WASM `check_rationale` Includes Random Newlines

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Introduction

Fontspecator is a crucial tool for font developers, providing a comprehensive set of checks to ensure the quality and consistency of fonts. However, a recent issue has been observed in the WASM (WebAssembly) version of Fontspecator, where the check_rationale section includes random newlines. This article delves into the observed behavior, expected behavior, and resources required to reproduce the issue.

Observed Behaviour

When running Fontspecator checks in WASM, the check_rationale section is expected to provide a well-formatted description of the issue. However, the observed behavior is that the check_rationale section includes random newlines throughout the description. This is not a trivial issue, as it affects the readability and usability of the tool.

Expected Behaviour

The expected behavior is that the check_rationale section should provide a clear and concise description of the issue, without any random newlines. This would enable font developers to quickly understand the problem and take corrective action.

Resources and Steps Needed to Reproduce

To reproduce the issue, follow these steps:

  1. Fontspecator Version: Ensure that you are using the latest version of Fontspecator.
  2. WASM Version: Run Fontspecator in WASM mode.
  3. Font File: Use a font file that triggers the issue, such as UbuntuSans-Italic[wdth,wght].ttf.
  4. Check ID: Set the check_id to "STAT_in_statics".
  5. Run Checks: Run the Fontspecator checks in WASM mode.

Example Code

The example code snippet below demonstrates the issue:

"check_rationale": "\nAdobe feature syntax allows for the definition of a STAT table. Fonts built\nwith a hand-coded STAT table in feature syntax may be built either as static\nor variable, but will end up with the same STAT table.\n\nThis is a problem, because a STAT table which works on variable fonts\nwill not be appropriate for static instances. The examples in the OpenType spec\nof non-variable fonts with a STAT table show that the table entries must be\nrestricted to those entries which refer to the static font's position in\nthe designspace. i.e. a Regular weight static should only have the following\nentry for the weight axis:\n\n```\n<AxisIndex value=\"0\"/>\n<Flags value=\"2\"/>  <!-- ElidableAxisValueName -->\n<ValueNameID value=\"265\"/>  <!-- Regular -->\n<Value value=\"400.0\"/>\n```\n\nHowever, if the STAT table intended for a variable font is compiled into a\nstatic, it will have many entries for this axis. In this case, Windows will\nread the first entry only, causing all instances to report themselves\nas \"Thin Condensed\".\n\n",

Analysis

The problem is not that there are newlines to trim at the beginning or end. The issue is that there are random newlines throughout the description. For example, built\nwith, fonts\nwill, and in\n are all examples of random newlines.

Conclusion

The inclusion of random newlines in the check_rationale section of Fontspecator checks in WASM mode is a critical issue that affects the readability and usability of the tool. Font developers rely on Fontspecator to ensure the quality and consistency of fonts, and this issue can lead to confusion and errors. We urge the Fontspecator team to address this issue and provide a well-formatted check_rationale section.

Recommendations

To resolve this issue, we recommend the following:

  1. Review Fontspecator Code: Review the Fontspecator code to identify the source of the random newlines.
  2. Fix Fontspecator Code: Fix the Fontspecator code to remove the random newlines and provide a well-formatted check_rationale section.
  3. Test Fontspecator: Thoroughly test Fontspecator to ensure that the issue is resolved and the check_rationale section is well-formatted.

Q&A: Addressing the Random Newlines in Fontspecator Checks

Q: What is the issue with the check_rationale section in Fontspecator checks in WASM mode?

A: The issue is that the check_rationale section includes random newlines throughout the description. This makes it difficult for font developers to understand the problem and take corrective action.

Q: Why is this issue critical?

A: This issue is critical because it affects the readability and usability of Fontspecator. Font developers rely on Fontspecator to ensure the quality and consistency of fonts, and this issue can lead to confusion and errors.

Q: What are some examples of random newlines in the check_rationale section?

A: Some examples of random newlines in the check_rationale section include:

  • built\nwith
  • fonts\nwill
  • in\nthe

Q: Why are double newlines okay, but single newlines are not?

A: Double newlines are okay because they are used to separate paragraphs or sections of text. Single newlines, however, are not okay because they can make the text difficult to read and understand.

Q: How can font developers reproduce the issue?

A: To reproduce the issue, font developers can follow these steps:

  1. Fontspecator Version: Ensure that you are using the latest version of Fontspecator.
  2. WASM Version: Run Fontspecator in WASM mode.
  3. Font File: Use a font file that triggers the issue, such as UbuntuSans-Italic[wdth,wght].ttf.
  4. Check ID: Set the check_id to "STAT_in_statics".
  5. Run Checks: Run the Fontspecator checks in WASM mode.

Q: What can be done to resolve the issue?

A: To resolve the issue, the Fontspecator team can review the code to identify the source of the random newlines and fix it. They can also thoroughly test Fontspecator to ensure that the issue is resolved and the check_rationale section is well-formatted.

Q: Why is it important to address this issue?

A: It is important to address this issue because it affects the reliability and effectiveness of Fontspecator. By resolving this issue, font developers can rely on Fontspecator to ensure the quality and consistency of fonts.

Q: What are some best practices for font developers to follow when using Fontspecator?

A: Some best practices for font developers to follow when using Fontspecator include:

  • Use the latest version of Fontspecator: Ensure that you are using the latest version of Fontspecator to take advantage of the latest features and bug fixes.
  • Run Fontspecator in WASM mode: Run Fontspecator in WASM mode to ensure that you are using the most up-to-date version of the tool.
  • Use a font file that triggers the issue: Use a font file that triggers the issue to reproduce problem and test the fix.
  • Set the check_id to "STAT_in_statics": Set the check_id to "STAT_in_statics" to trigger the issue and test the fix.
  • Run the Fontspecator checks in WASM mode: Run the Fontspecator checks in WASM mode to ensure that the issue is resolved and the check_rationale section is well-formatted.

By following these best practices, font developers can ensure that they are using Fontspecator effectively and efficiently.