I was just commenting to someone yesterday how it's a testament to how refined this is that he's been working hard for over 2 years to produce such a small amount of code. I can only imagine how many variations he's gone through in order to get to what we see today - a refined, simple, easy, powerful way to do SSR-driven declarative interactivity, etc
And if that isn't enough, he's also on the cusp on releasing a web component framework that puts Lit to shame, AND a css framework that looks equally impressive.
He takes some getting used to, but the guy is a genius and is enormously generous with his time and deep knowledge.
I really do hope that d* gains more traction - the web could be such a better place, just at a time when native apps are literally under assault and censure by app stores and autocratic governments.
> it's a testament to how refined this is that he's been working hard for over 2 years to produce such a small amount of code.
In the words of some famous people:
> Simplicity is a great virtue but it requires hard work to achieve it and education to appreciate it. And to make matters worse: complexity sells better.
> Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.
I think Delaney definitely follows these principles, which is refreshing to see in modern web development. The author of htmx, Carson Gross, also deserves a mention.
> And if that isn't enough, he's also on the cusp on releasing a web component framework that puts Lit to shame, AND a css framework that looks equally impressive.
Ah, I wasn't aware of that. I'll keep an eye out for those. I see they're also opposed to Tailwind, which is an absolute abomination IMO. I don't have experience with Lit, but it seemed like a nice abstraction over core Web Components, which feel like a half-baked solution.
Ideally, I want these things to be part of core web technologies, and for web developers to not need to rely on 3rd-party frameworks. Web browsers should be better. Web servers should be better. The entire web development and user experience should be simpler, more secure, robust, etc. But given that large corporations dictate what that experience is like, I'm glad that we have fresh thinking from people who are not already engrained in this system. While the ecosystem catches up, I would use anything they produce, or build my own[1], over using established and popular technologies any day of the week.
[1]: https://github.com/hackfixme/miu
Yeah, i'm a big fan of his/theirs.
> Ideally, I want these things to be part of core web technologies, and for web developers to not need to rely on 3rd-party frameworks.
This seems to be his prime directive. Everything is standards-based. Moreover, if Datastar evolves at all in the future, it'll probably be because the web has improved and made parts of it redundant.
To clarify, he's a big fan of tailwind as well. But thinks that it is solving a problem that doesnt really exist anymore due to modern css. Im excited to see it, because i also think Tailwind is an abomination.
You can read more about stellar css and rocket web components in their respective channels in their discord https://discord.gg/bnRNgZjgPh There's some VERY cool sneak peeks there. You seem like the sort that would fit in very well there
(ps, stellar and rocket are used on their website already. Just read source to look at it)
299usd is simply unaffordable for a lot of people though.
Hey, I'm curious about the web component framework and css framework you mentioned. I was unable to find info about it, could you link me?
THeres not much on the site yet, as he's still baking it. https://data-star.dev/reference/datastar_pro#stellar-css
But theres rocket and stellar channels in their discord where there's sneak peeks. VERY cool stuff https://discord.gg/bnRNgZjgPh
Too bad it will only be available as a Pro feature. I’m not against supporting hard work by any means but framing it as an alternative to free options set me up for a bit of disappointment. But I agree with everything else you said that this seems very impressive.
Sorry, I had no intention to frame it as being free. Fair point though.
Do check it all out though - it's a breath of fresh air.
No worries. I really dig all of this and think D* is a great product. Looking forward to seeing what else comes out.