TraceMonkey, the JavaScript accelerator for Firefox 3.1

Shaon published 26 Aug 2008, 14:09 in software - 383 views

Fav

Mozilla is accelerating JavaScript functions in pre-release versions of Firefox 3.1. Using the TraceMonkey just-in-time compiler the execution time for some functions is reduced to as little as five percent of previous version's execution time – the developers give some examples in the JavaScript Roadmap Blog.

In their blog, developers Andreas Gal and Michael Franz explain how the tracing mechanism in TraceMonkey works. One of the main tricks performed by Tracemonkey is that, where branching occurs, it generates not only the required code, but also considers and compiles the other branches and saves the code for subsequent use. The just-in-time compiler can generate code for x86 and ARM systems, which should also be a boost for the in-development Mobile Firefox.

Because Firefox implements many internal functions using JavaScript, the acceleration should a general effect on Firefox's operation speed, beyond just speeding up web page Javascript.

Firefox 3.1 is scheduled for release at the end of this year. The new acceleration technology is currently disabled in the pre-release version and users will need to activate it via the javascript.options.jit.content preference.

Copyright © 2008 Heise Zeitschriften Verlag

Tags: TraceMonkey, JavaScript, Accelerator, Firefox, Mozilla Firefox, Firefox 3.1

86 Diggs

Prev Article: Citrix tries to woo crowds with XenApp 5 Next Article: Adobe Introduces Elements 7 Bundle, Inspires Users With Photoshop.com

No Comments!

It's quiet in here... can you hear the echo?

Login or register to add a comment

Create a new account or login to join in the conversation on NewXwin.net. You'll also be able to NewXwin.net stories to help promote things you like.

Random Technology News

Fav

Citrix tries to woo crowds with XenApp 5