Progressive enhancement is the only sensible future for Web development. Look to “A List Apart” and “SitePoint” for a full description of what that means, if you’re uncertain. The bottom line is that lower-level functionality must be preserved when enhancements are added.

One problem with javascript is that it requires local processing. It’s fine to put heavy demands on the end user who is running a high-end machine, but what about others? Server-side solutions like ColdFusion and PHP make much more sense in almost any context. Inevitably, developers promote complexity rather than simplicity; and inevitably, the end user wants content to be delivered NOW. The dynamic tension between these two must be acknowledged and respected in the design process.

And what about those who code javascript maliciously to open unwanted windows, etc.? Ultimately, end users can only control this by denying scripts, selectively or altogether. When the provocations are persistent enough, they will.

Trust me. Heavy reliance on javascript does not bode well for anyone. It is a great tool, but not a good foundation for development.