Before JavaScript frameworks became popular, developing web applications was very challenging. One of the challenges was that JavaScript files were not easily managed and organized, and as a result, sending them to the production environment (the environment that displays the website or application on real servers) created problems. These problems caused inaccuracy of performance and incorrect implementation of web applications.
Rich Harris, the creator of Svelte, was tired of the complex abstractions and standard code that developers had to learn. Svelte is a tool that allows developers to code more simply.
In 2019, the creators of Svelte.js introduced a new approach to building web applications. Svelte.js is a JavaScript framework that has become very popular. Why? What makes Svelte so lovely?
In this article, the Svelte framework and its features are introduced.
Table of Contents
What is Svelte?
Svelte is a JavaScript framework and set of components, tools, and rules used to structure a website or application with JavaScript. Svelte offers an original and innovative approach that allows developers to build exactly what they need. Because of this innovative approach, Svelte is also referred to as a compiler. Unlike frameworks like React and Vue.js, which use a virtual DOM in the browser, Svelte does not use a virtual DOM. Instead, it makes JavaScript code lightweight. This makes the code run faster from scratch, resulting in lighter and more user-friendly applications. This is the first and most important difference that Svelte has brought to the JavaScript programming world compared to other frameworks.
DOM is a programming interface that allows the programmer to display the content and structure of a web page. Using the DOM, the programmer has access to the components of the page and can modify or delete them.
In other words, Svelte creates extremely compact programs by using a unique method of compiling code. This allows developers to build fast and optimized applications without having to implement additional parts at runtime.
When should Svelte be used? Svelte is a great choice when you want to build fast, optimized, and maintainable web applications. Overall, Svelte enables developers to build attractive, high-performance web applications using a unique approach.
Svelte framework features
According to many developers, Svelte is a breakthrough in the world of JavaScript frameworks. Because Svelte improves the programming development experience by providing a new and innovative approach. From a developer’s point of view, programming with Svelte is easier. Here are eight important features of Svelte:
1. Simpler programming
As mentioned, the programming process with Svelte is very easy and the result is that the project is completed at a higher speed and with fewer challenges.
2. Less code volume
With Svelte, you can program with fewer lines of code. As a result, code errors are reduced and code readability is increased.
3. Responsive interfaces
Today, creating responsive interfaces in web applications is one of the most important parts of any project. In Svelte, when variable values need to be updated and recalculated based on other values in the program, just put a dollar sign ($) before the desired variable name. These commands are automatically updated.
4. Help to correct codes
In Svelte, essential points that the programmer might forget are automatically reminded. For example, if you forget to include the “alt” attribute for an image, Svelte will remind you. Also, if there is CSS code in the application that is not used, Svelte will declare that there is code that we don’t need. This Svelte feature helps the developer to fix minor bugs during the work.
5. Ease of working with components
In Svelte, whenever you want to use component A in component B, you must write code to export component A so that it can be used in component B. But in Svelte, there’s no need to do that. Svelte components are exported by default and ready to use in any other component.
6. Local and Global capabilities
In Svelte, by default, each CSS style defined for a part of the website has a special name or symbol. This mark helps to apply this style only to the desired part and does not affect other parts of the website.
However, it is also possible to apply the style globally. In this case, the styles are accessible for all parts and pages of the website.
7. Using the {await#} block
In developing a website or web application, the programmer needs to read or display information from the server. But these things take time. Using {await#} blocks in Svelte makes it easy to work with asynchronous data.
For example, when you send a request to the server for information, it may take some time to respond. By using the {await#} block, you can easily define and use variables and values directly within your template without having to define additional states for this request. This helps you handle asynchronous requests more simply and efficiently, and you don’t need to check for additional states.
8. Special effects and animation
In Svelte, various effects and animations are available by default. As a result, there is no need to use external tools to create animations, as these effects are built directly into the Svelte framework. Using this feature reduces the size of the website or application because there is no need to add additional tools for animations and effects.
Disadvantages of Svelte
Each framework or library has its advantages and disadvantages. These items vary depending on the needs and uses of each project. Some of the disadvantages of Svelte are:
- Compared to frameworks like React and Vue, which have a long history and have reached maturity, Svelte is expanding and growing. For this reason, it needs to be developed and improved over time so that it can reach a position like larger frameworks.
- Due to its newness, there is not enough documentation and training resources for Svelte. This can cause problems for new users or novice programmers.
- Compared to frameworks that have the support and credibility of big companies like Facebook, Svelte still lacks that support and credibility.
- When a new framework or library enters the market, it takes more time for developers and different industries to trust it. As a result, it is poorly received.