Are there straightforward alternatives to complex modern JavaScript frameworks?

Frontend
1

Hi everyone,

I’ve spent about 2 years as a .NET developer using jQuery and Ajax for frontend work, and that combination just clicked for me. Everything made sense - server handled logic, client managed basic interactions, very straightforward approach.

But now as I’m job hunting, almost every posting wants React, Angular, Vue experience. So I jumped into React thinking it would be easy to pick up. Boy was I wrong! Virtual DOM concepts, managing state everywhere, complex data fetching patterns, and suddenly my backend becomes just an API endpoint? :exploding_head:

I’m used to server-driven applications where data flows from backend to frontend in a clear way. These new frameworks flip everything around. They want all the data living on the client side, and there’s so much magic happening behind the scenes. When things work, great. When they break, I’m completely stuck.

Then I tried Next.js because people say it’s the go-to fullstack solution. Now I’m juggling server vs client components, server actions, complex routing, and nested layouts. Still not simple. Even gave Remix a go, but that felt even more abstract with its unique approach to data loading and routing.

Don’t get me wrong - I’m willing to put in the work and learn difficult concepts. I’m not looking for shortcuts. But every framework I touch seems designed to solve problems I never had, while creating new complexity I don’t need.

What I’m really after is a clean, modern fullstack JavaScript/TypeScript solution that doesn’t hide everything behind layers of abstraction. Something that gives me the “jQuery + server” feel but with updated tooling and practices. Just want to build CRUD apps without becoming a framework expert first.

Has anyone else felt this frustration? What tools or approaches helped you find that sweet spot between modern and manageable?

Thanks for any advice or shared experiences! :pray:

2

I made a similar transition and Alpine.js with a traditional backend worked great for me. Alpine gives you reactive components without all the virtual DOM complexity or state management headaches. You just write small snippets directly in your HTML for interactions while your server handles the main logic and routing. The learning curve’s pretty minimal since it builds on stuff you already know instead of forcing you to restructure everything. TypeScript works fine with build tools, and you keep that clean server/client separation that made jQuery feel natural. I’ve used this setup in production apps without needing to become a framework expert.

3

htmx could be what ur looking for! it lets you keep that server-driven feel while adding nice interactive stuff without the bloat of big frameworks. just sprinkle some attributes into your html, and boom - ajax and partial updates without loads of js. kinda like jQuery but way cleaner!

4

this hits home! have you checked out htmx? it keeps the server-driven approach but adds modern interactions - sounds like exactly what you need. what kind of CRUD operations are you building? knowing the specifics would help me suggest better alternatives.