Best Framework for Web Development - The Bitter Truth 😒

Summary

The video script offers guidance on selecting the right technology for building modern websites. It emphasizes simplicity for static sites, recommending tools like Wix, while advocating for React or Next.js for interactive, SaaS-oriented projects. For complex backends, it suggests using CMS like AppWrite, Strapi, or Sanity to avoid custom code pitfalls. The script also covers various tech stacks, advising on their appropriate use cases, from PHP for simple forms to Python's FastAPI for granular control, and touches on hosting solutions like xCloud. It concludes with insights on when to use WordPress, and thoughts on frameworks like Vue.js, Angular, and ASP.NET, advocating for React and Next.js as preferred choices for most modern applications.

Takeaways

• 😀 For simple static websites, consider using Wix or other online website builders.
• 🛠️ If building a complex or SaaS product, avoid simple builders and opt for technologies like React or Next.js for better interactivity.
• 💾 For complex backends with various data storage needs, consider using backend-as-a-service platforms like AppWrite, or CMS like Strapi and Sanity.
• 🔑 If you require granular control over your website's backend, use MongoDB and Express.
• 📚 For database-intensive applications with less frequent database interaction, AppWrite can be a good fit.
• 🧐 Be cautious with npm packages, as they can sometimes contain poor code or become deprecated.
• 🌐 If your website is primarily for blogging and content creation, WordPress is recommended with a focus on quality themes and plugins.
• 🤖 For incorporating AI and ML, Python with frameworks like FastAPI, Django, or Flask is suggested depending on the level of database interaction required.
• 🚀 For a fast user experience with minimal page reloads, React and Next.js are recommended.
• ⚙️ If you prefer not to manage backend development, backend-as-a-service options like AppWrite, Strapi, and Sanity.io can simplify the process.
• 🔄 When choosing a technology stack, consider the complexity of your project, the need for database control, and the desired user experience.

Q & A

What is the main advice for choosing the right technology for a new website?

The main advice is to select the simplest technology that fits your use case. For a static website, online builders like Wix can be used, but for more complex websites, specialized technologies are required.

What is the significance of using React or Next.js for a website?

React or Next.js are recommended for websites that require a good user experience and interactivity, as they enhance the dynamic aspects of the site.

Why might AppWrite be a suitable choice for a website's backend?

AppWrite is a backend as a service that can be used when you need to maintain a complex backend with different tables in the database for storing user, customer, and admin data without having to write backend code from scratch.

What is the advantage of using a CMS like Strapi, Sanity, or AppWrite?

The advantage of using such CMS is that you don't need to write backend code, reducing the risk of writing bad code that could negatively impact your business in the future.

Why might a developer choose MongoDB and Express for their website?

Developers might choose MongoDB and Express if they want granular control over their website, especially when using Next.js and need to handle database operations directly.

What is the recommendation regarding the use of NPM packages with Express or Next.js?

It is recommended to be very careful with the NPM packages used, as poorly written or deprecated packages can negatively affect the functionality and performance of the website.

When is it appropriate to use PHP for a website?

PHP is appropriate when creating a website with a form as the only backend requirement, especially if the rest of the site is static or made with tools like Bootstrap, Tailwind, or CSS.

What are the primary considerations when choosing between Python options like FastAPI, Django, and Flask for a website?

The choice depends on the need for granular control, ease of database connection through ORM, and the intensity of database operations or data processing requirements.

Why is Next.js recommended for improving user experience and page load speed?

Next.js is recommended because it simplifies React development, making it easier to create fast-loading pages with good interactivity without the need for frequent page reloads.

What is the stance on using WordPress for a website?

WordPress is recommended for creating blogs or websites focused on content generation, especially when ease of use and a plethora of plugins are beneficial.

What are the considerations for using Vue.js, Angular, or ASP.NET for a new project?

The choice depends on the specific requirements of the project, existing organizational preferences, and the complexity of the application. However, the market preference and ease of use are generally leaning towards React and Next.js.

Why might Django REST framework be a suitable choice for creating APIs?

Django REST framework is suitable for creating Python APIs, especially when the project involves data science and machine learning, and requires CRUD operations with good documentation and syntax similar to Django.

What is the current perspective on using Ruby on Rails for new applications?

Ruby on Rails is still appreciated and updated frequently, but it is considered to be lagging behind in comparison to React, Next.js, and even Angular in terms of popularity and usage for new applications.