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I built the same app with 5 different stacks

Explore the strengths and weaknesses of Ruby on Rails, Elixir, Go, T3, and Next.js as we build the same app using each stack.

Theo - t3․ggTheo - t3․ggNovember 16, 2024

This article was AI-generated based on this episode

What are the key features of Ruby on Rails?

Ruby on Rails offers a robust framework for app development. Its key feature lies in the use of the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture which separates the data, user interface, and control logic, enhancing modularity and maintainability.

Advantages:

  • Speed: Rails can fly, delivering faster responses than expected. Especially noticeable even on free-tier hosting.

  • Developer-friendly Errors: Helpful error messages pinpoint the exact line of code, simplifying debugging.

  • Comprehensive Toolset: Out-of-the-box features like mailers, jobs, and templates are included, aiding quick project setup.

Disadvantages:

  • Setup Complexity: The initial setup can be overwhelming due to the sheer number of files and configurations involved.

  • Old Documentation: Prolific history leads to outdated resources that may not align with modern practices.

  • Codebase Bloat: The prevalence of tiny, template-generated files can create frustration during navigation and modification.

In comparison to other frameworks like Laravel, Rails provides a sturdy but rigid environment that some developers find cumbersome.

How does Elixir + Phoenix enhance app performance?

The combination of Elixir and the Phoenix framework significantly enhances app performance, leveraging both functional programming and efficient WebSocket connections through Phoenix's LiveView.

LiveView creates a persistent WebSocket connection, allowing seamless real-time updates without the need for full-page reloads. By sending only the necessary diffs, it ensures snappy performance even during rapid user interactions.

Elixir, known for its powerful functional programming model, enhances reliability and efficiency. Its concurrent programming capabilities help in maintaining high performance, critical for real-time applications.

However, setting up Elixir + Phoenix can pose challenges. Outdated setup documentation and difficulties in seeding production environments demand extra attention. Developers often need workarounds for seeding data, especially without clear production guidelines.

Despite these hurdles, the benefits of using Elixir with Phoenix are evident. By optimizing server-client communications and embracing functional paradigms, these technologies deliver unmatched performance for modern applications.

Why choose Go with GraphQL for your backend?

Pairing Go with GraphQL can offer substantial benefits for backend development. Here's why:

  • Type Definitions: Go requires explicit type definitions, promoting rigorous structure and reducing runtime errors.

  • Enhanced Developer Experience: Backend developers enjoy the interactive GraphQL Studio, which facilitates building and testing queries with immediate feedback.

  • Separation of Frontend and Backend: This stack supports a clear division between frontend and backend. It allows different teams to work independently, leading to a more modular development process. Frontend developers can experiment freely with Relay or React Query, while the backend remains stable.

While the setup can be complex, the structured nature of Go and the powerful querying capabilities of GraphQL create a dynamic combination. The dual emphasis on precision and flexibility makes it a relevant choice for complex applications, especially when dealing with efficient data delivery and maintenance of scalable systems.

What makes the T3 stack unique?

The T3 stack is an exciting blend of modern technologies that accelerates app development. At its core, it uses tRPC and Prisma, providing a seamless developer experience with full-stack type safety. With tRPC, you get the comfort of knowing that your type validations traverse both server and client without extra configuration. Prisma, on the other hand, ensures efficient database management with its schema-driven approach.

Working with the T3 stack, especially in the pages router of Next.js, does come with hurdles, notably managing layouts. Unlike TanStack Start's streamlined development experience, chaining layouts in the Next.js pages router isn't straightforward, often requiring cumbersome workarounds like custom get layout functions.

These challenges are outweighed by the power of creating cohesive applications where backend and frontend share the same type definitions. This harmony reduces bugs and speeds up development. For developers fond of JavaScript and TypeScript, the T3 stack offers an engaging and productive environment.

How do Next.js server components improve app development?

Next.js server components revolutionize app development by boosting performance and simplifying code structures. These components run on the server, reducing client-side JavaScript load. This leads to faster page loads, enhancing user experience significantly.

Performance is paramount, and server components shine by eliminating unnecessary client-side code. By handling data fetching on the server, they deliver only the essential content to the client, minimizing load times.

Caching is another strong point. Next.js allows intelligent caching strategies, ensuring your app serves the latest content quickly. This approach not only enhances performance but also optimizes server resources.

A simpler codebase is a welcome relief for developers. The ability to execute server-side logic seamlessly within the same component structure reduces complexity. This unified approach minimizes context switches and code duplication, making the development process smoother.

For those interested in full-stack development, check out how Next.js integrates backend functionalities effortlessly to offer a streamlined workflow. These advancements, coupled with Next.js 15's enhanced dev tools, position Next.js as a top choice for modern web applications.

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