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Compilers, User Interfaces & the Rest of Us

Matheus Albuquerque
Matheus Albuquerque
Staff Software Engineer @Medallia • Google Developer Expert • International Speaker • Technical Reviewer
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Compilers have long been seen as one of the most complex topics in computer science. Nowadays, web frameworks are evolving from runtime libraries into optimizing compilers and reshaping how we build user interfaces. Different topics in front-end development—e.g., reactive programming—are now experiencing this era fueled by static-analysis-driven insights.

This talk will explore how modern UI compilers are redefining performance and developer experience. We’ll discuss how some compilers are designed and different open-source solutions — including the React Compiler, Million.js, Svelte, and Marko, as well as enterprise apps, and the growing role of compilers in automating things.

By the end of the session, you'll probably be optimistic about a future where compilers understand our entire code and offload a huge part of our mental burden related to manual tasks!

This talk has been presented at JSNation US 2025, check out the latest edition of this JavaScript Conference.

FAQ

The main theme of the talk is about compilers, user interfaces, and how compilers are deeply embedded in the development and optimization of web applications.

The speaker is a developer at Medaglia, a GDE in Web Technologies, known online as Wide Accommodator. They have a background in working with compilers and frontend technologies.

Zebra Programming Language (ZPL) is a language used to program Zebra labelers, consisting of instructions for printing and positioning, which is considered hard to write.

In 2018, Dominic Ganaway predicted that JavaScript frameworks would start becoming JavaScript compilers, enhancing optimization and efficiency.

Compilers are utilized in frontend development for tasks such as static analysis, optimization, bundling, transpiling, type checking, minification, and handling CSS.

Understanding compilers helps developers better evaluate frameworks, debug edge cases, and influence architectural decisions, making them more proficient in JavaScript and frontend development.

Elias analysis in the React compiler is a technique that helps determine if variables refer to the same underlying data, optimizing code efficiency.

In compiler theory, SSA form ensures every variable has a single definition, simplifying the maintenance of use-defined chains and enabling powerful optimization techniques.

JSCodeShift and ts-morph are mentioned as tools for running large-scale code migrations, aiding in refactoring and type transformations in frontend projects.

Hiram's Law states that when you depend on an API, you also depend on its implementation details, highlighting the potential for breaking changes in software development.

web standards
Matheus Albuquerque
Matheus Albuquerque
29 min
17 Nov, 2025

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Video Summary and Transcription
Speaker shared a story of creating a Haskell-inspired language for Zebra labelers using a compiler. Discussed the evolution of JS frameworks into compilers, focusing on React compiler's advanced techniques. Highlighted the role of compilers in reactive programming and code optimization. Explored challenges in large-scale migration using tools like tsmorph and QuickType. Emphasized the significance of compilers in user interface development and software architecture decisions. Addressed the future of front-end tools, Web Assembly adoption, and the importance of experimentation with tools for project success.
Available in Español: Compiladores, Interfaces de Usuario y el Resto de Nosotros
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