Over in Google’s open source labs, some members of Chrome’s V8 Javascript team have been working on a new way of writing Android apps that will get the platform completely free of Java while providing improved speed and a closer connection with the Web. The Dart on Android project, which was given the project name Sky, could eventually be a replacement for the 20-year old Java programming language.
According to Dart’s team, one of the goals for the new platform is to crank up how fast an app can draw the screens viewed by a user. Currently most developers of highly graphical apps, games in particular, shoot for 60 frames per second (fps) so that the app appears smooth. This requires an app to refresh with a new screen every 16ms to avoid any “jank” or stutter.
The Dart team has set a goal of 120 fps and has created a demo that actually runs redraws of the screen at 1.2ms, well below the 8ms requirement for 120 fps. To achieve this, the team had to create APIs that keep the UI running smoothly despite any slow downs the main thread may be experiencing.
Along with speed improvements when in use, the Dart framework should also help accelerate app development and updates. The core for Dart comes from a web background, so code runs off HTTP servers. This makes apps platform agnostic, needing only a Dart VM to run, and updates can be achieved with a simple refresh. There is a downside to that though as Internet access must be available for an app to launch.
The project team has pushed out a Sky Framework that works with all Android APIs and privileges. Developers who want to experiment will find they have access to the full gamut of Material Design tools they are likely used to already.
On the downside, besides the always-on Internet connection that Dart currently requires, the requirement for web server connections and access to all system APIs and privileges raises some security concerns. The project team also notes that as the framework develops, backwards compatibility may be broken.
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source: Ars Technica
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