Astro: The Web Framework for Modern Development
Join us as we explore the capabilities of Astro, a powerful and versatile web framework that can streamline your development workflows by providing fantastic DX, options in your development, and a better experience for your client!
by Ryan Furrer
frontend engineer
Who am I?
Ryan Furrer
Frontend Engineer
Located in Islip, NY (on Long Island)
Fun fact: extremely nerdy about music theory
So why am I here?
What is Astro?
Astro is a JavaScript web framework optimized for building fast, content-driven websites.
It emphasizes speed and efficiency with excellent DX and shipping as little client-side JS as possible 🚀
Why Astro?
Instead I prefer to ask, "Why not Astro?"
Why Astro cont.
Astro also has a cute little mascot named Houston. How can you resist a framework with that little guy?
Astro also has an IDE theme named "Houston" which you'll see later on.
But seriously, Astro is quick, easy to work with, and flexible.
Key Features of Astro
1
Server-Side Rendering (SSR)
Astro will pre-render your pages on the server as static HTML, improving initial load time.
2
Server Islands
It allows you to isolate interactive components, keeping your site fast while still providing dynamic functionality and using the framework of your choice.
3
Zero JavaScript on the First Load*
Astro loads only necessary JavaScript, making your website extremely fast.
*JavaScript can load on first load if you tell it to
4
Amazing DX
In my opinion, and others, Astro's developer experience (DX) is unparalleled. From a killer CLI, to amazing docs, and an Astro extension to increase support in your IDE, there is so much to like.
In fact, their CLI is so good they made it into a separate project that anyone can use; Clack.cc
Content Collections
Content Collections let you define a collection from a set of similar data to use elsewhere in your project.
Content Layer API
As of Astro 5.0, we have the Content Layer API which allows us to pull in data from various places and display them on your site in a uniform fashion.
TypeScript Configs
With the power of TypeScript and Zod, we can ensure that all data matches what it should be; especially important when using outside data with the Content Layer API.
Simplified Development
Content Collections offer all the tools you'll need to query, filter, and generate routes from your content.
Content Layer API
Source: astro.build
Content Layer API cont.
Astro vs. Other Popular Frameworks
Astro
Focuses on performance and simplicity. Ideal for mainly static websites that have some dynamic properties.
React, Next, Vue, Angular
More complex frameworks with a focus on interactivity. Most likely overkill for simple projects; especially Next.
Use Cases for Astro
Long story short, anything and everything!
Blogs & Portfolios
Create beautiful and fast websites with a focus on content.
Marketing Websites
Build interactive landing pages and lead capture forms.
E-commerce Stores
Create efficient and user-friendly online stores.
Web Applications
Develop complex applications with interactive components.
Astro in Action: Examples
1
A simple blog website with fast load times.
2
A beautiful and functional online store built with Astro.
3
An engaging landing page built with interactive components.
Astro Integration with Other Technologies
1
Databases
Connect to databases using Astro's data fetching capabilities.
2
APIs
Integrate with external APIs to fetch and display dynamic data.
3
Analytics Tools
Track website performance and user engagement.
Let's look at what integrations Astro has to offer: https://docs.astro.build/en/getting-started/
Getting started with Astro
It's as simple as:
npm create astro@latest
Before we dive into code…
I'd love to connect with you!
Ryan Furrer
Frontend Engineer
X/Twitter: @ryandotfurrer​
Bluesky: ​@ryandotfurrer.bsky.social​
LinkedIn: @ryanfurrer
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