Re: Web Enabling Applications

It is just a different approach where the (bulk) of the HTML
is generated on the client, rather than generated/delivered
by the server.

I think to be more precise, the trendy approach generates DOM elements based on JavaScript object declarations; not HTML. Sencha uses that approach extensively while JQuery tends to extend downloaded HTML elements with JavaScript object declarations and script.

HTML maps to DOM elements natively, while JavaScript objects require JavaScript rendering engines to transform them to DOM elements. Consequently, HTML renders more quickly, while "rendering engines" display "Loading ..." (or similar) while transforming JavaScript objects.

HTML improves browser UI performance, while JavaScript rendering engines may improve overall end-user experience by providing transitions, effects, and interesting behaviors. I personally prefer doing more with HTML and CSS than JavaScript, but I acknowledge that there may be trade-offs and constraints under either approach, in addition to personal preferences.

My gut feel is that most programmers are not very good at GUI design, and would prefer working with rich component palettes and frameworks, than designing their own HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. I like GUI design, however. I tend to be unsatisfied with prominent rich UI palettes and frameworks. To each their own.

-Nathan