Overview
ChakraCore is an open-source JavaScript engine that adds flexibility and functionality to C and C compatible projects through its C API. With the capability to compile on various platforms including Linux, macOS, and Windows, ChakraCore supports a range of processors, making it a versatile choice for developers looking to enhance their applications with JavaScript capabilities. As a community-driven project, it aims to support primarily embedded use cases moving forward, providing a foundation for security updates and new features, despite Microsoft shifting its focus away from Chakra in its Edge browser.
Features
- Cross-Platform Support: Compatible with x64, x86, and ARM processors across Windows, Linux, and macOS, allowing developers to build applications on their preferred systems.
- Community-Driven Development: Actively invites contributions from the community and aims to deliver future releases with enhancements targeted at embedded scenarios.
- C API Integration: Enables seamless integration of JavaScript into C and C compatible projects, enhancing functionality without needing a full browser environment.
- Lightweight Hosting Application: Includes a simple host application (ch.exe) for testing and running small JavaScript applications, ensuring quick verification of the engine's functionality.
- No External API Dependencies: Designed as a standalone JavaScript engine, ChakraCore does not involve external APIs such as those in web browsers or Node.js, simplifying its use in various applications.
- Secure and Updatable: Although Microsoft has stopped supporting Chakra with new features, security updates continue until March 2021, ensuring that known issues are addressed responsibly.
- Build Flexibility: Easily buildable on popular development environments like Visual Studio and Xcode, catering to different developer preferences and workflows.
- Comprehensive Documentation: Offers extensive resources for getting started, including architecture overviews, quick start guides, and detailed API references, making it accessible for both beginners and advanced users.