Custom javascript is not allowed amp

AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) is a web component framework created to improve the performance of web content. One major restriction in AMP is the prohibition of custom JavaScript to ensure standardized, high-performance user experiences across devices. This constraint can be challenging but offers specific methods to include interactive features without compromising speed.

The Purpose of AMP

Origin and Goals

AMP aims to streamline content and enhance mobile page load times. By restricting custom JavaScript, AMP ensures:

• Fast Loading Times: JavaScript can delay rendering. By controlling it, AMP maintains rapid loading speeds.
• Predictable Performance: Limited script usage means less variance in loading behavior across different devices and networks.
• Security: With fewer scripts, there’s reduced exposure to potential security vulnerabilities.

Core Components

AMP relies on specific components to substitute functionalities often delivered through custom JavaScript:

• amp-bind: A component for dynamic content without custom JavaScript.
• amp-script: Allows controlled use of custom JavaScript by placing it within sandboxed iframes.

Implications of Prohibiting Custom JavaScript

Challenges

The restriction on custom JavaScript poses specific challenges:

• Limited Interactive Elements: Custom interactivity features need adaptation to AMP’s library of approved components.
• Migration Effort: Converting existing pages with heavy JavaScript reliance requires significant effort to ensure AMP compatibility.

Solutions

AMP provides alternatives to manage these limitations:

• Using amp-script: Enabling custom behavior while adhering to AMP’s security restrictions.
• Leveraging AMP Components: Using predefined AMP components that replicate common functionalities offered by custom scripts.

Enabling Interactivity Without Custom JavaScript

Using amp-bind

amp-bind facilitates dynamic content updates:

html

<p [text]="'Hello ' + foo">Hello World</p>

<button on="tap:AMP.setState({foo: 'AMP'})">Click me</button>

Explanation:

• The above example integrates amp-bind to update text content dynamically when the button is clicked.
• It leverages AMP’s state management to maintain a responsive user interface.

Using amp-script

amp-script allows limited use of custom JavaScript within specified contexts:

html

<amp-script layout="fixed-height" height="300" src="https://example.com/my-amp-script.js">

  <button id="myButton">Click me!</button>

</amp-script>

Explanation:

• By using amp-script, developers can incorporate more complex logic while adhering to AMP’s performance and security guidelines.
• Scripts are sandboxed to prevent performance degradation and security issues.

Practical Applications in AMP Pages

Case Study: Advertising

Issue
Direct embedding of ad scripts using standard <script> tags is prohibited:

html

<script src="https://example-ad-network.com/ad.js"></script>

Solution

Using AMP-specific ad components:

html

<amp-ad width=300 height=250

    type="adsense"

    data-ad-client="ca-pub-xxxxxxxxxx"

    data-ad-slot="xxxxxxxxxx">

</amp-ad>

Explanation:

• amp-ad component enables embedding ads without compromising page performance.
• Ensures compliance with AMP standards while maintaining ad functionality.

Case Study: Form Validation

Custom JavaScript often handles form validation which is not allowed in AMP:

html

<script>

// Custom validation logic

</script>

Solution

Using AMP form validation components:

html

<form method="post" action-xhr="https://example.com/submit" target="_blank">

  <input type="email" name="email" required>

  <button type="submit">Submit</button>

  <div submit-success>

    <template type="amp-mustache">

      Success! Thanks for submitting.

    </template>

  </div>

  <div submit-error>

    <template type="amp-mustache">

      Oops, something went wrong!

    </template>

  </div>

</form>

Explanation:

• AMP’s action-xhr handles form submissions, providing feedback via submit-success and submit-error without custom JavaScript.
• Ensures form interactivity and validation within AMP constraints.

Benefits of Embracing AMP’s Restrictions

Enhanced User Experience

• Faster Load Times: Without custom JavaScript, pages load significantly faster.
• Consistency: Standardized performance across different devices and networks.

Improved SEO

• Higher Search Rankings: Google prioritizes AMP pages in mobile search results.
• Increased Traffic: Faster pages result in lower bounce rates and higher user engagement.

Security

• Reduced Vulnerability: Less custom code reduces potential security risks.
• Code Integrity: Controlled script usage maintains code integrity and reliability.

Conclusion

AMP’s restriction on custom JavaScript initially seems limiting but provides a framework that prioritizes speed, security, and user experience. By leveraging AMP’s built-in components and approved methodologies, developers can create interactive, high-performance web pages that adhere to these standards. Embracing AMP’s philosophy leads to a better web experience for users, reflected in improved SEO, consistent performance, and higher security which collectively fosters enhanced user satisfaction and engagement.