IoT.js is a lightweight version of Node.js that can run on devices with resource constraints Credit: Shutterstock Samsung looks to leverage JavaScript as a mechanism for IoT (Internet of things) development with its IoT.js project. The recently unveiled IoT.js serves as a lightweight version of Node.js. “IoT.js aims to provide interoperable service platform in the world of IoT, based on Web technology,” the IoT.js website states. “The target of IoT.js is to run in resource-constrained devices [having] only few kilobytes of RAM available device. Thus it will supports very wide range of ‘Things.'” Underpinning IoT.js is Jerryscript, which serves as a JavaScript engine for devices like microcontrollers. It supports on-device compilation and execution, and it offers JavaScript access to peripherals. Also key is the Libuv multiplatform support library, which focuses on asynchronous I/O event handling. “JavaScript is a script language on the Web, and Node.js is a platform that builds with the JavaScript engine. IoT.js platform makes JavaScript and Node.js lightweight, thereby increasing interoperability among devices,” the SamsungTomorrow blog says. Samsung is not alone in tying Node.js, the popular server-side implementation of JavaScript, to the IoT. Microsoft has detailed plans to use its Chakra JavaScript engine in Windows 10, for use in IoT application development. The intent is to get Node.js supported on Windows on ARM devices. IoT.js is one of many activities Samsung is undertaking to make all devices interoperable in IoT, the company said. IoT.js enables more devices to work with each other, ranging from complex and sophisticated devices like home appliances, mobile devices, and televisions to small devices like lamps, thermometers, switches, and sensors. “Ultimately, the interoperability of all of these devices will allow people to enjoy a smarter, more convenient lifestyle,” the blog says. JavaScriptTechnology Industry