What is the JAMstack?

Jamstack: A Revolution in Modern Website Creation

The Jamstack architecture is redefining the way websites and applications are built today. Based on JavaScript, APIs, and Markup (HTML), it breathes new life into the architecture by moving away from traditional approaches like WordPress or Drupal. But what exactly is it, and why is it generating so much interest?

A Modern and High-Performance Architecture

Unlike traditional systems that rely on databases and web servers, Jamstack offers a clear separation between the frontend (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript generated during the build phase) and the backend (APIs returning data in JSON or XML). This approach helps offload servers and reduce load times by moving a large portion of the operations to the build phase.

For example, a Jamstack site can be easily hosted via content delivery networks (CDNs), providing increased speed and accessibility, while eliminating the constraints of traditional databases.

Jamstack’s Main Benefits

1. Unparalleled Performance Jamstack sites are designed for speed. By eliminating the overhead of a server or database, they take full advantage of pre-generated content and CDNs to deliver a smooth and efficient user experience.

2. Enhanced Security The absence of servers and databases eliminates common vulnerabilities like SQL injection attacks. However, it’s important to note that exposed APIs can pose certain risks, such as XSS attacks.

3. Flexibility Jamstack adapts to a wide range of hosting environments, from platforms like Netlify and AWS S3 to traditional servers like Apache and Nginx.

4. Optimal Developer Experience Front-end developers can focus on the technologies they’re familiar with, while back-end teams work exclusively on APIs. This division promotes parallel work and greater productivity.

Limitations to keep in mind

Despite its many advantages, Jamstack is not without its challenges. Dynamic features often require additional development efforts, and content editors may find this architecture less user-friendly compared to a traditional CMS. However, using headless CMSs like Prismic or Dato can mitigate these limitations by providing an intuitive interface for content editors.

In short,

Jamstack offers promising possibilities, particularly in terms of speed, security, and cost. Although still relatively technical, this architecture could become an essential standard for modern projects.