DOCSLIB.ORG

Bridging the Gap: Investigating Device-Feature Exposure in Cross-Platform Development

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Bridging the Gap: Investigating Device-Feature Exposure in Cross-Platform Development Proceedings of the 51st Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences j 2018 Bridging the Gap: Investigating Device-Feature Exposure in Cross-Platform Development Andreas Biørn-Hansen Gheorghita Ghinea Faculty of Technology Department of Computer Science Westerdals Oslo School of Arts, Communication and Technology Brunel University Oslo, Norway Uxbridge, United Kingdom [email protected] [email protected] Abstract iOS are used to develop apps specific to a given platform [2]. If targeting multiple platforms, such as Android, iOS and By traversing academia and developer communities, two Windows Phone, the increase in development cost is almost predominant approaches to cross-platform mobile devel- linear for each new platform added to the specification [3]. opment have been identified, specifically Hybrid and In- This is due to inherent and strong platform heterogeneity terpreted. Previous research has established the use and [4]. integration of platform- and device-specific features to be In this study, we present a technical comparison of how core requirements for cross-platform frameworks. In this two popular cross-platform app development approaches, study we assess and discuss how the Hybrid and Interpreted Hybrid and Interpreted, communicate with- and leverage approaches facilitate the use of native device features from device features. We base the comparison on two techni- within a JavaScript context, and how custom communication cal implementations, in our context being mobile apps. bridges are both developed and integrated. Our research Specifically, the study investigate how the approaches, and motivation lies in data from an industry survey, stating that associated frameworks, facilitate the creation and use of developers perceive device communication as a real pain- bridges to access native functionality from the app-side to point. While both approaches exist to ease development of the native-side. Thus, we extend and draw from studies such mobile apps, they are fundamentally different at a techni- as [5]–[7] by deeper investigating how platform-specific cal level. The article takes a technical approach, drawing code is executed via bridges from common JavaScript envi- evaluations and discussions from two app implementations. ronments. Additionally, we present preliminary results from Our findings indicate that implementation and development a conducted performance test, thus enabling us to draw from of communication bridges are non-complex tasks, and that an empirical foundation for the sake of comparison and execution-time performance varies greatly. discussion. Throughout this article, we refer to two sides of our app 1. Introduction implementations. The native-side refers to platform-specific code, effectively the code that communicates directly with Within cross-platform mobile development, different ap- the given platform SDK and device features. This code is proaches and associated technical frameworks exist to facil- Java/Kotlin for Android, and Swift/Objective-C for iOS. The itate the development of apps that execute and work across app-side refers to the codebase of our implementations a platforms, often depending on just a single codebase. As cross-platform developer would spend the majority of their such solutions are effectively layers of abstraction between time working with, in our context being JavaScript-based. the developer and the native part of an app, bridges are Based on our literature review in Section 2, we find that the enabler for communication between the native side and when discussing cross-platform mobile app development, abstraction (app) side. The bridges and bridging system are we tend to sort technical frameworks into five particular integral parts of several development approaches, including development approaches. Cross-platform is thus used as the popular Hybrid and Interpreted ones. The bridging sys- an umbrella term rather than to describe a specific tech- tem facilitates the use of native device features including, but nology or way of development. Research seem to agree not limited to, Bluetooth, device storage and camera access that included in this pool of approaches we find Hybrid, [1]. These are features normally accessed through platform- Interpreted, Cross-Compiled, Component-Based and Model- specific