This month in Servo: console logging, parallel tables, OpenXR, and more

In July 2024, Servo introduced several new features and improvements to its web rendering engine. Key updates include the addition of console logging support in Firefox devtools, parallel table layout utilizing all CPU cores, and an experimental OpenXR backend that allows rendering to XR headsets like the Quest 3. Other enhancements involve new methods such as getCompilationInfo() for GPUShaderModule, support for document visibility states, and improvements in font handling and layout properties. The flexbox layout engine is still experimental, with ongoing support for various alignment and sizing properties.

The binary size of the servoshell has been reduced significantly through optimizations like ThinLTO and the option to build without debug symbols. Documentation for Servo has been centralized in the Servo book, which now includes comprehensive guides for developers. Additionally, contributions to Servo now require commits to be signed off, ensuring code ownership.

Servo's financial support has increased, with monthly donations reaching $2,955, reflecting a 32.6% rise from June. The project is also transitioning donation platforms from LFX to GitHub and Open Collective. Notably, Alan Jeffrey, a significant contributor to Servo, passed away on July 4, 2024, leaving a legacy in various fields of computer science. The Servo community continues to engage in discussions about future developments and improvements, as highlighted in recent conference presentations and blog posts.