A Beginner’s Guide to Jamstack: What It Is and How It Works | Jamrix

Introduction to Jamstack

If you’re in the web development world, you’ve probably heard the term “Jamstack” floating around. But what exactly is Jamstack and how does it work? In this beginner’s guide, we’ll answer these questions and more, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the Jamstack philosophy and workflow.

What is Jamstack?

At its core, Jamstack is a modern web development architecture that relies on three key components:

Javascript
APIs
Markup

These components work together to create fast, secure, and scalable web experiences. Let’s take a closer look at each one:

JavaScript: The “J” in Jamstack stands for JavaScript, which is a programming language that is used to build interactive and dynamic web experiences. In a Jamstack workflow, JavaScript is often used to build client-side applications that consume data from APIs.
APIs: The “A” in Jamstack stands for APIs, which are sets of protocols and tools for building software applications. In a Jamstack workflow, APIs are used to retrieve and manipulate data in a decoupled manner, allowing for greater flexibility and scalability.
Markup: The “M” in Jamstack stands for markup, which refers to the structure and content of a web page. In a Jamstack workflow, markup is usually generated by a static site generator and delivered via a CDN (more on this later).

How Does Jamstack Differ from Traditional Web Development?

Jamstack differs from traditional web development in the following ways:

HTML Generation: Traditional web development involves generating HTML on the server side, while Jamstack uses pre-built HTML files that are served from a CDN.
Server Requirements: Traditional web development requires a server to run applications and store data, while Jamstack uses serverless functions and third-party APIs for these tasks.

In traditional web development, the backend (server-side) and frontend (client-side) are tightly coupled. This means that the server generates HTML, CSS, and JavaScript on the fly, and serves it to the client. This approach has some benefits, but it also has some drawbacks, such as:

Slower performance: Generating HTML, CSS, and JavaScript on the fly can be slow, especially for dynamic websites or apps with a lot of content.
Higher maintenance costs: Traditional web development requires more infrastructure (e.g., servers, databases) and more maintenance (e.g., security updates, server scaling).
Lower security: Traditional web development is more vulnerable to security threats, such as cross-site scripting (XSS) and SQL injection attacks.

Jamstack addresses these issues by decoupling the backend from the frontend. In Jamstack, the backend consists of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) and other serverless functions that provide content and data to the frontend. The frontend is a pre-built, static site that is delivered to the client via a CDN (Content Delivery Network). This approach has several benefits, including:

Faster performance: Pre-building the frontend and delivering it via a CDN can significantly improve the performance of a website or app.
Lower maintenance costs: Jamstack requires less infrastructure (e.g., servers, databases) and is easier to maintain.
Higher security: Jamstack is more secure because the frontend is static and cannot be tampered with.

In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at how Jamstack works and the different tools and technologies that are used in this approach to web development.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn more about Jamstack or an experienced developer considering using it for your next project, this guide should provide you with the information you need to get started.

How Jamstack Works: Main components

Now that we’ve covered the basics of Jamstack, let’s take a closer look at how it works. There are three main components to Jamstack: static site generators, CDNs, and serverless functions.

Static Site Generators

Static site generators are tools that create static HTML files from templates and data sources. Some popular static site generators for Jamstack include Gatsby, Hugo, and Jekyll.

Here’s a high-level overview of how static site generators work:

Templates: These define the structure of the HTML files that will be generated. They can include placeholders for data that will be inserted from data sources.
Data sources: These provide the data that is used to populate the templates. Data sources can include APIs, databases, and flat files.
Static HTML files: The static site generator combines the templates and data sources to create static HTML files.

Static site generators have the following benefits:

They allow developers to create fast and secure websites without the need for a server.
They provide a separation of concerns between the presentation layer (HTML) and the data layer (data sources).
They make it easy to create and maintain a consistent look and feel across a website.

There are also some potential drawbacks to using static site generators:

They may require a learning curve for developers who are not familiar with them.
They may not be suitable for websites that require real-time updates or complex user interactions.

