Let's dive into the world of JavaScript microbenchmarks on MeasureThat.net.

What is being tested?

The benchmarking process on MeasureThat.net tests how fast different JavaScript implementations can execute simple statements, typically consisting of a single line of code (a "microbenchmark"). The statements are executed multiple times, and the average execution time is recorded.

In the provided benchmark definition JSON, we see two test cases:

1. console.log('a'): This statement is testing the logging of a character string using the console.log() function.
2. console.log(1): This statement is testing the logging of an integer value using the console.log() function.

Options compared

There are several options being compared in this benchmark:

• Different browsers: In this case, we have only one browser, Chrome 61, but MeasureThat.net typically allows users to test multiple browsers.
• Different device platforms: The "Other" platform represents a generic, non-specific device, while other platforms might represent desktops, laptops, or mobile devices.
• Different operating systems: The benchmark is running on Mac OS X 10.10.3.

Pros and cons of each approach

Each option has its pros and cons:

• Browser: Using different browsers allows for testing the specific behavior and performance differences between them. However, this can lead to slower execution times, as the browser's environment is constantly being switched.
  • Pros: Accurate representation of real-world scenarios
  • Cons: Slower execution times, potential for differences in execution environments
• Device platform: Testing on different platforms allows for testing how the benchmark behaves under various conditions. However, this can lead to inconsistencies between results, as each platform may have its own set of hardware and software configurations.
  • Pros: Comprehensive understanding of platform-specific behavior
  • Cons: Inconsistent results across platforms
• Operating system: Testing on different operating systems allows for testing how the benchmark behaves under various OS conditions. However, this can lead to slower execution times, as the OS environment is constantly being switched.
  • Pros: Accurate representation of real-world scenarios
  • Cons: Slower execution times, potential for differences in execution environments

Library usage

In the provided test cases, no libraries are used. The console.log() function is a built-in JavaScript function.

Special JS feature or syntax

There are no special features or syntaxes mentioned in these benchmark definitions. They consist of basic JavaScript statements.

Alternative alternatives

If you want to create your own JavaScript microbenchmarks on MeasureThat.net, you'll need to:

1. Define your benchmark script using the Benchmark Definition JSON format.
2. Provide a script preparation code (if needed).
3. Prepare an HTML file for execution (if needed).
4. Upload your benchmark definition and prepare the test case data.

MeasureThat.net also provides a GUI-based interface for creating and running benchmarks, which can be helpful if you're new to microbenchmarking or want to create simple tests quickly.

Keep in mind that MeasureThat.net is primarily focused on JavaScript performance testing, but it's also possible to use it for other types of benchmarks, such as benchmarking other programming languages or specific frameworks.