A growing movement among developers is challenging the complexity of modern web development by returning to simpler approaches. This shift involves abandoning elaborate frontend frameworks and build systems in favor of basic HTML, CSS, and JavaScript - much like web development in the late 2000s.
The discussion began with a developer's experience building a simple ranking system using older, proven technologies. Instead of modern React-based stacks, they chose Ruby's Sinatra framework, SQLite database, and server-side rendering. The result was a fast, lightweight application that rekindled their passion for programming.
The Performance Benefits of Going Simple
Modern browsers have evolved significantly, making many complex build systems unnecessary for basic applications. Developers are finding that simple server-side rendering can feel instant when the backend is fast enough. This approach eliminates the overhead of JavaScript frameworks while delivering excellent user experience.
The performance difference is striking when compared to modern websites. Simple sites load quickly and respond immediately, while many contemporary applications struggle with bloated JavaScript bundles that can crash browsers on older devices.
Technology Stack Comparison
Simple Approach (2007-era):
- Backend: Ruby Sinatra framework
- Database: SQLite
- Frontend: Plain HTML forms and server-side rendering
- Deployment: rsync to VPS
- Total network traffic: Under 200KB per page
Modern Approach (2020s):
- Backend: Node.js/React with complex build systems
- Database: Multiple services and APIs
- Frontend: JavaScript frameworks with npm dependencies
- Deployment: Kubernetes/containerization
- Network traffic: Often several megabytes per page
Community Enthusiasm for Minimalist Approaches
The developer community has responded enthusiastically to this back-to-basics approach. Many programmers report rediscovering the joy of coding when freed from complex toolchains and build processes. The ability to quickly iterate and experiment without wrestling with configuration files has proven liberating.
You can do state management easily enough with variables and a rerender function. React et al give you granular DOM updates for performance, but for a simple app it doesn't really matter.
This sentiment reflects a broader realization that many applications don't require the complexity that modern frameworks bring. Simple form submissions, basic interactivity, and straightforward data display can be handled effectively with vanilla technologies.
When Modern Frameworks Still Make Sense
However, the discussion also acknowledges limitations of the simple approach. Complex applications with extensive user interactions, real-time collaboration features, or sophisticated state management may still benefit from modern frameworks. The key insight is matching tool complexity to project requirements rather than defaulting to the latest technologies.
Some developers noted that frameworks become valuable when coordinating large teams working on the same codebase. The structure and conventions they provide help maintain consistency across multiple contributors, even if they're unnecessary for solo projects.
The Broader Implications for Startups and Small Projects
This trend has particular relevance for startups and small projects that often over-engineer their initial solutions. Many successful applications could be built more quickly and maintained more easily using simpler technologies. The reduced complexity also means lower hosting costs and easier deployment processes.
The movement represents more than just nostalgia - it's a practical response to the growing complexity of web development tooling. As computers have become more powerful and internet connections faster, the performance optimizations that drove framework adoption may be less critical than previously assumed.
The resurgence of simple web development approaches suggests that the industry may be ready to question whether complexity always equals progress. For many projects, the path forward might actually involve looking backward to rediscover the fundamentals that made web development accessible and enjoyable in the first place.
Reference: The Dumbest Thing I Could Do