Blitz.js: A Full-Stack Zero-API JavaScript Framework

Quick Summary: This time, no more headaches to streamline APIs! Because Blitz.js, a revolutionary full-stack JavaScript framework eliminates the need for traditional API’s. Discover how this Zero-API approach can power-up your development process. In this blog, we have uncovered its standout features, X-factor, and practical reasons why it’s the future of modern full-stack development. Let’s dive in!

We know endless API calls and complex setups is a real headache. As we are living in a speed-first web development space that demands efficiency and robust development processes.

Enter Blitz.js - a groundbreaking full-stack JavaScript framework that's changing the game. Just wonder about a space where you can build an entire application without writing a single API route. That's the promise of Blitz.js.

This innovative framework offers a streamlined development experience, combining the power of React for the frontend with a robust backend built on Next.js. By offering a Zero-API data layer and a host of high-caliber features, Blitz.js is poised to become the developer’s new go-to choice for developing high-performance and scalable web apps effortlessly.

So, let’s delve deeper and explore Blitz.js capabilities and how it is making waves in the developer community. Read on!

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What is Blitz.js?

Blitz.js is a React.js full-stack framework for Next.js with a highly scalable architecture, created by Brandon Bayer in 2020. Built on top of Next.js (which in itself is built on top of React.js), Blitz.js is used for web development services. Blitz is a simple method for creating both small and large full-stack applications with many graphical user interfaces.

Blitz.js is similar to Ruby on Rails but for React and JavaScript. Since Blitz.js uses Next.js as a primary language, you get everything to build a full-stack application. It eliminates the usage of REST/GraphQL APIs to build authentication and authorization. In addition, Blitz.js has Prisma 2 for DB migrations and access, as well as a variety of CLI tools for code scaffolding.

Blitz.js is designed to serve as a monolithic basis that covers everything from front-end development to database communication.

Moreover, it works on the “Zero-API” approach to avoid the requirement to create a frontend API layer. Blitz.js lets you write mutations and queries instead of fetching the data from your backend. It automatically generates the front-end API layer once the project is developed. This API can be used by external apps as well. Additionally, it has integrations for several used plugins, like Prettier and ESLint.

Wait! What if you are a Jamstack website developer? What if you don’t want a monolithic solution and need freedom?

Well, here comes Blitz.js - the agnostic monolith.

In a nutshell,

“Blitz.js is a full-stack framework built on top of Next.js that allows you to import server code directly into React components.”

What is Zero-API Data Layer Approach?

Blitz.js is similar to Ruby on Rails, as RoR doesn’t use API. Since it is an all-in-one monolith, you don't need to worry about several deployments for the front-end and back-end development. You can directly access your database from your view templates.

As we know, React is a library used for building user interfaces using the API layer. Built for React apps, Blitz.js eliminates the API layer, making it a Zero-API data layer. It actually abstracts the API into a compilation phase, allowing you to create server-side functions known as Blitz queries and mutations that can be compared to control from Ruby on Rails.

Let’s assume a hook here. So, the queries can be imported into the components and passed directly into a hook. The absence of GraphQL or REST APIs, data fetching, the requirement for REDUX, and the fact that Blitz hooks are built with React Query all combine to produce a very smooth and powerful end-to-end data layer. Again, you don’t have to worry about connecting to an API and making calls.

What Makes Blitz.js Special?

Nowadays, it’s not an easy task to build a full-stack app, even if you hire full-stack developers. It requires a lot of time to invest in several things like database setup, folder structure, setting up the router/pages of the app, setting up the configuration, selecting a styling library, and adding authorization and authentication at last.

All the above things consume a huge amount of time, that too, before even writing a single piece of code.

Blitz.js is bliss for the developer’s community. It’s blazing fast JavaScript framework that makes the development process more productive than ever before. It consists of already configured Jest, TypeScript, login, password reset, Cypress, ESLint, and Prettier. It scaffolds a monolithic, fully-configured, server-side rendered React app with a complete backend.

Key Features of Blitz.js

You can surely make use of Blitz.js for your project, if you hire Blitz.js developers from Radixweb. Moreover, you can also leverage Blitz.js development services.

Here are some of the primary features that make Blitz the amazing JS framework:

Full Stack and Monolithic

Since Blitz has everything from frontend to database, you only have one code base to develop and deploy a web app. Blitz framework manages everything from the backend to the frontend on server or serverless likewise. You also don’t need to assemble different layers across the stack to build an app.

Convention Over Configuration

Blitz framework is suitable for all complex setups. It prefers convention over configuration, which means configuration is optional. Moreover, the Blitz.js framework has a simple architecture and project structure, allowing developers to migrate from one Blitz app to another very easily.

Zero API Data Layer

Blitz.js framework enables you to write functions that execute on the server and import them directly into your React components in your front-end.

Automatic Image Optimization

Blitz framework automatically optimizes images using its built-in image component Image as per request by the user. It offers a lazy loading feature and resizes, optimizes, and serves images in the current WebP format.

Loose Opinions

Blitz has strong opinions. Even when it offers convention, it doesn't enforce it. It is well aware that there are situations where breaking the rules is necessary. For the majority of applications, it presents the ideal path, but it can deviate from it if necessary.

Code Scaffolding

By scaffolding the initial code into your project, Blitz uses code scaffolding to minimize the volume of code. You have complete control over the code and are free to make any changes you want. You can design your code whatever you want. To scaffold the code in your project, Blitz provides you with many blitz generate commands. It is still in its early days, though, and there will be many modifications to it in the upcoming versions.

Experience 2x development speed and faster time-to-market with React development

Seize React.js Potential

Other features offered by Blitz.js:

• Easy to start and scale
• Code splitting
• Database agnostic
• Recipes
• Automatic static optimization
• Server-side rendering
• Built-in CSS Support
• Built-in authentication for session management
• Automatic configuration of Jest for testing
• Built-in support for environment variables
• Advanced backend architecture

Wrapping UpOverall, Blitz.js represents a significant leap forward in full-stack development. By streamlining the development process and enhancing application performance, it offers a compelling value proposition for businesses seeking to build robust, scalable, and user-centric digital experiences. The framework’s ability to eliminate the complexities of traditional API development empowers developers to focus on delivering innovative features and functionalities.As we increasingly witness the convergence of web and mobile app development, Blitz.js, with its powerful capabilities, positions itself as a strategic technology for organizations aiming to excel in this dynamic landscape. To fully leverage the potential of this framework, consider augmenting your team with highly skilled React.js developers who can effectively harness the framework's strengths.If you would you like to explore more about Blitz.js and how it can transform your digital initiatives, feel free to consult our team of experts.