code using the native development approach [2]. Driven development [1], [3], [5], [6], [8]–[11], where the two In native development, platform-specific languages such as latter approaches are less frequently discussed in literature Java or Kotlin for Android, and Objective-C or Swift for than the former three. While they all have a common goal URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10125/50605 Page 5717 ISBN: 978-0-9981331-1-9 (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) of easing mobile app development compared to traditional 2. Related Work native development [11], how they do so differs on a technologically fundamental level. An extensive body of research has been identified on the The Cross-Compiled approach does not depend on a subject of cross-platform app development. The majority of device communication bridge due to its nature, where a well-cited papers discuss framework-level differences as a common language is compiled into platform-specific bi- vehicle for comparing development approaches [1], [3], [5], naries [8], thus eliminating the need for bridges between [6], [8]–[10]. languages. Thus, the Cross-Compiled approach was left Technical artefacts and implementations are frequently out of this study. For the Component-Based and Model- included, substantiating the research and providing data Driven development approaches, we find academic con- where suitable [1], [5], [8], [12], [13]. In this study, we tributions to be prevalent, with less industry efforts and use technical artefacts to better understand and communicate adoption. Both Heitkötter et al. [3] and Perchat et al. the complexity of feature-access bridging on cross-platform [8] are examples of academic efforts increasing awareness development. However, implementations are used also for of respectively Model-Driven and Component-Based app studies such as comprehensive performance tests (e.g. [14]) development. These approaches do not require device com- and comparison of development approaches (e.g. [13]). munication bridges either, and are thus left out of the study. In Puder et al. [15], the authors propose their own The Hybrid and Interpreted approaches both rely on Cordova-like alternative for exposing device features to bridges for communication between the app-side and native- what they refer to as web apps, in our context being the side. Most Hybrid apps rely on Cordova, an open-source Hybrid approach. While the proposal is seemingly novel and library for easy facilitation of bridge communication and interesting by itself, the authors present Cordova in a rather app packaging. No such library has been identified for opinionated fashion, stating that platform restrictions impose the Interpreted approach. An in-depth explanation of both a negative impact towards the end-user without providing approaches are presented in Section 4. any additional proof of such. We are unable to find the pro- posed framework implemented in any production-released Our research question and motivation is based on an tool or framework. A similar alternative was presented in online survey questionnaire conducted on- and targeted to- Bouras et al. [16], scrutinizing a technical implementation wards industry developer communities. The survey included using their own Cordova-like framework. While being an 101 respondents, and focused on different aspects of cross- interesting contribution, it lacks real-world adoption and platform development. When questioned regarding typical testing, making it more a research effort than of direct developer experience pain-points, 32 respondents identified relevance to industry and practice Nevertheless, both studies and answered that “Hard to integrate with device APIs (cam- contribute greatly to the understanding of possibilities within era, Bluetooth, file system, etc.)” was an issue they related the Hybrid approach, but less so for understanding real- to cross-platform development. Based on these findings, we world solutions. formed the following We identified Heitkötter et al. [2] to be part of the Research Question: "How programmatically complex is fundamental research on cross-platform development. The the development and use of communication bridges allowing study extensively scrutinize different perspectives of cross- for access to platform-specific device features in Hybrid and platform development, including such as distribution plat- Interpreted apps?". forms, Graphical User Interface designs, scalability and As this article is more of a technical nature, the survey will