Talk

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Time Leaf is a server side Java template engine that uses natural templates to generate HTML pages. It can be used to quickly and easily generate HTML pages with the help of HTMX. HTMX can be used to enhance the functionality of Time Leaf. It is a JavaScript library that helps to write less JavaScript and allows HTML attributes to be added to any HTML tag. It can be used with various back-end languages and frameworks. The talk included demos of both Time Leaf and HTMX to demonstrate what can be done. An example of how a controller works with Spring Boot and Timely was given, as well as an example of an active search feature which will add search results to a table as the user types in the search box. The talk also covered some terminology related to Single Page Applications (SPAs) and Multi-Page Applications (MPAs). MBA stands for Multi-Page Application, now also known as Classic Server Side Rendering. This means that the server generates full HTML pages which are sent to the client and rendered there. Benefits of using a multi-page application include not needing JavaScript to display the page, no dependency on the clients capabilities, the ability to use any technology that renders HTML, better search engine optimization, and deep linkable by default. A drawback is that a base change needs a round trip to the server and caching needs to be mimicked if using a single page application. Page size is an important factor when deciding between a single page application and a multi-page application. Single page applications have a bigger upfront cost, but if communication is done using Json, the page size will be smaller than re-rendering the full page each time. It can be easier to have a coherent team with server-side rendering, but it may be beneficial to not split on technological boundaries. Page reloads can be beneficial for UX if they are quick and bookmarkable, and help with troubleshooting. Rich dynamic behavior can be achieved without sacrificing page size. Thoughtworks technology Raider recently suggested that using single page applications should be put on hold and only used if the business needs justify it. There are a few libraries popping up now to help with this, such as Unpoli, Hot Wire and HDMX. This talk discussed the use of HTML and HTMX as a way to create faster search results and initialize JavaScript components on a page. By understanding the benefits and drawbacks of single page and multi-page applications, as well as the importance of page size, developers can make informed decisions about which technology to use for their project. The speaker concluded by thanking everyone and wishing them a pleasant rest of the conference.

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