Node.js as a Preprocessor with David Newell

Hello all,

In the new year, we'll be having our next Node.js meetup. The speaker will be David Newell of OrderGroove. A short bio:

David is the Senior Front End Developer at Order Groove, trusted with the execution of our javascript across many client sites. In this role and as the organizer of the CoffeeScript Meetup, David has spread the efficacy of test driven front end code and has sparked interest in emerging technologies. A life long programmer, David wrote his first script when given the chance to create a LEGO robot in 4th grade.

At Order Groove, we have struggled with the difficulties of Javascript, especially in reducing code duplication. Each client requires a new set of files, which have a lot of functional overlap with other clients. We looked at using a module system or build tool, but found that those only solved some of our problems. Build tools worked for small sites where you wanted to load everything, but didn't make good use of caching across different sites. Modules worked for code separation, but what about the resources that are not JS, such as the templates? Without introducing a build step in development, our preprocessor helps with correctness of code and delivers DRYer, minified code in production. I'll discuss the technical hurdles associated with developing a tool like this and the trade offs that were made in adhering to the project's philosophy.

We are in need of a venue that can comfortably fit 100-150 people as our group has grown considerably. So if anyone has such space, please let me know.

Thanks!