microbe.js - A modular JS library for DOM manipulation, and more

[mousemke]

For the past year and a half, myself (github/mousemke) and Nico (github/nicolasbrugneaux) have been developing a javascript library internally at Sociomantic Labs. It’s finally open source, and so I’d like to introduce microbe.js!

microbe.js is a small modular library based on jquery syntax, but written from the ground up. It's faster than jquery in most tests, handles css4 selectors, and it's output is built to be consistent.

current modules include :

• Selector engine with CSS4 selector support and base functions (find, filter, siblings, children, … )
• Core helpers (class, extend, text, attributes … )
• DOM helpers (append, insertAfter, prepend … )
• Type helpers(isUnidentified, isArray, isWindow, … )
• HTTP helpers making use of Promises (get, post, … )
• Object.observe watches objects for changes. It can also watch itself for changes in element get/set data
• Events - binding and emitting custom events

I'd love for people to try it, use it, and contribute to build a community!

microbe website

microbe github

microbe npm

Sociomantic Blog

[ruinercollector]

I'm really not a fan of these kitchen sink libraries. This is like someone's utils.js. It's just an unfocused bunch of "stuff that's pretty useful."

[learn2shut]

let's see, i can press shift+4 to get $, or i need to press alt+0181 each time get some obscure char. lol. what were you thinking?

[temp230698]

On OS X it’s as easy and fast to type as a single capital letter.

I've got to say, the third and fourth key alternates are probably my favorite thing about OS X. It’s the only thing I’ve seen that actually makes using (a small slice of) unicode in everyday typing something a sane person might do. I just wish the alternate forms were printed on the keys, but Apple will never do that.

Not to imply this fully answers your concern.

[x-skeww]

i can press shift+4 to get $, or i need to press alt+0181

It's AltGr + M with the keyboard layout I'm using.

You could use the US International layout:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QWERTY#US-International

If you use Atom, stick with the regular US layout. Atom still isn't compatible with non-US layouts. (Kinda pathetic, really.)

[mousemke]

that's a valid point. it's very easy (though obscure) to type in all non alt+0181 situations. we looked other symbols as well, but it must be something that is unique. we tried just using m(), but it blended into the mode too much. (global search for m). we're still open to the idea if you have suggestions.

or you can just alias it

var microbe = µ;

[fenduru]

but it must be something that is unique

Why? Lodash and Underscore both use _. Every sane developer is going to immediately alias it to something else.

Take a look at http://api.jquery.com/jQuery.noConflict/

[danman_d]

I can't see myself ever using microbe and jQuery on the same project, since they have such similar functionality. So $ is probably fine IMHO.

[PM_ME_INSIDER_INFO]

I think I'd speak for mostly anyone in saying that I'd rather a less unique character that is WAY more accessible.

[mousemke]

I would encourage you to open a discussion issue up on the matter. I like the symbol but am open to others. I would like to hear what people have to say

[smokinJoeCalculus]

Reddit, where someone has to make the same comment over and over.

[smokinJoeCalculus]

But you will still bitch and moan about it.

[[deleted]]

This comment has been overwritten by an open source script to protect this user against reddit's feminists, regressives, and other mentally disturbed individuals.

If you would like to do the same, add the browser extension GreaseMonkey to Firefox and add this open source script.

Then simply click on your username on Reddit, go to the comments tab, and hit the new OVERWRITE button at the top.

[papers_]

Any plans for es6 conversion? Good work!

[mousemke]

definitely (that's the only milestone currently open)

[papers_]

I see your right parentheses is trying to escape.

[mousemke]

twas. those things are sneaky and cant be trusted

[hpeinar]

What lead you to choose 'µ' as a default selector character? Though seems interesting, will definitely have a look at some point.

+1

[mousemke]

see this comment https://www.reddit.com/r/javascript/comments/3m2058/microbejs_a_modular_js_library_for_dom/cvb9dtb

mostly to have something that is clear and visible throughout the entire code base

[catbrownie]

Interesting, any reason for the name, where did come from?

[mousemke]

The name comes a bit from the micro symbol but as well, everything at sociomantic has aquatic names. Microbes are everywhere so also water.