CDN (Content Delivery Network)

A CDN is a network of servers that deliver content to users based on their geographic location. CDNs improve the performance of websites by serving content from the server that is closest to the user.

Here’s how CDNs work:

When a user visits a Jamstack website, they are actually accessing a copy of the website that is stored on a CDN server that is closest to them.
The CDN server serves the static HTML files and any other assets (such as images and stylesheets) to the user’s browser.

CDNs have the following benefits:

They improve the performance of websites by serving content from the server that is closest to the user.
They can handle high traffic volumes without crashing.
They can improve the security of websites by protecting against DDoS attacks and other types of cyber threats.

There are also some potential drawbacks to using CDNs:

They can be expensive for websites with high traffic volumes.
They may not be suitable for websites with real-time updates or complex user interactions.

Serverless Functions

Serverless functions are small pieces of code that are executed in response to specific events, such as a user submitting a form or a new data item being added to a database. They are typically run on a “pay-per-use” basis, meaning that you only pay for the actual execution time of the function.

Serverless functions are useful for tasks that are not suitable for static HTML, such as sending an email or storing data in a database. They allow you to add dynamic functionality to a static website without the need for a server.

Serverless functions have the following benefits:

They allow you to add dynamic functionality to a static website without the need for a server.
They are easy to scale and maintain.
They are cost-effective, since you only pay for actual usage.

There are also some potential drawbacks to using serverless functions:

They may require a learning curve for developers who are not familiar with them.
They may not be suitable for tasks that require long-running processes or a lot of computation.

How Jamstack Works: A Deeper Look

So far, we’ve introduced the key concepts of Jamstack and how it aims to improve performance, security, and cost of ownership. But what does this look like in practice? In this section, we’ll delve deeper into the technical details of Jamstack and how it achieves these benefits.

Pre-rendered files and static assets

One of the key features of Jamstack is the use of pre-rendered files and static assets. This means that much of the content and logic of an application is built and served as static files, rather than being dynamically generated on the fly.

There are a few benefits to this approach:

Performance: Serving static files is generally faster than dynamically generating content on every request. This is because there is less processing and rendering required at runtime, and the files can be served directly from a CDN (Content Delivery Network) without the need for a server-side application.
Security: Serving static files also means there is less opportunity for security vulnerabilities, since there is no server-side application that can be compromised. This can make Jamstack applications more secure by default.
Cost: Serving static files also has cost benefits, since it requires fewer resources and infrastructure to run. This can result in significant cost savings, especially for applications with high traffic or usage.

Separation of frontend and backend

Another key aspect of Jamstack is the separation of the frontend and backend of an application. This means that the frontend (usually the client-side code) and the backend (usually the server-side code) are developed and deployed independently.

This separation has a few benefits:

Development efficiency: Working with a separation of frontend and backend allows for more focused development, since each team can work on their respective parts of the application without interference. This can lead to faster development times and higher productivity.
Deployment flexibility: Deploying the frontend and backend separately also allows for more flexibility in terms of scaling and maintenance. For example, the frontend can be deployed to a CDN, while the backend can be deployed to a serverless platform. This allows for better scalability and the ability to update and maintain each part of the application independently.

Third-party services and APIs

In addition to pre-rendered files and the separation of frontend and backend, Jamstack also relies on a wide range of third-party services and APIs. These can handle tasks such as authentication, form handling, and e-commerce functionality, allowing developers to focus on the core functionality of their application.

Using third-party services and APIs has a few benefits:

Specialization: By relying on specialized services and APIs, developers can take advantage of the expertise and resources of those providers. This can result in higher quality and more reliable features, without the need to build and maintain them from scratch.
Cost savings: Using third-party services and APIs can also result in cost savings, since developers don’t need to invest in the infrastructure and maintenance of these features. This can be especially beneficial for small teams or startups that may not have the resources to build and maintain everything in-house.
Time-to-market: Finally, using third-party services and APIs can speed up the development process and reduce the time-to-market for an application. This allows developers to focus on the core functionality of their application, rather than building and maintaining these features from scratch.

