JavaScript frameworks, tools and techniques to create killer applications

Web browsers are becoming more and more powerful, and JavaScript is definitely making the web an ever more interesting place. In this article, I have compiled the most interesting JavaScript frameworks, tools and techniques to create killer applications and websites.

Ofmlabs Codecs: Pure JavaScript audio decoding

Ofmlabs is bringing audio decoding to JavaScript with two great pieces of code. The first, named JSMad, was the first proof that JS audio decoding is possible and is a port of libmad, a C based MPEG audio decoder.
The second file, ALAC.js is a port of the recently open sourced Apple Lossless decoder to JavaScript. Now it is possible to play MP3 and Apple Lossless even in browsers without native support.
→ Visit Ofmlabs Codecs

Popcorn.js

Brought to you by Mozilla, Popcorn.js is an event system for HTML5 media developers. Think jQuery for video. You can leave the heavy lifting to Popcorn, and concentrate on what you do best: writing awesome code.
→ Visit Popcorn.js

JSZip: Create .zip files with JavaScript

JavaScript today is capable of generating a lot of data. The easiest way to deliver multiple files to your users is in a zip file. Instead of wasting server resources and bandwidth you can get the client to do it for you.

Is it simple and easy, you ask? Yes, definitely. Look at the example code below:

zip = new JSZip();
zip.add("Hello.", "hello.txt");
Downloadify.create('downloadify',{
...
  data: function(){
    return zip.generate();
  },
...
  dataType: 'base64'
});

→ Visit JSZip

Money.js: JavaScript currency converter

Currency conversion is a recurrent task in many businessses, but it’s not that easy to automate as everyday currencies are fluctuating. This lightweight JavaScript library can do the hard work for you. A great find!
→ Visit Money.js

Resizable videos with fitvids.js

Last year, responsible web design was a very popular new concept among web developers and designers. fitvids.js is a jQuery plugin that allow fluid width video embeds. A great tools for all responsible websites.
→ Visit fitvids.js

Generate pdf files with pdfkit for node.js

PDFKit is a PDF document generation library for Node.js written in CoffeeScript(but you can choose to use classic JavaScript of course). A very cool API for those already using server-side JavaScript to build their apps!
→ Visit pdfkit

Impress.js:

Impress.js is a presentation tool inspired by the idea behind prezi.com and based on the power of CSS3 transforms and transitions in modern browsers. This handy JavaScript file will transform your web browser into a very powerful presentation tool. Who still need programs like Powerpoint, really?
→ Visit impress.js