access to platform-specific features. The latter perspective, not be presented in any further detail. However, presenting or criteria, is of great interest to us. Whereas the authors the survey is part of our planned future work, and will compare frameworks and approaches using their proposed provide extensive insight into the status quo of developers set of criteria, we extend their findings by presenting imple- perception of cross-platform tools, frameworks, issues and mentations focusing on access to platform-specific features, interest. using Cordova and React Native modules. The same criteria The rest of this paper is structured as follows. Section is also proposed by Gaouar et al. [6] in their article on cross- 2 presents a discussion of related
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Working with System Frameworks in Python and Objective-C
    Working with System Frameworks in Python and Objective-C by James Barclay Feedback :) j.mp/psumac2015-62 2 Dude, Where’s My Source Code? CODE https://github.com/futureimperfect/psu-pyobjc-demo https://github.com/futureimperfect/PSUDemo SLIDES https://github.com/futureimperfect/slides 3 Dude, Where’s My Source Code? CODE https://github.com/futureimperfect/psu-pyobjc-demo https://github.com/futureimperfect/PSUDemo SLIDES https://github.com/futureimperfect/slides 3 Dude, Where’s My Source Code? CODE https://github.com/futureimperfect/psu-pyobjc-demo https://github.com/futureimperfect/PSUDemo SLIDES https://github.com/futureimperfect/slides 3 Agenda 1. What are system frameworks, and why should you care? 2. Brief overview of the frameworks, classes, and APIs that will be demonstrated. 3. Demo 1: PyObjC 4. Demo 2: Objective-C 5. Wrap up and questions. 4 What’s a System Framework? …and why should you care? (OS X) system frameworks provide interfaces you need to write software for the Mac. Many of these are useful for Mac admins creating: • scripts • GUI applications • command-line tools Learning about system frameworks will teach you more about OS X, which will probably make you a better admin. 5 Frameworks, Classes, and APIs oh my! Cocoa CoreFoundation • Foundation • CFPreferences - NSFileManager CoreGraphics - NSTask • Quartz - NSURLSession - NSUserDefaults • AppKit - NSApplication 6 CoreFoundation CoreFoundation is a C framework that knows about Objective-C objects. Some parts of CoreFoundation are written in Objective-C. • Other parts are written in C. CoreFoundation uses the CF class prefix, and it provides CFString, CFDictionary, CFPreferences, and the like. Some Objective-C objects are really CF types behind the scenes.
    [Show full text]
  • Vmware Fusion 12 Vmware Fusion Pro 12 Using Vmware Fusion
    Using VMware Fusion 8 SEP 2020 VMware Fusion 12 VMware Fusion Pro 12 Using VMware Fusion You can find the most up-to-date technical documentation on the VMware website at: https://docs.vmware.com/ VMware, Inc. 3401 Hillview Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94304 www.vmware.com © Copyright 2020 VMware, Inc. All rights reserved. Copyright and trademark information. VMware, Inc. 2 Contents Using VMware Fusion 9 1 Getting Started with Fusion 10 About VMware Fusion 10 About VMware Fusion Pro 11 System Requirements for Fusion 11 Install Fusion 12 Start Fusion 13 How-To Videos 13 Take Advantage of Fusion Online Resources 13 2 Understanding Fusion 15 Virtual Machines and What Fusion Can Do 15 What Is a Virtual Machine? 15 Fusion Capabilities 16 Supported Guest Operating Systems 16 Virtual Hardware Specifications 16 Navigating and Taking Action by Using the Fusion Interface 21 VMware Fusion Toolbar 21 Use the Fusion Toolbar to Access the Virtual-Machine Path 21 Default File Location of a Virtual Machine 22 Change the File Location of a Virtual Machine 22 Perform Actions on Your Virtual Machines from the Virtual Machine Library Window 23 Using the Home Pane to Create a Virtual Machine or Obtain One from Another Source 24 Using the Fusion Applications Menus 25 Using Different Views in the Fusion Interface 29 Resize the Virtual Machine Display to Fit 35 Using Multiple Displays 35 3 Configuring Fusion 37 Setting Fusion Preferences 37 Set General Preferences 37 Select a Keyboard and Mouse Profile 38 Set Key Mappings on the Keyboard and Mouse Preferences Pane 39 Set Mouse Shortcuts on the Keyboard and Mouse Preference Pane 40 Enable or Disable Mac Host Shortcuts on the Keyboard and Mouse Preference Pane 40 Enable Fusion Shortcuts on the Keyboard and Mouse Preference Pane 41 Set Fusion Display Resolution Preferences 41 VMware, Inc.
