SolidJS: Build Dynamic Web Applications

Nikhil AkkiNikhil Akki
3 min read

SolidJS is a lightweight JavaScript library for building user interfaces. It follows a reactive approach and offers a declarative syntax similar to React, allowing developers to efficiently create interactive web applications. SolidJS provides a minimalistic API with a focus on performance and simplicity.

Simple explanation

SolidJS is a tool that helps people build websites that can do cool things. It's like having LEGO blocks for web developers, where they can easily put different pieces together to create a website that can move, change colors, and do other fun stuff.

Features:

  • Reactive: SolidJS uses a reactivity system that automatically updates the UI when data changes.

  • Lightweight: With a small footprint, SolidJS ensures fast loading and rendering times.

  • Minimalistic API: The library keeps things simple, making it easy to learn and use.

  • JSX Support: SolidJS leverages JSX syntax, providing a familiar and expressive way to build components.

  • Fine-Grained Reactivity: It offers fine-grained reactivity, allowing developers to optimize rendering performance.

  • Immutable Data Management: SolidJS encourages the use of immutable data, making state management more predictable.

  • Server-Side Rendering: It supports server-side rendering, enabling faster initial loading and SEO benefits.

  • TypeScript Support: SolidJS has built-in TypeScript support, making type-checking and code refactoring easier.

  • Accessible: SolidJS promotes accessibility best practices, ensuring inclusive web applications.

  • Inspiring Community: It has an active and growing community that provides support and contributes to the ecosystem.

Code Snippets

Creating a Simple Component

import { createSignal, JSX } from 'solid-js';

function Counter() {
  const [count, setCount] = createSignal(0);

  return (
    <div>
      <p>Count: {count()}</p>
      <button onClick={() => setCount(count() + 1)}>Increment</button>
    </div>
  );
}

Conditional Rendering

import { createEffect, createSignal, JSX } from 'solid-js';

function Greeting() {
  const [name, setName] = createSignal('');

  createEffect(() => {
    document.title = `Hello, ${name()}`;
  });

  return (
    <div>
      <input type="text" value={name()} onInput={e => setName(e.target.value)} />
      {name() && <p>Hello, {name()}</p>}
    </div>
  );
}

Comparison with React and Vue.js

AspectSolidJSReactVue.js
SizeSmallLargeMedium
Reactivity SystemFine-grainedVirtual DOMReactivity System
PerformanceExcellentGoodGood
EcosystemGrowingVast and MatureVast and Mature

Conclusion

SolidJS is a promising library for building performant and reactive web applications. Its minimalistic and efficient approach, combined with JSX syntax and fine-grained reactivity, makes it a compelling choice for developers. While React and Vue.js have larger ecosystems, SolidJS offers a lightweight and focused alternative for those seeking simplicity and performance in their projects.

  1. SolidJS Official Website

  2. SolidJS GitHub Repository

  3. SolidJS Documentation

  4. Comparing Performance: SolidJS vs. React vs. Vue.js

  5. SolidJS on npm

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Written by

Nikhil Akki
Nikhil Akki

I am a Full Stack Solution Architect at Deloitte LLP. I help build production grade web applications on major public clouds - AWS, GCP and Azure.