JavaScript is Dead, Long Live JavaScript

For years, the web development industry has been swinging between two ends of a spectrum: server-side rendering (SSR) and client-side rendering (CSR). We started with server-rendered pages, then embraced JavaScript-heavy single-page applications (SPAs), and now the pendulum is swinging back—this time, with a smarter, more efficient approach.

At zu, we use the right tools for the job. That’s why we’re leaning into modern server-rendered architectures powered by tools like HTMX and Turbo. These tools allow us to build rich, interactive experiences without the performance pitfalls and complexity of traditional front-end frameworks. The result? Faster, more maintainable websites and web applications that deliver a better user experience.

A Brief History of Web Development Trends

The Early Web (Pre-2000s)

Everything was server-rendered. A user clicked a link, the web browser made a request to the server, and the server responded with a full HTML page, which the browser then rendered. This was simple and effective but not always efficient as we were often re-rendering much of the same HTML.

AJAX and Dynamic Pages (2000s)

JavaScript enabled dynamic updates without fully refreshing the page, making websites feel more interactive. A user could click a link, the web browser would make a request, and the server responded with XML, which the browser would then translate into HTML elements to render without reloading the whole page. Websites now felt closer to traditional desktop applications.

The Rise of SPAs (2010s)

As this technique grew more popular, frameworks like Angular, React, and Vue fully took over some websites, loading a minimal HTML shell and fetching components dynamically - now returned as JSON - via multiple calls to the server. This provided fluid user experiences but at the cost of performance, complexity, and SEO challenges. You now had to handle routing on both the back and front end, write an API to bridge the two ends, and handle state management client side.

The Rebirth of Server-Side Rendering (Today):

Tools like HTMX and Turbo popped up which use the same underlying technique but instead encouraged the server to return HTML again. They also abstracted away the JavaScript, allowing the HTML elements to trigger the calls directly and swap in the new HTML snippet without developers having to write API calls, handle the responses (and potential errors), and translate those to HTML elements. You can now write a performant dynamic web application or website without writing any JavaScript!

We have returned to where we began, but with more knowledge and better techniques to enable better experiences for our users.

Why We’re Moving Away from Traditional SPAs

Performance Matters More Than Ever

Modern web users expect instant load times. The problem with traditional SPAs is that they require large JavaScript bundles to be downloaded, parsed, and executed before a page becomes interactive. With SSR-based approaches like HTMX and Turbo, we deliver meaningful content instantly, with minimal JavaScript overhead.

SEO and Accessibility Benefits

Search engines and assistive technologies thrive on server-rendered content. While SPAs often struggle with indexing and accessibility, SSR ensures that content is immediately available and readable by both search bots and screen readers.

Lower Complexity, Fewer Moving Parts

Maintaining a heavy JavaScript front end requires API endpoints, state management, hydration logic, and more. By relying on SSR-enhanced solutions, we can build interactive applications while keeping the architecture simple and maintainable.

Less JavaScript, More Productivity

The best JavaScript is the JavaScript you don’t have to write. With tools like HTMX and Turbo, we can progressively enhance our applications using familiar HTML attributes instead of sprawling JavaScript codebases. This means less time debugging state management issues and more time delivering value to our clients.

The Future: A Balanced Approach

JavaScript is not disappearing—it’s evolving. Instead of bloated client-side frameworks, the future lies in leveraging server-side rendering with lightweight JavaScript enhancements. This approach provides the interactivity users expect while keeping performance, maintainability, and scalability in check.

At zu, we’re embracing this shift, crafting modern applications that balance efficiency and user experience. If you’re looking for a web solution that’s fast, scalable, and built for the future—let’s talk.

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