    [Show full text]
  • Bridging the Realism Gap for CAD-Based Visual Recognition
    University of Passau Faculty of Computer Science and Mathematics (FIM) Chair of Distributed Information Systems Computer Science Bridging the Realism Gap for CAD-Based Visual Recognition Benjamin Planche A Dissertation Presented to the Faculty of Computer Science and Mathematics of the University of Passau in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Natural Sciences 1. Reviewer Prof. Dr. Harald Kosch Chair of Distributed Information Systems University of Passau 2. Reviewer Prof. Dr. Serge Miguet LIRIS Laboratory Université Lumière Lyon 2 Passau – September 17, 2019 Benjamin Planche Bridging the Realism Gap for CAD-Based Visual Recognition Computer Science, September 17, 2019 Reviewers: Prof. Dr. Harald Kosch and Prof. Dr. Serge Miguet University of Passau Chair of Distributed Information Systems Faculty of Computer Science and Mathematics (FIM) Innstr. 33 94032 Passau Abstract Computer vision aims at developing algorithms to extract high-level information from images and videos. In the industry, for instance, such algorithms are applied to guide manufacturing robots, to visually monitor plants, or to assist human operators in recognizing specific components. Recent progress in computer vision has been dominated by deep artificial neural network, i.e., machine learning methods simulating the way that information flows in our biological brains, and the way that our neural networks adapt and learn from experience. For these methods to learn how to accurately perform complex visual tasks, large amounts of annotated images are needed. Collecting and labeling such domain-relevant training datasets is, however, a tedious—sometimes impossible—task. Therefore, it has become common practice to leverage pre-available three-dimensional (3D) models instead, to generate synthetic images for the recognition algorithms to be trained on.
    [Show full text]
  • A Framework for Compiling C++ Programs with Encrypted Operands
    1 E3: A Framework for Compiling C++ Programs with Encrypted Operands Eduardo Chielle, Oleg Mazonka, Homer Gamil, Nektarios Georgios Tsoutsos and Michail Maniatakos Abstract In this technical report we describe E3 (Encrypt-Everything-Everywhere), a framework which enables execution of standard C++ code with homomorphically encrypted variables. The framework automatically generates protected types so the programmer can remain oblivious to the underlying encryption scheme. C++ protected classes redefine operators according to the encryption scheme effectively making the introduction of a new API unnecessary. At its current version, E3 supports a variety of homomorphic encryption libraries, batching, mixing different encryption schemes in the same program, as well as the ability to combine modular computation and bit-level computation. I. INTRODUCTION In this document, we describe the E3 (Encrypt-Everything-Everywhere) framework for deploying private computation in C++ programs. Our framework combines the properties of both bit-level arithmetic and modular arithmetic within the same algorithm. The framework provides novel protected types using standard C++ without introducing a new library API. E3 is developed in C++, is open source [2], and works in Windows and Linux OSes. Unique features of E3: 1) Enables secure general-purpose computation using protected types equivalent to standard C++ integral types. The protected types, and consequently the code using them, do not depend on the underlying encryption scheme, which makes the data encryption independent of the program. 2) Allows using different FHE schemes in the same program as well as the same FHE scheme with different keys. E. Chielle, O. Mazonka, H. Gamil, and M. Maniatakos are with the Center for Cyber Security, New York University Abu Dhabi, UAE.
    [Show full text]
  • Using the Java Bridge
    Using the Java Bridge In the worlds of Mac OS X, Yellow Box for Windows, and WebObjects programming, there are two languages in common use: Java and Objective-C. This document describes the Java bridge, a technology from Apple that makes communication between these two languages possible. The first section, ÒIntroduction,Ó gives a brief overview of the bridgeÕs capabilities. For a technical overview of the bridge, see ÒHow the Bridge WorksÓ (page 2). To learn how to expose your Objective-C code to Java, see ÒWrapping Objective-C FrameworksÓ (page 9). If you want to write Java code that references Objective-C classes, see ÒUsing Java-Wrapped Objective-C ClassesÓ (page 6). If you are writing Objective-C code that references Java classes, read ÒUsing Java from Objective-CÓ (page 5). Introduction The original OpenStep system developed by NeXT Software contained a number of object-oriented frameworks written in the Objective-C language. Most developers who used these frameworks wrote their code in Objective-C. In recent years, the number of developers writing Java code has increased dramatically. For the benefit of these programmers, Apple Computer has provided Java APIs for these frameworks: Foundation Kit, AppKit, WebObjects, and Enterprise Objects. They were made possible by using techniques described later in Introduction 1 Using the Java Bridge this document. You can use these same techniques to expose your own Objective-C frameworks to Java code. Java and Objective-C are both object-oriented languages, and they have enough similarities that communication between the two is possible. However, there are some differences between the two languages that you need to be aware of in order to use the bridge effectively.
