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# GNU ease.js

GNU ease.js is a classical object-oriented framework for Javascript,
intended to eliminate boilerplate code and "ease" the transition into
JavaScript from other object-oriented languages.

Current support includes:

* Simple and intuitive class definitions
* Classical inheritance
* Abstract classes and methods
* Interfaces
* Traits as mixins
* Visibility (public, protected, and private members)
* Static and constant members


## Documentation
Comprehensive documentation and examples are available on the [GNU
ease.js](https://www.gnu.org/software/easejs) website and in its
[manual](https://www.gnu.org/software/easejs/manual).


## Bug Reports / Feature Requests
Please direct bug reports and feature requests to bug-easejs@gnu.org or the
[project page on Savannah](https://savannah.gnu.org/projects/easejs).


## Why Classical OOP in JavaScript?
GNU ease.js was created (historically) for a number of reasons:

* To "ease" object-oriented developers into JavaScript by providing a
  familiar environment.
* To provide the maintenance and development benefits of classical OOP.
* To provide features not included in the language, such as proper
  encapsulation through private/protected members, interfaces, traits,
  intuitive inheritance, and other conveniences.
* To encapsulate the hacks commonly used to perform the above tasks.

Many JS purists believe that classical object-oriented programming should be
left out of JavaScript and that one should stick strictly to prototypal
development. While the two are related (they are both object-oriented), they
can be applied to different problem domains in order to achieve results that
are more natural or intuitive to developers; GNU ease.js works seamlessly
with existing prototypes, allowing the developer to choose whether or not
they want to use "classes".


## License
ease.js is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the
terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software
Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or (at your option) any later
version.

This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY
WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the GNU General Public License for more details.

**N.B.:** Versions prior to 0.2.0 were released under the LGPLv3+. Upon becoming
a GNU project, it was relicensed under the GPLv3+ to help the FSF stand strong
in its fight against proprietary JavaScript. For more information, please see
the NEWS file (which can be built with `make NEWS`).