Javascript and Cookie stats

[Bianca]

Hello - is there a site somewhere on the internet that offers reports on web
browser demographics? I am specifically interested on stats about
percentages of users with Javascript and cookies enabled.

thanks for any pointers.

Bc

 

[Ed Mullen]

Hello - is there a site somewhere on the internet that offers reports on web
browser demographics? I am specifically interested on stats about
percentages of users with Javascript and cookies enabled.

http://www.google.com/search?query=browser demographics&num=50

--
Ed Mullen
http://edmullen.net
http://mozilla.edmullen.net
http://abington.edmullen.net
What happens if you get scared half-to-death twice?

 

[Spartanicus]

Hello - is there a site somewhere on the internet that offers reports on web
browser demographics? I am specifically interested on stats about
percentages of users with Javascript and cookies enabled.

That's usually a sign that you are considering using either or both to
provide an essential function. That would be a mistake, the use of both
JS and cookies can enhance a site's functionality, but there is never a
need to rely on either. Ergo the question "have users JS and/or cookies
enabled" should be irrelevant.

 

[Travis Newbury]

Hello - is there a site somewhere on the internet that offers reports on web
browser demographics? I am specifically interested on stats about
percentages of users with Javascript and cookies enabled.

Pretty much useless information. It depends on way too many things for
there to be a useful generic number. Not to mention if you have
content someone wants, and they usually have them turned off, many will
turn them on for your site. Why do you want to know?

10%-15% is the number that us thrown around all the time, but I don't
see those numbers on sites I work with, I see closer to 2%-5%

 

[Andy Dingley]

is there a site somewhere on the internet that offers reports on web
browser demographics?

Not really. This is valuable information that can be sold for money, so
those who do collect accurate estimates of it don't part with it for
free. OTOH, web server stats are less saleable, so you can get good
measures of those for free (try netcraft.co.uk)

I am specifically interested on stats about
percentages of users with Javascript and cookies enabled.

"Some". That's really all you need to know.

Make use of these features, but don't rely on them. Make sure your site
is still minimally accessible even without them, or with them disabled.

If you want to know very accurate stats, then collect your own on your
site, for the exact user demographic you care about.

 

[Bianca]

The reason I want approximate JS/cookie stats is to come up with a
reasonably accurate estimate of webstats. I use two sources - one is
Webalizer log file based reporting and the other is a service called
Statcounter, which relies on cookie/js footers in your web-pages.

The webalizer reports about double the daily visits, compared to
Statcounter. Statcounter's I believe are closer to accurate, with the
exception that it discards non cookie/js enabled responses. If I knew the
approx percentage of web-surfers who disable JS/cookies, it would give me a
pretty close estimation of daily traffic.

I'm not looking for "perfect" stats here; the ratios I need are only for
estimates.

BTW I already tried the "demographics" search and it's impossible to find
js/cookie facts. They're all about country, geographical breakdowns and ads
for stats reporting agencies. It's a mess. It's funny on these groups;
you ask a simple question and you get the vibe: "what right do you have to
even ask that question". Makes you wonder what kind of medication people
are taking ... (or forgetting to take)

Bc

 

[John Hosking]

It's funny on these groups;
you ask a simple question and you get the vibe: "what right do you have to
even ask that question". Makes you wonder what kind of medication people
are taking ... (or forgetting to take)

That vibe can get in the way sometimes, but mostly (largely, vastly), I
find it useful. It's so easy to get caught up in some technical
"solution" and start going down some path to get to it, and not be aware
of the pitfalls or weaknesses of the supposed goal.

The regulars here give a lot when they share their experience on what
might go wrong (i.e., why the OP is likely to be disappointed); I
believe I learn more from such discussions than I do from the pure
here's-the-technique replies (although ideally, both kinds of info would
be available).

 

[Bianca]

That vibe can get in the way sometimes, but mostly (largely, vastly), I

find it useful. It's so easy to get caught up in some technical "solution"
and start going down some path to get to it, and not be aware of the
pitfalls or weaknesses of the supposed goal.

The regulars here give a lot when they share their experience on what
might go wrong (i.e., why the OP is likely to be disappointed); I believe
I learn more from such discussions than I do from the pure
here's-the-technique replies (although ideally, both kinds of info would
be available).

John,

Thank you for a reasonable and fair assesement.

I also value discussion - when discussion is merited (and sometimes when
not). I also value the ability of communicators to cut thru the fluff and
dander and get to the point about things. When knowledge is offered that
way, it contributes to the collective pool of mankind's intelligence and
furthers our evolution. When knowledge - or lack thereof - is substituted
with caustic 'landfill' or sarcasm, it furthers no one's purpose; it simply
creates friction in a world already consumed with flames.

May you live long, and may your equilibrium help cool a heated planet.

Bc

 

[dorayme]

That's usually a sign that you are considering using either or both to
provide an essential function. That would be a mistake, the use of both
JS and cookies can enhance a site's functionality, but there is never a
need to rely on either. Ergo the question "have users JS and/or cookies
enabled" should be irrelevant.

Ergo nothing of the sort, of course, until it is established that
the OP is intending the indicated bad practice. He or she may be
wanting to know the percentage of folks who are going to enjoy
his or her enhancements. Of course, being Xmas, and this being
church and old S being God, it is hardly to be expected that
someone should be treated innocently until proven guilty.

 

[Andy Dingley]

It's funny on these groups; you ask a simple question and you get the vibe:
"what right do you have to even ask that question".

Hey Dude, what's the best beer for driving ?

Don't drink if you're driving.

What do you mean? Just tell me which damn beer is best!