[wp-trac] [WordPress Trac] #64015: Reconsider removal of import map polyfill

[WordPress Trac]

#64015: Reconsider removal of import map polyfill
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 Reporter:  joedolson      |      Owner:  (none)
     Type:  defect (bug)   |     Status:  new
 Priority:  normal         |  Milestone:  Awaiting Review
Component:  Bundled Theme  |    Version:  6.5
 Severity:  normal         |   Keywords:
  Focuses:  javascript     |
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 The import map polyfill was removed in r58952, on the basis that the
 browser support Matrix for WordPress doesn't include any browsers that
 don't support import map.

 However, the interactivity API uses import maps, and is rendered on the
 front-end. This means that removing the import map polyfill breaks
 anything that uses the interactivity API on the front end: navigation
 menus, the new accordion block, etc.

 Historically, our policies on front-end support have been different from
 those for admin support. I think it's entirely reasonable to remove the
 polyfill in the admin, but it is a potentially significant problem for
 site owners, impacting their users.

 There are multiple cases of user reports of being unable to use features
 due to their having older devices.

 See: #63968, https://github.com/WordPress/gutenberg/issues/71431, #62641,
 #62533, https://github.com/WordPress/gutenberg/issues/68641

 There may be more; this is what I found.

 In my opinion, keeping import map polyfilled so that usage of the
 Interactivity API isn't discouraged on sites that need better support is
 important. This covers a wide variety of economically disadvantaged
 populations, including people with disabilities.

 Pinging @swissspidy @desrosj @luisherranz @gziolo as people involved in
 #60970.

 At the moment I'm putting this in the Bundled Theme component, as that's
 where the problem is exhibited, although it's not explicitly a problem
 with a theme. Not sure what would be most appropriate there.

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Ticket URL: <https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/64015>
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