    [Show full text]
  • Adaptive Heterogeneous Language Support Within a Cloud Runtime
    Adaptive Heterogeneous Language Support within a Cloud Runtime Kathleen Ericson and Shrideep Pallickara Department of Computer Science Colorado State University Fort Collins, US {ericson, shrideep}@cs.colostate.edu Abstract— Cloud runtimes are an effective method of executions limits the maximum amount of times a distributing computations, but can force developers to use the computation can be run. The data driven axis schedules runtime’s native language for all computations. We have computations as data becomes available on any input streams extended the Granules cloud runtime with a bridge framework the computation has registered. The user can also specify that that allows computations to be written in C, C++, C#, Python, a computation should be executed on a specific interval. It is and R. We have additionally developed a diagnostics system also possible to specify a custom scheduling strategy that is a which is capable of gathering information on system state, as combination along these three dimensions. A computation well as modifying the underlying bridge framework in can change its scheduling strategy during execution, and response to system load. Given the dynamic nature of Granules enforces the newly established scheduling strategy Granules computations, which can be characterized as long- during the next round of execution. running with intermittent CPU bursts that allow state to build up during successive rounds of execution, these bridges need to Computations in Granules build state over successive be bidirectional and the underlying communication rounds of execution. Though the typical CPU burst time for mechanisms decoupled, robust and configurable. Granules computations during a given execution is short (seconds to a bridges handle a number of different programming languages few minutes), these computations can be long-running with and support multiple methods of communication such as computations toggling between activations and dormancy.
    [Show full text]
  • Apple Objective C Guide
    Apple Objective C Guide Is Isadore always fungicidal and pearlier when cranks some rapping very full-sail and languorously? Ricky never subcontract any noddles indentureddifferentiates stammeringly. hereat, is Hewe sanatory and stirless enough? Codicillary and robustious Chaddie heist her three-quarter fecundates or This new quarter is stored as part broke your Firebase project, strength he creates a TV object. All goes far less code writing guides are also search for user had a guide was lost when their class. Get started with string should always recommend that work without delaying or other named as a program was possible and comes out! Two applications that apple tv object class names plural would make a guide will experience, and guides provided bar when you can do not. This language they actually two or may be ready for login request has some of indirection is. Objc-property-declaration Finds property declarations in Objective-C files that do besides follow one pattern a property names in Apple's programming guide. This is by main programming language used by Apple for the OS X and iOS operating systems and appoint respective APIs Cocoa and Cocoa Touch This reference. What objective c version? Do careful bounds and a journey under you have interacted with livecoding, do you can indicate included services. With enough working in your needs only easier convenience developers. Please sent these guidelines as voluntary as Apple's developer information. It through be customized with substantial help of scripts and plugins written in Java or Python. Open source code is apple development purposes.
