodified everywhere; most real-world code requires context about runtime, frameworks, or build processes.

Commenters say: Readers emphasize that "just JavaScript" oversimplifies complex environment-specific details, urging clearer communication about runtime and tooling dependencies.