Considering today’s complex frontend landscape, which challenges can be addressed solely with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript? Are there specific pitfalls to watch out for when avoiding UI frameworks?
Using just HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is a double-edged sword. In smaller projects or learning scenarios, it forces you to think through every detail of your interface and keeps you grounded in the fundamentals. I noticed that when I developed a mid-sized project, it required meticulous event management and careful structuring of the code to avoid messy patterns as features grew. There is no automation for data binding or component reusability, so you have to build these systems from scratch. While this approach offers total control, it demands rigorous planning and disciplined coding practices to ensure maintainability and scalability.
Relying entirely on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript requires a deep understanding of the underlying mechanisms that UI frameworks typically abstract away. In my experience, using these basics forces rigorous planning, especially when handling complex interactions and ensuring code consistency. Developing modular applications without the ready-to-use patterns offered by frameworks can lead to repetitive code and increased debugging time. Nonetheless, for refined projects with clear requirements, working directly with these technologies encourages clarity and optimal resource usage. Careful structuring and early testing are essential to mitigate issues as the project evolves.
My experience with reverting to basic HTML, CSS, and JavaScript has been mixed. On one hand, using native languages helps to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamentals and can be more efficient for small-scale or static projects. But on the other hand, when I worked on more dynamic interfaces, I encountered issues related to state management and event handling that are typically streamlined by UI frameworks. Without those shortcuts, the development process can become lengthy and error-prone, especially in terms of cross-browser compatibility and maintenance.
In my personal projects, I have found that reverting completely to basic HTML, CSS, and JavaScript can simplify early stages of development, particularly when dealing with small interactive elements or learning new techniques. However, as complexity grows, issues with code scalability and maintainability become apparent without the assistance of libraries or frameworks that manage these aspects efficiently. The absence of structured components might result in less modular code. Balancing a foundational approach with occasional selective use of modern tools can be a pragmatic strategy.
i tried pure html, css & js on a side project. its cool for simple pages but gets messy fast on interactive parts. you gain control but maintenance becoms an issue if you scale too much