Ask HN: What is the purpose of Closed Mode shadowRoot?

[kuba-orlik]

I've seen reports of it being used for ads that are very hard to block. This article's (https://blog.ankursundara.com/shadow-dom/) author struggles to find a genuine use case for that closed mode. Is it known what was the intention for adding it to the web platform?

[jauntywundrkind]

Apple insisted on it. I forget their reasoning but they were basically boycotting webcomponents entirely. Adding a closed mode was a consession to make WebComponents happen.

The idea of strong encapsulation & isolation is one of those permissive vs authoritarian things that crops up again and again and again in software. Some people see disorder & chaos encroaching everywhere & control & absolutes are their guiding principles. I take a dim view of closed.

[kuba-orlik]

Thanks! Do you perhaps know of any records of Apple's insistence in this matter?