AI makes JavaScript programming fun again

I feel some responsibility to sound a cautionary note amid all the AI fervor, and this report has seen a share of that. But, on the occasion of this November 2025 report, I’d like to instead celebrate AI-driven programming for all it’s worth.

At its best, AI brings back a feeling of excitement and fun to programming. It lifts some of the heavy grunt work off developers, so we can focus on just building things. The thrill of possibility is central to a programmer’s joy, and AI gives us more time to explore possibilities.

There isn’t much AI can do about things like meetings, error logs, and regressions—all the sigh-inducing burdens of the coding life. What it can do is give us more time to explore new tools and improve our coding technique.

In the spirit of building, learning, and changing with the times, here’s the latest in JavaScript goodness.

Top picks for JavaScript readers on InfoWorld

How to vibe code for free, or almost freeWhat’s more fun than free? Check out these new subscription plans and Chinese open-weight models that deliver high-quality code generation on the cheap.

Intro to Nitro: The server engine built for modern JavaScriptWhat’s the secret engine powering modern frameworks like Nuxt, SolidStart, and Analog? It’s Nitro. Take some of that time AI assistance saved you and discover something new.

9 vital concepts of modern JavaScriptJavaScript is possibly the single-most integral piece of web technology, and it can also be a sprawling behemoth to learn. Cut through the crud, with these nine concepts every JavaScript developer should know.

What is vibe coding? AI writes the code so developers can think bigBelieve it or not, there’s already something known as “traditional AI coding,” and vibe coding isn’t it. Here’s a quick rundown on the current state and possibilities—and dangers—of AI-driven software development.

JavaScript news bites

TypeScript rises to the top on GitHub

React JS library moving from Meta to the Linux Foundation

Next.js 16 features explicit caching, AI-powered debugging

Chainguard offers malware-resistant JavaScript libraries

More good reads and JavaScript updates elsewhere

Vercel now supports Bun runtimeVercel’s support for the Bun runtime (in beta) is a bigger deal than you might think. This moves way beyond just using bun install—it means your Next.js apps and server functions can now execute on Bun’s hyper-fast, Zig-built engine. You can also use native calls like Bun.SQL without an adapter.

Bun 1.3 dropsBun’s development team says version 1.3 is their “biggest release yet.” It solidifies Bun as a batteries-included, full-stack runtime with a native MySQL client (unifying Bun.SQL with Postgres and SQLite), a built-in Redis client, and a full-stack dev server with hot reloading and advanced routing. Believe it or not, there is a ton more in this release.

Making JavaScript web transactions more trustworthyJavaScript supply-chain attacks have become a thing.  A single compromised ad or analytics script can become a “Magecart attack,” stealing user credit cards. This article from Cloudflare describes a new, free tool that automatically blocks attacks and alerts you.

Last chance to participate in the State of JS 2025 surveyAs of this writing, the annual developer survey is still accepting responses. There’s still time to add your thoughts about the JavaScript programming experience and tools in 2025.