Choosing the Right Tools for Your Jamstack Project

When it comes to building a Jamstack website, there are many different tools and technologies to choose from. It’s important to choose the right tools for your project in order to get the best results. Here are some tips for choosing the right tools for your Jamstack project:

Consider your project requirements: The tools you choose for your Jamstack project should be suited to the specific needs of your project. For example, if your project requires real-time updates or complex user interactions, you may want to choose a different approach than if you were building a simple brochure-style website.
Evaluate the learning curve: Some tools may require a learning curve, which can be a barrier to entry for some developers. If you’re new to Jamstack, you may want to choose tools that are easier to learn in order to get up and running quickly.
Think about scalability: If your project is expected to grow over time, you’ll want to choose tools that can scale with it. This may involve choosing tools that are flexible and have a large user base, as these are typically easier to scale.
Consider the cost: Some Jamstack tools and technologies can be expensive, especially if you have a large project or a lot of traffic. Be sure to consider the cost of the tools you choose and whether they are worth the investment.

Popular Static Site Generators

Static site generators are an essential part of the Jamstack workflow, as they are responsible for creating the static HTML files that are served to users. There are many different static site generators to choose from, each with its own set of features and capabilities. Here are some popular static site generators for Jamstack:

Gatsby: Gatsby is a popular static site generator that is built on top of React. It is known for its fast performance and easy-to-use development environment. Gatsby is a good choice for developers who are familiar with React and want a powerful tool for building Jamstack websites.
Hugo: Hugo is a static site generator that is written in Go and known for its fast build times. It has a large library of themes and a simple templating language, making it easy to get started with. Hugo is a good choice for developers who want a fast and easy-to-use static site generator.
Jekyll: Jekyll is a static site generator that is written in Ruby and has a large user base. It has a simple templating language and a wide range of plugins, making it flexible and powerful. Jekyll is a good choice for developers who want a mature and well-supported static site generator.
Next.js: Next.js is a static site generator that is built on top of React and has a focus on server-side rendering. It is known for its fast performance and easy-to-use development environment. Next.js is a good choice for developers who are familiar with React and want a tool that is optimized for server-side rendering.
SvelteKit: SvelteKit is a new static site generator that is built on top of the Svelte framework. It is known for its fast performance and easy-to-use development environment. SvelteKit is a good choice for developers who are familiar with Svelte and want a modern and powerful static site generator.

There are many other static site generators to choose from, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. It’s important to evaluate the specific needs of your project and choose the static site generator that is the best fit.

Options for Headless CMS

A headless CMS is a content management system that provides a back-end for storing and managing content, but does not have a front-end for displaying that content. Headless CMSs are often used with Jamstack websites, as they allow developers to separate the content management from the presentation layer. Here are some popular options for headless CMS:

Contentful: Contentful is a cloud-based headless CMS that provides a flexible content model and a powerful API for accessing and manipulating content. It is known for its user-friendly interface and extensive documentation.
Sanity: Sanity is an open-source headless CMS that is built on top of GraphQL. It is known for its flexible content model and easy-to-use development environment.
Netlify CMS: Netlify CMS is an open-source headless CMS that is built on top of Git. It is known for its simple configuration and integration with the Netlify platform.
Headless WordPress: WordPress is a popular content management system that can be used as a headless CMS by exposing its API. It is known for its large user base and extensive plugin library.
Strapi: Strapi is an open-source headless CMS that is built on top of Node.js. It is known for its easy-to-use development environment and extensive documentation.

There are many other headless CMS options to choose from, each with its own set of features and capabilities. It’s important to evaluate the specific needs of your project and choose the headless CMS that is the best fit.

