Let's dive into the world of JavaScript microbenchmarks.

What is being tested?

The provided benchmark tests two approaches to making HTTP requests: XMLHttpRequest (XHR) and fetch. The goal is to compare the performance of these two methods in terms of execution speed, without parsing the JSON response.

Options compared

The two options being compared are:

1. XMLHttpRequest (XHR): This is a traditional, low-level API for making HTTP requests in JavaScript. It involves creating an instance of XMLHttpRequest, setting the request method and URL, and handling the response.
2. fetch: This is a modern, high-level API for making HTTP requests in JavaScript. It's designed to be simpler and more intuitive than XHR, with a more concise syntax.

Pros and cons

Here are some pros and cons of each approach:

XHR (XMLHttpRequest)

Pros:

• More control over the request process
• Can handle complex scenarios like multipart/form-data requests
• Works in older browsers that don't support fetch

Cons:

• Requires more boilerplate code
• Can be slower due to the need for manual error handling and response parsing

Fetch

Pros:

• Simplified syntax makes it easier to read and write
• Automatic error handling and response parsing reduce code complexity
• Works in modern browsers with native support for fetch

Cons:

• Less control over the request process compared to XHR
• May not work in older browsers without polyfills or workarounds

Library usage

In this benchmark, neither XHR nor fetch uses a separate library. They are built-in JavaScript APIs.

Special JS feature or syntax

None of the two approaches use special JavaScript features or syntax that would require additional explanation.

Other considerations

When choosing between XHR and fetch, consider the following factors:

• Complexity of your request: If you need to handle complex scenarios, XHR might be a better choice. For simple requests, fetch is likely sufficient.
• Browser support: If you need to support older browsers, XHR might be a better option.
• Readability and maintainability: If code readability is important, fetch is generally considered easier to read and write.

Alternatives

If you're interested in exploring other approaches, here are some alternatives:

1. Axios: A popular library for making HTTP requests that provides a more concise syntax than XHR.
2. AJAX libraries: Other libraries like jQuery or Lodash might be used to make HTTP requests, but they may introduce additional overhead or complexity compared to fetch.
3. Native Web Workers: If performance is critical, you might consider using native Web Workers to offload request processing from the main thread.

In summary, this benchmark provides a fair comparison between XHR and fetch, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in terms of execution speed and ease of use. By understanding the pros and cons of each approach, developers can choose the best fit for their specific needs.