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Ask HN: Which web stack should I learn for personal projects?

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Re: Ask HN: Which web stack should I learn for personal projects?

#41

Post by sisedi »

Bjorkbat wrote: post #32
clifanatic wrote: post #29

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> if you already know javascript then I would look at node.js. I would recommend the polar opposite, actually: use a framework that has nothing in common with anything that you already know. After all, half (or more) of the point of personal projects is to learn new things, right?

Huh, that's actually a pretty valid point. So one detail that I left off was that I actually also teach programming to complete novices in short time frames. It's kind of like a bootcamp but different in a lot of ways. We teach them node because it fits better with our tight schedule. But if you're not too terribly rushed then sure, that does sound like a good idea.

I just mentioned that in another comment, the fun of learning something new.

Re: Ask HN: Which web stack should I learn for personal projects?

#42

Post by sisedi »

silvaben wrote: post #35

You can take a look at Elixir [1] (and Phoenix framework [2]). Elixir's documentation is pretty neat and getting started with it is relatively easy. Phoenix framework is entirely optional, Elixir comes with something called "Plug" which is all you would need to launch simple applications. [1] http://elixir-lang.org/ [2] http://www.phoenixframework.org/

Thank you! Phoenix is definitely bouncing around over here and I'd heard about it before this Ask as well.

Re: Ask HN: Which web stack should I learn for personal projects?

#46

Post by facorreia »

sisedi wrote: post #40
facorreia wrote: post #37

Since you're fairly experienced with Java I'd stick with that for the back-end. Since you're still learning JavaScript I would recommend doing most UI rendering on the server side, and using JavaScript to add interactivity (e.g. with JQuery). For that approach you could consider Sprint Boot and Play Framework on the server side. The other alternative would be doing all UI rendering on the browser, via a single-page J…

Thank you, I'm definitely going back/forth between sticking with what I'm familiar with and learning something new (because that feels more fun?) hah

I hear you, and that can be refreshing, if your only goal is learning.

If your goal is to create a small project / product, you'll have plenty to learn already about web applications without the burden of learning a new language and toolchain.

Re: Ask HN: Which web stack should I learn for personal projects?

#47

Post by sisedi »

nsebban wrote: post #2

Server-side : - Node.js is great if you like JS. It couples really well with MongoDB (see MEAN stack). - Play Framework is quite nice if you want to stick to Java. Client-side : - React is...well you tried it. - Vue.js is great.

I played with Vue just now and it felt right. :)

Re: Ask HN: Which web stack should I learn for personal projects?

#48

Post by sisedi »

facorreia wrote: post #46
sisedi wrote: post #40

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Thank you, I'm definitely going back/forth between sticking with what I'm familiar with and learning something new (because that feels more fun?) hah

I hear you, and that can be refreshing, if your only goal is learning. If your goal is to create a small project / product, you'll have plenty to learn already about web applications without the burden of learning a new language and toolchain.

That's a good point.

Re: Ask HN: Which web stack should I learn for personal projects?

#49

Post by sisedi »

== Consolidated advice ==

- Don't use Iris because shady-thievery-mischief - Learning is costly: If you have to learn a lot to get into fullstack dev, learning a new language will compound that cost - Just pick whatever and f'n build something - artists build

Backend: 1. Node.js 2. RoR in second 3. Spring Boot/Play 4. Phoenix

Database: 1. Postgres

Frontend: 1. React 2. Backbone

Thanks all for the advice and avoiding the temptation to completely slam me (though it's warranted).

My takeaways are:

1. Don't forget about SSL, and LetsEncrypt provides a free option (will donate eventually) 2. Amazon Lightsail looks promising but be wary of any service that will not automatically cap usage once you've hit your spending threshold (apparently Google CC too, but not Digital Ocean) 3. I know there are .NET developers on here but they're a vocal minority (I work on a Windows/Ubuntu machine so it's within my reach but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯)

Thanks again, all! See you on the webbz.

P.S. I'm working on my first chrome extension (frontend only) and might follow-up asking for advice on that.

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