If you are a developer, then definitely, “JAMstack” is not a new word. You have heard or might be used this technology stack several times. For others or beginners, let’s have a look at the concept of JAMstack Web Development. What is JAMstack? Any programming tools or programming languages? No, JAMstack neither an instrument nor a programming language. It’s more than a web development practice that allows web developers to have better performance, high security, faster deployment, etc. by following the JAMstack method. Let’s dive into the JAMstack concept deeper.
In JAMstack
JAM is an acronym for “JavaScript”, “APIs”, and “Markup”. JAMstack is a modern pattern of the architecture of web development based on client-side JavaScript, reusable APIs, and prebuilt Markup.
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Is JAMstack the future?
JAMstack is the collaboration of the evolving technologies for the development of websites and apps. JAMstack stands for JavaScript, APIs, and Markup.
What does a headless CMS mean?
Headless Content Management System or headless CMS, a CMS that is developed only for back-end development. These headless CMS are similar to the concept of accessing the body without having the head. In Headless CMS, the content is accessible with the help of the Restful APIs.
What is the CMS API?
An API-based CMS is known as CMS API or headless CMS. It is a new approach for content management. The examples of API-based CMS are Cloud CMS, Butter CMS, etc.
JAMstack vs. Traditional Tech Stacks
If we talk about the traditional tech stacks, then JAMstack is entirely different from them. The traditional tech stack means the collection of technologies that help deliver better websites, apps, services, etc. Traditional technology stacks examples:
LAMP: Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP
MEAN: MongoDB, Express, Angular, Node
MERN: MongoDB, Express, React, Node
How is JAMstack different from traditional tech stacks? The primary difference in both is that JAM‘s every letter refers to layers instead of a single technology.
J – JavaScript – responsible for assembling the site
A – APIs – pull data from a variety of sources
M – Markup – How each page will look?
The common JAMstack examples are Gatsby and Gridsome, these two based on the JAMstack implementations.
JAMstack vs. Traditional Tech Stacks (Workflow)
How Traditional Tech Stacks work?
Step 1: Coupling of Building and Hosting
Step 2: Whenever a user requests a page, it initializes the file processing of a file and serves the series of interactions with a database, backend code, server, browser, etc.
Step 3: FTP pushes the Code updates to Production servers.
Step 4: Traditional CMS is used to push the content updates.
How JAMstack works?
Step 1: Decoupling of Building and Hosting
Step 2: Whenever a user requests a page, and already complied file is directly served to a browser from a CDN.
Step 3: Git is used to pushing the Code Updates, and the site gets re-built entirely via static site generators.
Step 4: Content updates are also pushed via Git or a static site CMS.
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Features of JAMstack Web Development:
High Performance
JAMstack is known for its better performance features. In JAMstack, the files are prebuilt and pre-loaded to the CDN (Content Delivery Network). What’s more, you can reduce the Time to Interactive and Time to First Byte Impressions by applying fast loading techniques including code-splitting, route-based chunking, tree shaking, etc.
High-end Security
The use of reusable and third-party API’s reduces the server and database area vulnerabilities. So, the JAMstack web development approach is secure as compared to traditional tech stacks.
Scalability
Scaling apps is not an easy task. But, with JAMstack web development, the scaling is much easier. Since the interaction of reusable APIs is over, the HTTPS is stateless; therefore, scaling is possible through CDN.
Better Developer Experience
JAMstack is a flexible web development approach, so it provides a lot of freedom to choose the development tools. The features like loose coupling and separation of controls etc. provide a better developer experience.
SEO-friendly
In JAMstack web development, it provides an immense number of opportunities for good SEO results due to the static nature.
Cheapest Approach
The hosting in JAMstack web development is quite inexpensive, or free(sometimes). Running a JAMstack website costs lower than the traditional tech stacks.
No need for Back-end Infrastructure
With JAMstack, you can set up your server or run a function as Function-as-a-service(FaaS) platform. So, it requires no backend infrastructure; thus, it saves cost, time, and effort.
Best Practices for JAMstack Web Development
Content through CDN
As we all know, JAMstack code doesn’t rely on the server-side instead of using the single; it is distributed. As it sends the data directly from CDN, thus it provides speed and performance as per the user experience.
Simplified the Process via Git
As everything lives in a Git in JAMstack, it has made the process simple and more accessible. No database clones and complicated installation processes are needed.
Usage of Modern Build Tools
In JAMstack, the code is distributed to multiple clients. So, you can automate the process using modern build tools, from code pushes to deployment.
Atomic Deploys
JAMstack includes large scale projects, and every change requires the re-deploying process, which creates inconsistency if the process disconnects in-between. So, to avoid such situations, you can use the feature of “atomic deploys” that disallows further changes until the entire process of deployment finished.
Cache Invalidation
You can use the Netlify feature to ensure the cache invalidation via CDN. These JAMStack best practices ensure the continuous progress of web development.
JAMstack Examples
Freecodecamp.org, web.dev, etc.
How do I get started with JAMstack web development?
Here are some of the best and already built technologies to develop JAMstack applications and websites in a short period:
Gatsby
Gatsby is a React-based, free, open-source framework that is used to create super-fast websites and apps.
Nuxt JS
Nuxt JS is a free and open-source Vue JS based application framework to make web development simple and powerful. Nuxt JS can be used to develop single-page applications, progressive web apps, desktop apps, etc.
Svelte
Svelte is a modern technique of creating an interactive user interface. Unlike the traditional framework like React and Vue, it transfers the work in the compile stage during the app build.
Hugo
Hugo is one of the powerful as well as the fastest framework for the development of websites. It is an excellent open-source static site generator that provides fantastic speed and flexibility.
Netlify CMS
Maintain the Git workflow with the Netlify CMS, an open-source content management system. You can use Netlify with any static site generator for faster performance and flexibility.
Contentful
Enhance collaboration and ensure faster deployment of the project with a smarter and seamless content management system, Contentful.
Final Thoughts
No doubt, JAMstack is a unique and best approach for the development of websites and apps, as compared to the traditional tech stacks like LAMP, MEAN, etc. JAMstack is consists of layers of technologies, unlike traditional tech stacks. The development of the large scale project with JAMstack ensures better performance, faster deployment, scalability, security, and smoothness. If you are looking for web development services, then you can hire web developer from Tekki Web Solutions Inc.
Read More: Best Technology Stack for Web Application Development