Has Frontend Development gotten way too complex?

Intro

Frontend development has become increasingly complex. A decade ago, being a frontend engineer meant knowing HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, and jQuery. But today, the list of required skills has ballooned to include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Redux, TypeScript, Eslint, Prettier, Webpack, and more. This shift has left many developers feeling like they're drowning in a sea of tools and frameworks, trying to stay afloat in an ever-expanding ocean of complexity.

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There’s a perspective that frontend development has grown far beyond its original scope. What used to be a straightforward role focused on styling and interactivity has now expanded to include tasks traditionally handled by backend developers. This shift is largely driven by modern tools like React, which have blurred the lines between frontend and full-stack development. But let’s be honest, React and its friends aren’t just tools—they’re gateways to a labyrinth where every path leads to another JavaScript library that you "absolutely must know."

Another school of thought argues that this complexity is a necessary evil, driven by the increasing demands on modern web applications. As websites have evolved into full-fledged applications, the tools needed to build them have also become more sophisticated. "Sophisticated" here meaning codes that only a handful of seasoned veterans truly understand. Sure, these tools offer great power, but with great power comes great frustration.

Many developers look back fondly on the simpler days of jQuery and AJAX, when building interactive websites was a breeze. Some suggest that older approaches, like using PHP with Laravel Livewire, still offer elegant and simple solutions without the need for a mountain of dependencies. But let’s not kid ourselves—those days are long gone. Today, simplicity is a myth. Recruiters are "extrajudicially" laying out job requirements that read like a wish list for a superhuman developer.

Now, here’s where it gets really interesting. Some might say, "Developers can still opt for simple, effective tools like HTML, CSS, and vanilla JavaScript." And to that, We can say, "Sure, if you’re building a Nairaland blog or a Linda Ikejis blog in 2010." The reality is, the need to learn more technologies stems from the necessity to meet the ever-growing list of job requirements. Let’s face it, if you’re not up to speed with the latest and greatest, you might as well be sending out a lot of resumes.

The rise of no-code tools also reflects a growing frustration with frontend complexity. While some see frameworks like React as overkill, these tools can still be powerful when used appropriately. One might argue, “but really who needs all that power when you can build a perfectly functional site with good old HTML and CSS?” Well, everyone who wants to have or keep their job does. The truth is, we’re all just trying to keep up with a market that’s moving faster than a Lagos danfo driver on Ikorodu Road, barely halting as passengers jump off. No one’s waiting for anyone, and if you’re not quick enough, you’ll be left behind.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, frontend development has become a complex and, at times, overwhelming field. The role of the frontend developer has expanded, and the tools available today offer both incredible power and endless frustration. in a race to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving landscape, my advice is to just pick few relevant tools and fortify yourself around them. Thus, we can either embrace the complexity, or get left behind. Either way, it’s going to be a wild ride.

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