Microsoft IE gets developer channel

Finally, Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser is getting something its rivals from Mozilla and Google have had for quite some time: a developer channel.

 

The IE Developer Channel aims to give developers and early adopters a first look at the technology Microsoft is working on, Microsoft's Jason Weber said in a blog post.

 

"IE Developer Channel can run alongside and independently of IE11, and has all of the browser features that you love in IE11, as well as the latest platform features we’re working on," said Weber, IE's Partner Group Program Manager.

 

Developers or early adopters who test the browser can give feedback via @IEDevChat or Connect, he said.

 

Weber said the IE Developer Channel also has support for the emerging WebDriver standard.

 

"It’s a programmable remote control for developing complex user scenarios and running them in an automated fashion in your Web site and browser," he said.

 

XBox controller for gaming

 

One of the potential come-ons of IE's developer channel is support for the emerging Gamepad API - allowing a gamer to use an Xbox controller to play games inside the browser.

 

Weber said IE Developer Channel also "improves WebGL performance and adds support for instancing extension, 16-bit textures, GLSL builtin variables, and triangle fans."

 

Not quite stable

 

A separate report on tech site CNET said the developer-channel release may not be stable "but they do let Web programmers test new Web technology and offer feedback before it reaches the broader public."

 

On the other hand, the IE developer version is not for just anyone, as it requires Windows 7.1 SP1 or Windows 8.1, and the latest stable version of IE 11.

 

'Nerd cred'

 

CNET said even rivals welcomed the news of IE's developer channel.

 

"This is HUGE," it quoted Google Chrome developer Addy Osmani as saying.

 

"Congratulations to the IE dev team for opening up in this way. They've come a long way," tweeted Peter Gasston, a Web developer at Rehab Studio.

 

Microsoft is also gaining "nerd cred," as it is releasing IE-related open-source software on GitHub and had rehired JavaScript expert Rey Bango.

more details:BBCNEWS