I'm an experienced programmer looking to expand my skills into web development. I've got a background in various languages like C++, Python, and HTML/CSS, and I've worked as an embedded programmer for a couple of years. Recently, I completed a course in C# that included some web development with Blazor. Now, I want to learn how to create websites for my hobby projects, with the potential for commercial use in the future.
Here's what I'm looking for:
- I need free IDEs and languages that allow commercial use.
- I prefer open-source tools and want to avoid big tech companies like Google and Microsoft.
- I would like widely used frameworks, as I want my skills to be relevant and valuable.
- I want tools that feel lightweight and are not overly complicated, as I've had frustrating experiences with bloated IDEs.
- It's important that I don't completely abstract away JavaScript or TypeScript since I want to strengthen my knowledge in those areas for better debugging.
My first project is a simple static website, but the second will be more complex with data displays and user inputs. I know not every request will be met, but I'd appreciate any insight or recommendations!
4 Answers
If you're looking for something really lean, I found Razor Pages to be surprisingly simple compared to React. However, you'll need to navigate the Microsoft ecosystem, which might clash with your desire to avoid big tech. Starting with a template can help you structure your design and flow better, so maybe check those out!
For backend and serving dynamic content, Flask is a super lightweight Python framework that leaves a lot of choices up to you, which gives it a lean feel. For static websites, consider using Jekyll or 11ty. Both are popular and easy to use! If you're coming from a Java background, Spring Boot might also be something to explore but it can be more complex.
If you're after something really simple and not tied to any big corporations, definitely look into Jspreadsheet CE. It’s a lightweight, open-source JavaScript data grid that works really well with various frameworks or even plain HTML and JS. It can be particularly useful for your second project with complex data displays. No bloat, and retains full control over your code!
You might want to consider Next.js as a starting point; it's a frontend framework built on React, which is also open source. There are tons of resources available for it, so you won't be short on help if you get stuck. If you're looking for something a bit different, Tanstack Start is also a great option. It’s open source and well-crafted, and it’s gaining popularity fast for its developer experience. There’s plenty of community support for both!
Absolutely! Starting with JavaScript basics is a smart move; it'll make understanding React and Next.js much easier.
Thanks for the suggestion! Just to clarify, is it better to tackle learning JavaScript first before diving into React and Next.js? How should I structure my learning?