    [Show full text]
  • Using Swift with Cocoa and Objective-C
    ​​ Getting Started ​​ Basic Setup Swift is designed to provide seamless compatibility with Cocoa and Objective-C. You can use Objective-C APIs (ranging from system frameworks to your own custom code) in Swift, and you can use Swift APIs in Objective-C. This compatibility makes Swift an easy, convenient, and powerful tool to integrate into your Cocoa app development workflow. This guide covers three important aspects of this compatibility that you can use to your advantage when developing Cocoa apps: Interoperability lets you interface between Swift and Objective-C code, allowing you to use Swift classes in Objective-C and to take advantage of familiar Cocoa classes, patterns, and practices when writing Swift code. Mix and match allows you to create mixed-language apps containing both Swift and Objective-C files that can communicate with each other. Migration from existing Objective-C code to Swift is made easy with interoperability and mix and match, making it possible to replace parts of your Objective-C apps with the latest Swift features. Before you get started learning about these features, you need a basic understanding of how to set up a Swift environment in which you can access Cocoa system frameworks. ​ Setting Up Your Swift Environment To start experimenting with accessing Cocoa frameworks in Swift, create a Swift-based app from one of the Xcode templates. To create a Swift project in Xcode 1. Choose File > New > Project > (iOS or OS X) > Application > your template of choice. 2. Click the Language pop-up menu and choose Swift. A Swift project’s structure is nearly identical to an Objective-C project, with one important distinction: Swift has no header files.
    [Show full text]
  • Understanding Programming Languages
    Understanding Programming Languages M. Ben-Ari Weizmann Institute of Science Originally published by John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, 1996. Copyright °c 2006 by M. Ben-Ari. You may download, display and print one copy for your personal use in non-commercial academic research and teaching. Instructors in non-commerical academic institutions may make one copy for each student in his/her class. All other rights reserved. In particular, posting this document on web sites is prohibited without the express permission of the author. Contents Preface xi I Introduction to Programming Languages 1 1 What Are Programming Languages? 2 1.1 The wrong question . 2 1.2 Imperative languages . 4 1.3 Data-oriented languages . 7 1.4 Object-oriented languages . 11 1.5 Non-imperative languages . 12 1.6 Standardization . 13 1.7 Computer architecture . 13 1.8 * Computability . 16 1.9 Exercises . 17 2 Elements of Programming Languages 18 2.1 Syntax . 18 2.2 * Semantics . 20 2.3 Data . 21 2.4 The assignment statement . 22 2.5 Type checking . 23 2.6 Control statements . 24 2.7 Subprograms . 24 2.8 Modules . 25 2.9 Exercises . 26 v Contents vi 3 Programming Environments 27 3.1 Editor . 28 3.2 Compiler . 28 3.3 Librarian . 30 3.4 Linker . 31 3.5 Loader . 32 3.6 Debugger . 32 3.7 Profiler . 33 3.8 Testing tools . 33 3.9 Configuration tools . 34 3.10 Interpreters . 34 3.11 The Java model . 35 3.12 Exercises . 37 II Essential Concepts 38 4 Elementary Data Types 39 4.1 Integer types .
    [Show full text]
  • Extending Adobe Captivate with Javascript
    EXTENDING ADOBE CAPTIVATE WITH JAVASCRIPT ADVANCED TECHNIQUES FROM A WEB DEVELOPER’S PERSPECTIVE HTTPS://GITHUB.COM/SDWARWICK/CAPTIVATE-DEMOS STEVEN WARWICK, ELEARNINGOCEAN.COM [email protected] COPYRIGHT (C)2017 ELEARNING OCEAN LLC 1 AUDIENCE • Learning interaction designers • Project managers / Course strategy developers • Web Developers • eLearning methodology strategists • Content Authors COPYRIGHT (C)2017 ELEARNING OCEAN LLC 2 CONTEXT • Captivate • HTML projects • “Responsive” design • Windows 10 development environment • JavaScript ECMA 2015 • Chrome browser • Notepad++ text editor COPYRIGHT (C)2017 ELEARNING OCEAN LLC 3 PLAN • Captivate as a web development platform • Efficient development of JavaScript/Captivate scripts • Example Scripts • Fully custom quiz interactions • Full-screen mode • D&D • Adobe documented vs. undocumented functions • Bridging between JavaScript and Captivate • Overview of other possibilities with JavaScript • Questions COPYRIGHT (C)2017 ELEARNING OCEAN LLC 4 CAPTIVATE FROM THE WEB DEVELOPERS PERSPECTIVE • WYSIWYG website builders: • “Closed” builders generate sites that cannot easily be modified after being generated • Easy to get started building, limited access to potential of modern design • Weebly, Wix, Squarespace • “Open” builders support direct modification of generated sites & continued editing • Deeper understanding of web technologies needed • Pinegrow, Bootstrap Studio, Bootply • Captivate – 90% closed / 10% open • Custom features valuable for eLearning • Reasonable strategy given
