In human endeavor, motivation always has a dual aspect. We do the thing for its own sake, and we also do it as a means to an end. This is especially evident in software development, an activity that sometimes makes outsiders wonder why anyone would do that for fun.

They don’t understand, and that’s okay. For many developers, software development is both something we enjoy and a job we do. We have to make a living, after all, so why not get paid to manifest our ideas in the material realm?

As you review all the activity going in the JavaScript world this month, remember to balance profit and fun. For as The Grug Brained Developer might say, “How many shiny rock grug really need anyway?”

Top picks for JavaScript readers on InfoWorld

ECMAScript 2025: The best new features in JavaScript
Get the low-down on the newest version of JavaScript, including new Iterator powers, regex improvements, and new methods for the Set object. (If you haven’t already discovered JavaScript Sets, now is the time!)

Intro to Lit: A standards-based reactive library
The Lit framework brings you reactivity built into the browser. In a world of sprawling tech alternatives, Lit lights the way.

Why (and how) front-end development will persist
We’re already seeing the move away from “front-end developer” toward “front-end architect.” Here’s advice for developers worried about making the cut.

Artificial intelligence is a commodity, but understanding is a superpower
And if you need more encouragement … consider the traits AI can never replace: the unique intention, care, and perception only you can bring to the table. Keep growing, human!

More good reads and JavaScript updates elsewhere

When will WebAssembly get DOM support?
In a departure from the current tight binding to JavaScript, Wasm’s proponents are pushing for direct access to the DOM. A snapshot of the current state of Wasm for web development.

Why React didn’t kill XSS: The new JavaScript injection playbook
Don’t miss this sobering review of the very active state of cross-site scripting attacks in the modern JavaScript landscape. Essential reading for JavaScript devs.

The AI Cloud: A unified platform for AI workloads
The team at Vercel packed the new AI Cloud initiative full of ideas about AI-enabled development. Find out how AI Cloud optimizes cloud infrastructure to integrate AI into the development workflow, and how it implements observability for agentic AI.

What’s new in Svelte: July 2025
Here’s an interesting way to call “remote” server functions from the front-end as an imported function. Svelte’s take on server functions is a kind of streamlined wrapper around API calls.

The hater’s guide to the AI bubble
Just in case anyone needs a contrarian counterweight to all the AI enthusiasm.