Unlocking the Power of JAMstack Sites
When it comes to building websites, there’s a common misconception that static sites are inflexible and fixed. But nothing could be further from the truth. JAMstack sites, made up of prerendered files served statically and progressively enhanced via an API using JavaScript, offer a dynamic and flexible solution for modern web development.
Debunking the Myth of Static Sites
Unlike traditional PHP projects like WordPress, JAMstack sites don’t require an intermediate step to generate HTML files on every browser request. Instead, files are stored as they’re supposed to be rendered on the browser, with JavaScript code calling an API to handle dynamic content. And with serverless functions, we don’t need to create a server in the classical sense.
Handling Dynamic Content and Interactions
So, how do JAMstack sites handle dynamic content and interactions? Let’s dive into some examples.
Loading Data Asynchronously
Imagine searching for Pokémon details by name using the PokéAPI. We can use JavaScript’s asynchronous features, such as callbacks, promises, and async/await, to perform long network requests without blocking the main thread. We’ll create a page that enables users to search for Pokémon details using the Fetch API.
Reading and Writing to a Database
What about reading and writing to a database? We’ll use a database-as-a-service (DBaaS) solution like Fauna to create a small email subscriber app. By uploading or creating the data type we want to store, DBaaS tools automatically generate APIs to carry out CRUD operations on the database.
Adding User Authentication
Finally, let’s examine how user authentication works in JAMstack. We’ll use a third-party service like OAuth, AWS Cognito, or Netlify Identity to implement an authentication system. We’ll also use JSON Web Tokens (JWT) to exchange and verify user information between services.
Putting it all Together
By combining these techniques, we can create dynamic and interactive JAMstack sites that respond to user interactions, store data, handle user authentication, and more. With serverless functions, we can keep private keys private and handle expensive computing tasks from the client side.
Try it Out
Want to see the full demo in action? Head to CodeSandbox to explore the possibilities of JAMstack sites.
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