And so it begins.

I've had in my mind to get a JavaScript group going in Brighton for over a year now, and never quite made the time for it. Well, the time is now.

There's a huge interest in JavaScript at the moment. We're seeing a groundbreaking collection of new features for browser-based applications (let's just collectively call it 'HTML5'), not least for mobile apps. The browser manufactures are competing head-on with the speed of their latest and greatest JavaScript engines (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). And there's a renaissance happening on the server, with the realisation that JavaScript's event-based model is ideal for the requirements of web applications (e.g. real-time updates to clients, distributed APIs, traffic spike handling).

JavaScript is everywhere. Even the most die-hard back-end developer may have to touch jQuery or something similar from time to time. And a little more knowledge goes a long way.

So, in order to build up our core skills, to stay up-to-date with new developments, to learn from each other, to meet, collaborate and support a new generation of JavaScript developers, the Async meetup group has been created.

I've got some ideas about how it might work. For example, I'd love for it to be hands-on and practical, and not only informative. But if it's to succeed, it's direction will need to come from the community.

There are now a few different communication channels for the event. Time will tell which ones prove to be most useful:

• The blog: asyncjs.com (subscribe to the feed, or subscribe by email)
• Twitter account for announcements: follow @asyncjs (and use the #asyncjs hashtag)
• Google group for discussion: groups.google.com/group/asyncjs/
• Individual events announced on Upcoming:  upcoming.yahoo.com/tag/asyncjs/

Stay up-to-date and join the community on Slack