Do web sites really need to cater for browsers that don't have Javascript enabled? [closed]

Answer 1

There is no definite Yes or No answer; it all depends on the website and how you use JavaScript.

Basically, if your site is to be indexed by Google (or any other search engine) then you'll want the content of the page to be just plain HTML so anyone will easily be able to read it; the same goes for making links regular hyperlinks and not some "window.navigate" script so they can be followed appropriately. However, if your "website" is actually a more complicated web application, then you may be able to provide a much better experience for the user if you required JavaScript support; also in this case you may want to create a "mobile" version to be used by mobile devices that don't support JavaScript if that would be an issue.

Most times, it is ok to require JavaScript support, but you still want to keep in mind the percentage of your users (and potential users) that may have JavaScript disabled or not have JavaScript support altogether.

Also, for example, StackOverflow.com uses JavaScript for things you do when logged in, but doesn't require JavaScript support in order to just view individual pages, or in hyperlinks to other pages.

Answer 2

Older than IE6 ? A few percentage. Older than Firefox 2? About the same.

You should always anticipate people with Javascript turned off and accommodate those who have it turned on.

Answer 3

I think it's a well known fact that ~10% of people have JavaScript turned off, so it's important to take that into account. If you feel you can safely ignore up to 10% of your audience, then blowing it off is fine.

Answer 4

Disabling all scripts by default, enabling them only for the sites they need, is at least recommended practice for any internet user. I would even go so far to say that it is reckless and careless not to. There are some nice plugins to allow scripts selectively for chosen sites.

This means that you have to assume that first time visitors to your site will not allow any scripts in their browsers. Your site should thus be able to present a useful interface to gather information what it is about, without requiring the user to allow scripts.

In my opinion, JavaScript should only be used to provide additional functionality that goes beyond the simple display of information.

My behaviour is like this: when I stumble upon a site that just displays "You need to enable JavaScript", I instantly reevaluate my interest that led me there. In some cases, I will just close the tab.

Answer 5

A few months ago I tested the user population on a mainstream million-member site I was working on, and around 10% of unique users did not have Javascript running.

Consider reversing the question: is it worth developing a site that only works for Ajax-capable users? Would you really ignore search bots, most mobiles, and a heap of other users?

Back to basics. First, create your site using bare-bones (X)HTML, on REST-like principles (at least to the extent of requiring POST requests for state changes). Simple semantic markup, and forget about CSS and Javascript.

Step one is to get that right, and have your entire site (or as much of it as makes sense) working nicely this way for search bots and Lynx-like user agents.

Then add a visual layer: CSS/graphics/media for visual polish, but don't significantly change your original (X)HTML markup; allow the original text-only site to stay intact and functioning. Keep your markup clean!

Third is to add a behavioural layer: Javascript (Ajax). Offer things that make the experience faster, smoother, nicer for users/browsers with Ajax-capable JS... but only those users. Users without Javascript are still welcome; and so are search bots, the visually impaired, many mobiles, etc.

This is called progressive enhancement in web design circles. Do it this way and your site works, in some reasonable form, for everyone.

Answer 6

The simple fact of the matter is that forcing the use of JavaScript is limiting your audience. Some day, someone is going to try to run your site without JavaScript. If they can't do it, they'll either turn it on or get upset and leave. If they leave, they may very well never come back.