Should we use server-side solution in place of javascript as much as possible if we want to make same site accessible with Computer and mobile phones both?

Question

Will mobile user get better performance and usability without JavaScript.? would it be good if we make site with pure css and server side programming for mobile? Opera MIni, iPhone safari, blackberry browser, Windows mobile browser, whatever?

Graceful degradation takes time to implement. so if we go with pure css for fancy things and server side solution for dynamic things , is it a better idea?

Although here is a good answer but http://stackoverflow.com/questions/1538004/does-javascript-work-on-mobile-phones/1538029#1538029 but first think on pure css solution or server side solution if needed is a good idea i think.

Answer 1

I don't know a ton about designing sites for mobile phones, but what you're saying sounds logical. JavaScript is run client-side, and since mobile devices have rather limited processors, it makes sense to do as much work as possible on the server.

Answer 2

The phone/browser combos you've mentioned all have fully functional javascript interpreters. Any modern smartphone is going to be capable of most of what you can throw at it. If you're doing excessive processing client side in javascript, you're probably doing it wrong already.

Write code that degrades gracefully, and if you're doing it right, your site should work properly without javascript by simply adhering to the standards. Start with a design that works without scripting, and then layer in the niceties. In most cases, this produces a cleaner, more maintainable application.

Answer 3

I found good answer here http://css-tricks.com/you-know-you-should-use-javascript-when/

Answer 4

I like to do it server side. You can use WURFL to get database of existing mobile devices and when you detect one you server a customized view for mobile devices.