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Introducing HTMX: The JS Library Streamlining Front-End Development

Profile Picture of Facundo Corradini
Facundo Corradini
Senior Developer
HTMX icon with JavaScript logo, computer screen and browser windows around it

I know what you’re thinking: “wow, yet another article on yet another JavaScript framework.” Well, if you’re thinking that, I’m here to say “not quite.” While HTMX is indeed powered by JS, it’s more useful to think about it as an updated version of HTML to address the needs of today (hence the name HTM(l) eXtension).

In this article, I’d like to introduce HTMX: it’s core features, pros and cons, similarities (and differences) from other lightweight frameworks like Alpine and Knockout, and of course when it’s a good option for your web application. My goal is to help you decide if (or when) it might be a good idea to start a new project using HTMX, or even to make the switch from other popular JS frameworks / libraries.

Table Of Contents

What is HTMX?

HTMX is a dependency-free JavaScript library. That means there’s no need for complicated build steps – developers simply add a <script> tag into the <head> element to get started. Before we go deeper, however, we must first discuss HTML, which has always been the language of the web.

The web has changed immensely since its conception. The days of a network of documents is long gone, largely replaced by the interactive web applications that we all know and love. This shift towards interactivity requires intensive use of JavaScript and increasingly complex architectures.

The history of HTML from 1991 to 2014

What Improvements Does HTMX Offer Over HTML?

HTMX extends HTML to get around its limitations, making it better-suited for the modern web, while keeping the trademark simplicity of HTML.

Specifically, HTMX:

Originally published on May 7, 2024Last updated on Jul 8, 2024
Key Takeaways

Is HTMX better than React?

While HTMX is indeed powered by JS, it’s more useful to think about it as an updated version of HTML to address the needs of today. HTMX is nowhere near as popular as industry-standard frameworks like React. HTMX’s simplicity, performance and ease of use makes it a great choice for projects where quick deployment lightweight scripts and page-load performance are prioritized. However, it may not be the correct choice for applications that require extensive client-side logic and state management, where traditional JavaScript frameworks might still hold the edge.

What is HTMX used for?

HTMX is a JavaScript library that simplifies front-end interactions and makes web apps more maintainable and performant. It enhances standard HTML capabilities with fast, lightweight, and declarative approaches. HTMX aims to reduce dependency on heavier frameworks like Vue or React and can be easily integrated into existing projects without requiring a complete overhaul. It focuses on efficiently updating the user interface in response to data changes without reloading the page or building complex JavaScript structures.

What problems does HTMX solve?

The core idea of HTMX is that it’s HTML “over-the-wire” – that is, returning the data formatted as HTML directly, rather than using JSON as an intermediary. By sending HTML directly from the back-end, front-end logic is simplified, reducing the need for complex client-side rendering and JSON parsing, resulting in a cleaner, more maintainable codebase. This approach reduces the JavaScript payload, leading to faster load times and improved performance, especially beneficial for users on slower connections or devices. Additionally, it allows for quick UI iterations since changes can be made server-side without altering client-side JavaScript, speeding up the development process. Last but not least, it delivers fully formed HTML content improves SEO by ensuring immediate visibility to search engine crawlers.

What are the downsides of HTMX?

HTMX is less popular than frameworks like React, making it harder to find experienced developers for immediate project onboarding. Additionally, sending HTML over-the-wire, while beneficial for web applications, complicates compatibility with other platforms, making it challenging to use the same API for mobile apps or other integrations.

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