Integrating a Headless CMS with Your Static Site Generator

Once you’ve chosen a headless CMS and a static site generator for your Jamstack project, the next step is to integrate them. Here are the general steps for integrating a headless CMS with your static site generator:

Set up your headless CMS: Follow the documentation for your headless CMS to set it up and create any necessary content types and fields.
Configure your static site generator: Follow the documentation for your static site generator to set it up and configure any necessary dependencies.
Connect your static site generator to your headless CMS: Your static site generator will typically provide instructions for connecting to your headless CMS. This may involve installing a plugin or adding configuration settings to your static site generator’s configuration file.
Fetch content from your headless CMS: Your static site generator will typically provide a way to fetch content from your headless CMS and use it to populate templates. This may involve using GraphQL queries or REST API requests to retrieve content from your headless CMS.
Build and deploy your static site: Once you have connected your static site generator to your headless CMS and fetched the necessary content, you can build and deploy your static site as usual.

Other Essential Tools for a Jamstack Workflow

In addition to static site generators and headless CMSs, there are other tools that are essential for a Jamstack workflow. Here are some examples:

Git: Git is a version control system that is essential for managing the source code for your Jamstack project. It allows you to track changes to your codebase, collaborate with other developers, and roll back changes if necessary.
Command line: The command line (also known as the terminal or shell) is a powerful tool for interacting with your computer and running commands. It is essential for many tasks in a Jamstack workflow, such as building and deploying your static site.
Build tools: Build tools are software that automate the process of building your Jamstack project. They can be used to transpile and minify code, optimize images, and perform other tasks that are necessary for building a production-ready static site. Examples of build tools include Webpack, Babel, and Gulp.

By using these and other essential tools, you’ll be able to create a streamlined and efficient Jamstack workflow.

Building and Deploying Your Jamstack Website

Once you have your Jamstack project set up and all of the necessary tools in place, the next step is to build and deploy your website. Here are the general steps for building and deploying a Jamstack website:

Develop your website locally: Use your static site generator and headless CMS to develop your website locally. This will typically involve creating templates, writing content, and previewing your website in a local development environment.
Build your static site: Use your static site generator to build your static site. This will typically involve running a build command that generates the static HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files for your website.
Deploy your static site: Once your static site is built, you’ll need to deploy it to a hosting provider. There are many hosting options for Jamstack websites, including traditional web hosting providers, content delivery networks (CDNs), and cloud platforms such as AWS and Azure.
Configure your DNS: If you are using a custom domain for your website, you’ll need to configure your DNS settings to point to your hosting provider. This will typically involve adding a CNAME or A record to your domain’s DNS settings.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to build and deploy your Jamstack website and make it available to users.

Tips and Resources for Beginners

If you’re new to Jamstack and want to get started, there are a few things you can do to make the learning process easier. Here are some tips and resources for beginners:

Learn about modern JavaScript frameworks: Jamstack relies heavily on client-side JavaScript, so it’s helpful to have at least a basic understanding of frameworks such as React, Angular, and Vue.js. There are many resources available for learning about these frameworks, including online tutorials, video courses, and books.
Familiarize yourself with APIs and data sources: Jamstack relies on APIs and data sources to provide data for static HTML files. It’s helpful to learn about different types of APIs (such as REST and GraphQL) and how to access and manipulate data from various sources.
Explore static site generators and serverless function providers: There are many static site generators and serverless function providers to choose from, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. It’s helpful to explore different options and choose the ones that best fit your needs. Some popular static site generators for Jamstack include Gatsby, Hugo, and Jekyll. Some popular serverless function providers include AWS Lambda, Azure Functions, and Google Cloud Functions.
Check out the Jamstack documentation and tutorials: The Jamstack website has a wealth of documentation and tutorials to help you get started with Jamstack. This is a great resource for learning about the different tools and technologies that are used in Jamstack and how to use them effectively.

I hope these tips and resources are helpful as you begin your journey with Jamstack. Remember to take things one step at a time and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. With a little bit of practice and perseverance, you’ll be building great Jamstack websites in no time!

Ready to learn more about how Jamstack can revolutionize your web development process? Contact us today to speak with one of our experienced Jamstack developers and find out how we can help bring your project to the next level.