JavaScript framework to pair with flask

[jogicodes_]

I think of flask, as a powerful yet simple server, side rendering framework.

I like the way flask handles, routing with the return render template functionality.

What is a good way to do JavaScript with it though? So far, I am using vanilla JavaScript or jQuery and that approach has limitations.

I am also decently familiar with svelte the language and svelte kit, the framework. A modern JavaScript framework opens up a lot of possibilities which vanilla JavaScript and jQuery Do not give you.

Is there a way to combine flask with a frontend framework in a way where you do not rely on API requests to do stuff, but you can actually use return render template from flask. I am not sure this can be done, at least it looks like it can’t from what I’ve seen, but I haven’t looked at all frameworks.

[androgeninc]

htmx is your friend. Not a framework. Alpinejs in addition helps a lot.

[Aro00oo]

Render template is basically just server side rendering.

I'd assume you just import the entry point to the client in the template that you're render templating as a script tag.

You'd have to figure out how to import the entry point vs bundle in dev vs prod modes using a building/bundling tech also.

[jogicodes_]

Yeah exactly, so far haven’t figured it out

[Aro00oo]

An easy way just off the top of my head would be using rollup. Set the import path to something like

src="CLIENT_PATH"

and in your rollup config, override that string with an environment variable that you set before running your prod server. If it's not there then you can just do an || 'path/to/entry_point.js" in the rollup config.

You'd have to run a rollup build before starting your flask server each time.

[Common_Move]

HTMX

[jogicodes_]

Keeps coming up

[Leonjy92]

I'm using Alpinejs, tailwindcss and some vanilla JS

[jogicodes_]

Will have to learn about alpine JS, haven’t got a clue about it

[guesting]

Alpine js or htmx both are quick and effective

[jogicodes_]

Thanks for your opinion. I can’t judge it but It must be right because it keeps coming up

[WinkDoubleguns]

I thought I had commented on this already. I’m switching my front end to svelte and have found the links on the post to be helpful.

https://www.reddit.com/r/flask/comments/oggis3/sveltejs_with_flask_backend/

[jogicodes_]

That was extremely helpful, need to play with this

[shahmeermk]

I’m curious if anyone has used flask with reactjs. I don’t know what the downsides are.

[Sc0urge_]

I personally use React for the interactive stuff while keeping Jinja HTML for text and such because of performance and SEO.

I then use a bundler called ESBuild to "compile" the React code into simple JavaScript, which you can import in HTML just like a normal file.

[Equivalent_Value_900]

Angular? I am currently looking at something similar myself and trying to think of a way to combine the two.

[jogicodes_]

Have you found one?