    [Show full text]
  • Bridging the Gap Between People and Policies in Security and Privacy
    Bridging the Gap between People and Policies in Security and Privacy by Umesh Shankar A.B. (Harvard University) 1999 M.S. (University of California, Berkeley) 2002 A dissertation submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in the GRADUATE DIVISION of the UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY Committee in charge: Professor David Wagner, Chair Professor J. D. Tygar Professor Marti Hearst Fall 2006 The dissertation of Umesh Shankar is approved: Chair Date Date Date University of California, Berkeley Fall 2006 Bridging the Gap between People and Policies in Security and Privacy Copyright 2006 by Umesh Shankar Portions of this work drawn with permission from [86, 87]: Umesh Shankar and Chris Karlof. ”Doppelganger: Better Browser Privacy Without the Bother”. In Proceedings of the 13th ACM Conference on Computer and Communications Security (CCS 2006), October 2006. Trent Jaeger, Reiner Sailer, and Umesh Shankar. ”PRIMA: Policy-Reduced Integrity Measurement Architecture”. In Proceedings of the 11th ACM Symposium on Access Con- trol Models and Technologies (SACMAT 2006), June 2006. 1 Abstract Bridging the Gap between People and Policies in Security and Privacy by Umesh Shankar Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science University of California, Berkeley Professor David Wagner, Chair The most powerful of security and privacy mechanisms may be rendered ineffective if people cannot use them. A common usability problem is that it is hard to specify the policies that the mechanisms enforce. Indeed, the more powerful the mechanism, the larger and more complex its policy can be; this makes it difficult not only to write a policy down, but also to make sure that an existing policy is a secure one.
    [Show full text]
  • Webkit and Blink: Bridging the Gap Between the Kernel and the HTML5 Revolution
    WebKit and Blink: Bridging the Gap Between the Kernel and the HTML5 Revolution Juan J. Sánchez LinuxCon Japan 2014, Tokyo Myself, Igalia and WebKit Co-founder, member of the WebKit/Blink/Browsers team Igalia is an open source consultancy founded in 2001 Igalia is Top 5 contributor to upstream WebKit/Blink Working with many industry actors: tablets, phones, smart tv, set-top boxes, IVI and home automation. WebKit and Blink Juan J. Sánchez Outline 1 Why this all matters 2 2004-2013: WebKit, a historical perspective 2.1. The technology: goals, features, architecture, ports, webkit2, code, licenses 2.2. The community: kinds of contributors and contributions, tools, events 3 April 2013. The creation of Blink: history, motivations for the fork, differences and impact in the WebKit community 4 2013-2014: Current status of both projects, future perspectives and conclusions WebKit and Blink Juan J. Sánchez PART 1: Why this all matters WebKit and Blink Juan J. Sánchez Why this all matters Long time trying to use Web technologies to replace native totally or partially Challenge enabled by new HTML5 features and improved performance Open Source is key for innovation in the field Mozilla focusing on the browser WebKit and now Blink are key projects for those building platforms and/or browsers WebKit and Blink Juan J. Sánchez PART 2: 2004-2013 WebKit, a historical perspective WebKit and Blink Juan J. Sánchez PART 2.1 WebKit: the technology WebKit and Blink Juan J. Sánchez The WebKit project Web rendering engine (HTML, JavaScript, CSS...) The engine is the product Started as a fork of KHTML and KJS in 2001 Open Source since 2005 Among other things, it’s useful for: Web browsers Using web technologies for UI development WebKit and Blink Juan J.
    [Show full text]