712: 2024 Predictions

Episode Summary

Executive Summary: Syntax’s 2024 predictions episode forecasts major movement across web dev: continued evolution of JS types and Temporal, faster and clearer perf tooling, more CSS power reducing JS reliance, server-first frameworks and React server-component ecosystems, Node TypeScript support, standardization around URL routing and Node compatibility, and rapid growth in AI tooling, browser features, and on-device or private-model workflows.

Main Topics: JavaScript language evolution: The hosts predict continued progress on type annotations in JavaScript and eventual browser support for Temporal, emphasizing that both are slow-moving, foundational changes likely to take years but will keep advancing in 2024. Frameworks shifting server-first: They expect 2024 to further normalize server-side rendering and server components, with React, Remix, SvelteKit, Vue, Astro, and newer frameworks all moving toward simpler server-driven data flows and better state handling patterns. Server-side runtime standardization: The discussion highlights Hono as a growing cross-runtime standard and predicts Node will add TypeScript support via loaders, while Bun continues pushing for full Node compatibility and runtime parity. Tooling and build ecosystem shake-up: The hosts discuss Biome, OXC, a potential new type checker in a lower-level language, and the ongoing competition among Vite, Rspack, and Turbopack, with performance and usability driving adoption. CSS as a replacement for JavaScript: They predict new CSS features will continue to reduce the need for JS and open up new design patterns, especially around subgrid, relative color, contrast color, scroll animations, easing, and animation composition. AI tooling and browser-based models: The episode predicts that AI website generation, local/browser-run models, and enterprise on-prem AI will expand quickly, with many tools being 'Sherlocked' by larger platforms like OpenAI. Ecosystem and browser platform shifts: They forecast more browser capabilities for PWAs, XR/WebXR momentum driven by Apple Vision Pro, ongoing browser compatibility shifts, and continued decline in Firefox usage despite vocal niche support.

Key Arguments: Type annotations in JavaScript should keep advancing because type information can help tooling without changing runtime behavior. Temporal is mature enough that at least one browser is likely to fully ship it in 2024, with Safari having the biggest head start. Perf tooling will become more understandable, helping developers move beyond obsessing over Lighthouse scores alone. CSS is now powerful enough to replace some JavaScript use cases, and new APIs will keep pushing that trend. Server-first architectures will keep winning because they reduce client complexity and make apps feel snappier. React’s state story may evolve beyond useState/useContext, especially as server components and signal-based patterns gain traction. Hono is becoming the practical standard for cross-runtime server code because it aligns with browser/web standards. Node likely needs built-in TypeScript support to remain competitive against Bun and Deno. A standard routing API or URL pattern matching would unify route definitions across frameworks and folder-based routers. Biome looks positioned to outgrow Rome and become a serious formatting/linting contender, while OXC may remain limited by roadmap choices. AI tooling will move from novelty to daily workflow, with prompt-to-UI, in-browser inference, and internal enterprise AI becoming normal. Larger platforms will absorb or imitate many point solutions, especially in AI and developer tooling.

Data Points: Type annotations proposal stage: Stage 1 - The hosts clarify that JavaScript type annotations are already at Stage 1 and have been evolving for years. Proposal renamed: March 31, 2022 - The proposal name changed from 'Types as Comments' to 'Type Annotations'. Proposal age: Over 3 years old - They note the type annotations proposal has been in motion for more than three years. Safari Technical Preview support for Temporal: Several additions in recent TP releases - They mention Safari has already started shipping pieces of Temporal in technical previews. Robot vacuum price: About $1500 - The Roborock S8 Ultra was described as an expensive but highly capable vacuum/mop system. Weekend at Bernie's runtime: 97 minutes - Wes recommends the movie and notes it is a breezy watch. Protein powder product: ISO 100 hydrolyzed - Wes recommends Dymatize ISO 100 for mixability and taste. AI model size: As small as 8 MB - They note some browser-run models via transformers.js are only around 8 megs. Newsletter cadence: Twice a month - The Syntax newsletter is described as being sent two times monthly. Webmaster T-shirt restock: 200 units ordered - They mention 200 shirts were ordered after the previous sellout. Webmaster T-shirt sellout time: About 6 hours - The shirt sold out very quickly during the prior drop. SvelteKit upgrade effect: Updated code in 18 places - Wes says the SvelteKit upgrade codemod changed many files automatically.

Pivotal Quotes: "2024 is the year of the server." — Wes: He introduces the framework predictions, arguing that server-first rendering will define the year. "There are some major space here in the linter and formatting space." — Wes: He frames the tooling section around major competition among newer formatters and linters. "Type annotations in JavaScript will have some movement." — Scott: This is the opening JavaScript prediction about continued progress for type syntax in the language.

Implications: Developers should expect more server-centric frameworks, better CSS capabilities, faster tooling, and AI-assisted workflows to reshape daily work. The biggest wins will come from reducing client complexity and leaning on standards across runtimes and browsers.