Best practices in library design

John Resig presented some very interesting thoughts on a JavaScript library design based on his experiences with jQuery and FUEL.

John advises how to write a solid API (those ideas seem to be useful not only for JavaScript developers):

• perform universal actions (like CRUD)


• fear adding methods (defer to extensibility, less but more powerful methods)


• constantly review and remove unused code


• provide an upgrade path for deprecated APIs (plugins / extensions supporting obsolete methods)


• reduce to a common root (by finding common usage patterns)


• care about consistency (naming, arguments order)

Here is the presentation video:



Presentation slides are also available at SlideShare:

Rise and fall of the great warrior

Kaoklai Kaennorsing "was the first Thai K-1 Grand Prix winner at Seoul in July of 2004 at only 176lbs, beating fighters of 195 and 216lbs in the process. As well as winning the GP in seoul, two of Kaoklai's other great moments in K-1 came as he demonstrated the true attributes of a great Muay-Thai fighter. Beating the giant 6'5, 258lbs Belarussian Alexey 'the Red Scorpion' Ignashov to a decision over 4 gruelling rounds and his spectacular 1st round KO over the American Mighty Mo weighing in at 273lbs!

Kaoklai has proved time again that being the smallest fighter is no disadvantage by mastering the art of Muay-Thai; with bone shattering, lightning fast techniques and exhibitng immense levels of conditioning and endurance." (from Wikipedia)

"Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength." Eric Hoffer

"This plane isn't going to crash. I'm on it." Muhammad Ali

"I have said I'm the greatest. Ain't nobody ever heard me say I'm the smartest." Muhammad Ali

"Never idealize others. They will never live up to your expectations." Leo Buscaglia

You do not win just by being brave

"Those who will play with cats must expect to be scratched." Cervantes

Don't celebrate before the victory

"Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can't lose." Bill Gates

Energy and persistence conquer all things

"If I had to select one quality, one personal characteristic that I regard as being most highly correlated with success, whatever the field, I would pick the trait of persistence. Determination. The will to endure to the end, to get knocked down seventy times and get up off the floor saying - 'Here comes number seventy-one!'" - Richard M. DeVos

Even winners lose sometimes

Charles Lynch said "You can't be a winner and be afraid to lose". Don't let fear guide you.

Drucker about leadership

I came across this quote from Peter Drucker and couldn't resist to publish it here.

“Effective leadership is not about making speeches or being liked; leadership is defined by results not attributes.”

Indeed.