Web Development Without the Fluff

When I first started my career in web development, most of my work was built with plain HTML, JavaScript and CSS, with the occasional use of Sass if I was lucky. Then came React, which quickly became the go-to solution for building web applications. It introduced a whole new way of thinking, with components, state management, and a rich ecosystem of libraries. While powerful, it also brought added complexity that made even simple projects feel heavier than they needed to be.

React introduced a fresh take on developer experience, making UI development feel more intuitive with its component-based architecture and declarative approach. It changed the way developers thought about building interfaces, offering a smoother, more organised workflow. But while React improved the developer experience in many ways, it wasn’t without its downsides. Even with its streamlined approach, React projects often require more code and boilerplate than expected, turning simple tasks into more involved processes. For all its strengths, React can still feel heavier than necessary for straightforward websites.

React’s influence didn’t stop with itself. In the years that followed, a wave of new frameworks emerged, each building on React’s core ideas while attempting to improve on its shortcomings. Tools like Next.js streamlined server-side rendering and routing, while Remix focused on optimising data loading and user experience. Meanwhile, frameworks like Svelte and Solid took a different approach, rethinking the way components are written altogether. While each of these tools brought valuable innovations, they still carried much of the complexity that had become common in modern web development.

That's where Astro comes in. Unlike other frameworks, Astro takes a different approach by prioritising simplicity and performance above all else. It embraces the familiar feel of writing plain HTML, CSS, and JavaScript while offering the flexibility to bring in components from frameworks like React, Vue, or Svelte when needed. What sets Astro apart is its ability to ship zero JavaScript by default, ensuring websites remain fast and lightweight without sacrificing modern development practices.

One of Astro’s standout features is its island architecture, a concept that balances interactivity with performance. Instead of sending JavaScript for the entire page, Astro renders static HTML by default and only hydrates individual components, or "islands," that require interactivity. This means essential content loads instantly while dynamic elements like carousels, search bars, or forms are activated only when needed. This approach drastically reduces the amount of JavaScript shipped to the browser, improving load times and overall performance. The idea has proven so effective that other frameworks including Next.js and Qwik have started adopting similar techniques to improve their own performance strategies.

Astro’s “zero lock-in” approach is another feature that sets it apart. Rather than forcing developers to commit to a single framework, Astro allows you to seamlessly use components from React, Vue, Svelte and more within the same project. What makes this even better is that the JavaScript for these components is only loaded when they are needed. While this flexibility is powerful, it does introduce some added complexity when managing state across frameworks, which developers should be mindful of when combining different technologies.

Astro’s flexibility extends beyond static content. While Astro is designed primarily for content-driven sites such as blogs, marketing pages, and e-commerce storefronts where performance and static rendering are key, it also includes support for server-side rendering (SSR). This makes Astro a viable option for projects requiring dynamic behaviour, though it may still be less suited for highly interactive applications that rely heavily on client-side rendering and real-time updates.

Astro’s focus on performance and flexibility has quickly gained attention, with several major companies adopting it for their websites. Brands like IKEA, The Guardian, and Netlify have embraced Astro to deliver faster, more efficient web experiences. Its ability to reduce JavaScript overhead while maintaining a modern development experience has made it particularly appealing for content-heavy websites and e-commerce platforms. As businesses continue to prioritise speed and user experience, Astro’s growing adoption is a clear sign that developers are recognising its value. While Astro offers a powerful solution for building fast and efficient websites, it is not the right choice for every project. Astro is designed primarily for content-driven sites such as blogs, marketing pages, and e-commerce storefronts where performance and static rendering are key. For highly interactive web applications that rely heavily on client-side rendering and real-time updates, a framework like React, Vue, or Svelte may be a better fit. Astro’s approach of shipping minimal JavaScript by default can sometimes add extra complexity if your project demands dynamic behaviour across the entire site. Choosing the right tool ultimately depends on the specific needs of your project.

At Mereo Studios, we believe in choosing the right tools to deliver the best results for our clients. With its focus on performance, simplicity, and flexibility, Astro has proven to be an excellent choice for building fast and effective websites. While we will still turn to other frameworks when projects demand complex interactivity, Astro will be our go-to solution for content-focused websites, marketing pages, and online stores. By adopting Astro wherever possible, we can ensure our clients get sites that are not only beautifully designed but also fast, efficient, and easy to maintain.