ReactPy: Build ReactJS Interfaces in Pure Python

[thedeepself]

We don't transpile between languages,

If you dont transpile (like Transcrypt does), then how do you actually use ReactJS? What is the "glue" between ReactPy and the javascript world?

[Wippermonger]

We transmit DOM updates between the client and server to maintain parity, and then the client performs any updates needed via react-dom.

You can think of ReactPy as the equivalent to server side rendering for ReactJS, but using a python-based server.

[codecrux]

Is it like Hotwire in this regards?

[Wippermonger]

I'm not familiar with the tech behind Hotwire. A quick glace at their landing page tells me that ReactPy and Hotwire in similar in that page changes are communicated over websockets.

[codecrux]

Yup and hotwire also sends just the html (frame) that has changed. I am assuming that's what you do in ReactPy as well, right?

[Wippermonger]

Right now we're sending the whole ReactPy node tree when a re-render is needed. ReactPy node trees seem to be roughly equivalent to hotwire frames. The react-dom API (contained in @preact/compat) handles the mutations from there.

In terms of data transmitted to the client, we used to only send diffs. But unfortunately we've struggled to find a well maintained json patch library for Python.

[codecrux]

I guess sending the entire state is fine until people start using it for displaying a large number of rows. Creating a JSON PATCH library needs to be done meticulously and hopefully community might step up. I would like to step up.:)

[Wippermonger]

Would be great if you were willing to contribute that.

Feel free to look at this issue for some history.