Learn how you can write less code with CoffeeScript the Javascript compiler.

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As of March 16, 2011, CoffeeScript is on GitHub's list of most-watched projects

A Ruby/Python inspired language that compiles down to Readable/Lint compatible Javascript

CoffeeScript claims to reduce the number of lines needed to be written to 1/3 of hand written JS

Because CoffeeScript compiles predictably to JavaScript, programs can be written with less code (typically 1/3 fewer lines) with no effect on runtime performance.

Who is using it?

Used in production by 37Signals

Used in the Ars Technica reader for iPad

Some advantages

It is still compatible with Node.js, jquery, or any other framework

Removes noise

adds keywords, classes, and features like heredocs to make coding cleaner

It is said to be faster to code in CoffeeScript once you learn the ropes

Some potential downsides

Debugging a coffeescript script still requires you read the generated Javascript code, which can be tedious, since you haven't actually written it yourself.

CoffeeScript - Compiler-for-Windows