Bun just got 60% faster, Doom now runs on TypeScript, and OpenAI launched GPT 4.5 - This Week in JS

Hello JavaScript Enthusiasts!

Welcome to a new edition of "This Week in JavaScript"!

A lot happened this week, let’s take a look at OpenAI's groundbreaking GPT-4.5 model, Doom running in TypeScript, major Bun updates, Firefox's privacy controversy, and the hottest tool updates in the dev community!

OpenAI has launched its most advanced model yet, GPT-4.5, code-named "Orion." And devs, this one’s going to change your workflow!

Why it matters:

• AI-Powered Development: GPT-4.5 outshines its predecessor in coding tasks, with higher scores on benchmarks like SWE-Lancer.
• Fewer Mistakes: This model reduces hallucinations in code generation, leading to fewer bugs!
• Improved Persuasion: It excels in creative and human-centric tasks, performing better in persuasive scenarios.

Though it comes at a higher cost, GPT-4.5's accuracy and enhanced problem-solving make it a valuable tool for developers working on creative and complex projects.

In what might be the wildest engineering feat of the year, Dimitri Mitropoulos has successfully run Doom in TypeScript’s Type system.

• The Setup: Using TypeScript’s Turing-complete type system, Mitropoulos ran the 1993 classic game entirely within types.
• Technical Feat: It took 177 terabytes of type definitions processed over 12 days just to get the first frame running!

This project is a technical marvel, showcasing the creative potential of TypeScript, even though it's unlikely you’ll be running games in your type definitions anytime soon.

It pushes the boundaries of what’s possible with TypeScript.

Bun versions 1.2.3 and 1.2.4 are here, packed with updates designed to improve your development experience!

Key highlights:

1. Frontend Bundling: Just run bun ./index.html and let Bun handle the rest. It simplifies starting new projects with tools like React using bun init.
2. Built-in Routing: For backend devs, dynamic path parameters in Bun.serve() enable quick and efficient routing.
3. SQL Enhancements: Bun.SQL now has better array support and multi-statement queries.
4. MacOS Speed Boost: A 60% increase in build speed for macOS apps, with new code-signing options.

These updates make Bun an even more attractive option for JavaScript developers building full-stack apps.

Mozilla sparked controversy this week with its updated Terms of Use and Privacy Notice. It suggested that Mozilla could use data from Firefox input, which worried many developers.

What you need to know:

• Clarifications: Mozilla has reassured users that no personal data is used for AI training, and ad data is de-identified.
• Opt-Out: If you’re concerned, Firefox allows users to opt out of technical data collection in the settings, especially important for sensitive dev projects.

Let’s take a quick look at the latest tools making waves in the JavaScript world this week!

1. Next.js 15.2: Redesigned debugging, experimental React View Transitions, and improved Node.js runtime in middleware. Faster stack traces and smoother rendering with Turbopack improvements.
2. Astro 5.4: New remote image optimization in Markdown, experimental responsive image support, and enhanced security features. Markdown images now get automatic optimization!
3. ESLint v9.21.0: Introduces the --ext CLI option, helping you lint specific file extensions more easily, along with improved metadata for deprecated rules.
4. Ember 6.2: A key fix resolves a TypeScript issue that had been affecting developers, while Ember CLI now allows app creation in any directory. And EmberData continues rebranding to WarpDrive!
5. Angular 19.2: New experimental httpResource, better TypeScript 5.8 support, and core enhancements like streaming resources and improved form validator sets. The update addresses race conditions, change detection timing issues, and animation handling on the server, plus a new migration tool that automatically converts templates to self-closing tags to save you time and improve code consistency.

And that's it for the twenty-fourth issue of "This Week in JavaScript."

If you found these JavaScript updates useful, give this post an upvote to help others discover it. Don’t forget to share it with your fellow developers, and keep an eye out for more insights in the JavaScript world.

Until next time, keep coding and stay curious!