The HTMX Revolution: Simplicity Over Complexity

July 27, 2025

In an era where JavaScript frameworks multiply like rabbits and build tools require PhD-level configuration knowledge, HTMX emerges as a breath of fresh air—a return to web development sanity.

The Problem with Modern Web Development

We've created a monster. Modern web development has become an exercise in over engineering. Want to add a simple dropdown? Install 47 dependencies, configure Webpack, set up Babel, write JSX, manage state, handle side effects, and pray your bundle size doesn't exceed the GDP of a small country.

React, Vue, Angular—they all solve problems that most websites don't have while creating new problems that every website now has. We've traded HTML's simplicity for JavaScript's complexity, and somehow convinced ourselves this is progress.

Enter HTMX: HTML on Steroids

HTMX takes a radical approach: what if HTML could do more without requiring a computer science degree? With simple attributes like hx-get, hx-post, and hx-target, you can build dynamic, interactive web applications using the mental model you already understand.

No bundlers. No transpilers. No state management libraries. No virtual DOM. Just HTML that can talk to servers and update itself intelligently.

Why This Matters

This blog itself is built with HTMX. Notice how navigation is instant, content loads dynamically, and the back button works perfectly? That's HTMX doing what React does, but with 1% of the complexity and 100% more elegance.

The web platform is incredibly powerful. HTML, CSS, and a sprinkle of JavaScript can create amazing experiences without drowning in toolchain complexity. HTMX proves that progressive enhancement isn't dead—it's the future.

The Terry Davis Philosophy

As Terry A. Davis wisely said: "An idiot admires complexity, a genius admires simplicity." HTMX embodies this philosophy. It makes the complex simple, not the simple complex.

In a world obsessed with the next shiny framework, HTMX reminds us that sometimes the best solution is the one that gets out of your way and lets you build.

The Wired Connection

Like Lain navigating the layers of reality and the Wired, HTMX helps us navigate between the server and client without losing ourselves in unnecessary abstraction. It keeps us connected to the fundamental nature of the web while enabling modern interactions.

The web doesn't need more complexity. It needs more thoughtful simplicity. HTMX delivers exactly that.

This post was written while listening to the hum of servers and contemplating the beauty of semantic HTML. No JavaScript frameworks were harmed in the making of this blog.