JUST USE HTML

This video discusses an article that vehemently argues for using plain HTML over complex JavaScript frameworks for web development. The speaker reads sections of the article and provides commentary, agreeing with the core sentiment of simplicity and criticizing the over-engineering prevalent in modern web development.

The Argument for Plain HTML #

• Modern web development is overly complicated, requiring megabytes of JavaScript for simple tasks.
• HTML is fast, reliable, and doesn't break easily.
• The simplicity of HTML is often overlooked in favor of bloated frameworks.

Critique of Modern Web Development Practices #

• Examples are given of developers spending hours on complex framework solutions for simple problems that could be solved with basic JavaScript loops.
• The concept of "architecture astronauts" who overcomplicate solutions is criticized.
• Modern frameworks are seen as unnecessary overhead and are compared to using expensive, fancy tools for simple tasks.
• The term "hydration errors" in modern frameworks is mocked.
• "Tree shaking" is presented as an unnecessary and confusing concept.

HTML's Strengths #

• HTML is widely known and understood by everyone.
• HTML is reliable and doesn't require constant support or patches.
• Deploying HTML is simple and straightforward.
• HTML provides basic styling and structure capabilities.
• HTML offers built-in interactivity features like expandable sections and forms without needing JavaScript frameworks.
• HTML even helps JavaScript by automatically creating variables from element IDs.

Critique of JavaScript Frameworks #

• Frameworks are described as bloated, over-engineered, and often obsolete quickly.
• Frameworks require complex build processes and dependencies.
• Frameworks are seen as unnecessary for many common web development tasks.
• AI is capable of generating HTML quickly, further questioning the need for complex frameworks.

Counter-Argument and Speaker's Commentary #

• The common counter-argument "Why not just write assembly then?" is acknowledged and dismissed as unhelpful.
• The speaker agrees with the article's overall message of simplicity in web development.
• The speaker notes that the article's author is clearly frustrated with the current state of web development, possibly due to experiences with frameworks like React.
• The speaker humorously reads the passionate and often expletive-filled claims from the article.
• The speaker finds humor in the article's over-the-top praise for HTML.
• A lightweight error tracker is humorously advertised within the context of the discussion as a necessary tool even for simple sites.
• The speaker also mentions HTMX as a good approach that aligns with the sentiment of using less JavaScript.

Miscellaneous Points #

• The speaker mentions attempting to use fewer swear words recently but makes an exception for reading the article.
• The speaker confirms that adding an ID to an HTML element creates a global variable in JavaScript, a feature they had forgotten.
• The speaker jokes about creating Time Cube-like sites and needing a new job.
• A random question about VB being bad is mentioned briefly.
• The speaker mentions their woman going to Puerto Rico for three weeks and the implications of a "bachelor lifestyle."