====== Testing Without JavaScript (Lynx) ======

The only reliable way to know your site works without JavaScript is to test in an environment where JavaScript doesn't exist.

===== Lynx =====

[[https://lynx.invisible-island.net/|Lynx]] is a text-based web browser — no JavaScript engine, no CSS rendering, pure HTML. Everything keyboard-navigated.

<code bash>
# macOS
brew install lynx

# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt install lynx

# View a local dev server
lynx http://localhost:8080

# View any URL
lynx https://brennan.day
</code>

===== What to Look For =====

  * Does the ''<noscript>'' message appear and make sense?
  * Are JS-dependent sections hidden (not broken/empty)?
  * Is all content still readable?
  * Do all links work?
  * Is navigation logical in linear order?

===== Other Testing Methods =====

**Browser DevTools:**\\
Firefox: Settings → Disable JavaScript (less reliable — some JS may still affect state)

**NoScript extension:**\\
More granular — block scripts per-domain

**[[protocols:smallweb:clients|Bombadillo / Offpunk]]:**\\
Terminal browsers that also lack JavaScript — good for seeing how the small web sees your site

===== What Lynx Reveals =====

Lynx navigation is numbered links, linear content order. It exposes:
  * Hidden elements that still take up space
  * Missing alt text on images
  * Form labels that aren't associated with inputs
  * Content that only exists as JavaScript-rendered HTML

===== See Also =====
  * [[indieweb:start|IndieWeb Index]]

  * [[indieweb:progressive_enhancement|Progressive Enhancement (.no-js pattern)]]
  * [[indieweb:graceful_degradation|Progressive Enhancement vs. Graceful Degradation]]
  * [[protocols:smallweb:clients|Small Web Clients]]
  * [[start|Return to wiki home]]