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Why Gumroad Didn't Choose Htmx (htmx.org)

440 points by rmason · 673 days ago · 212 comments on HN

Article summary

Gumroad's CEO shares their experience with using htmx for a project, but ultimately decided to switch to React and Next.js due to limitations in scalability, user experience, and developer intuition. The article highlights the challenges they faced with htmx, including implementing complex interactions and state management. Despite this, the CEO acknowledges that htmx may be a good fit for simpler projects or those with existing server-rendered applications. The decision to switch was based on the specific needs of their project, which required a more complex and dynamic user interface.

Main themes

  • htmx limitations
  • React and Next.js comparison
  • scalability and performance
  • developer experience
  • user interface complexity
  • technology choice

What commenters say

  • HTMX can be a good tool for building simple and lightweight applications, but may not be suitable for more complex projects.
  • The React ecosystem offers a more comprehensive set of tools and libraries for building complex user interfaces.
  • HTMX's server-centric approach can make it difficult to implement certain features, such as drag-and-drop functionality, without workarounds.
  • The choice between HTMX and other technologies, such as React and Next.js, depends on the specific needs and requirements of the project.
  • Some commenters disagree with the decision to switch from HTMX to React and Next.js, citing the potential for HTMX to be used in conjunction with other libraries to achieve the desired functionality.
  • The HTMX project is praised for its willingness to acknowledge and address its limitations, and for providing resources to help developers decide when to use the technology.
  • The article's discussion of HTMX's limitations is seen as a valuable contribution to the conversation around technology choice and the importance of considering the trade-offs of different approaches.
  • Some commenters appreciate the honesty and transparency of the article, and see it as a refreshing change from the typical promotional tone of technology discussions.