What Is htmx?
htmx Library
htmx lets you build dynamic web interfaces using HTML attributes instead of JavaScript. It extends HTML with attributes like hx-get, hx-post, and hx-swap that make AJAX requests and update the DOM — no React, no build step, no JavaScript required.
How htmx Works
Instead of writing JavaScript to fetch data and update the DOM, htmx does it with HTML: <button hx-get="/api/users" hx-target="#user-list">Load Users</button>. Click the button, it fetches HTML from the server, and swaps it into the target element. Simple, fast, and no build step.
Key Concepts
- HTML-Driven — Dynamic behavior through HTML attributes — no JavaScript files needed
- Server-Rendered HTML — The server returns HTML fragments, not JSON — simpler backend logic
Frequently Asked Questions
htmx vs React?
htmx for server-rendered apps where you want interactivity without a JavaScript framework. React for complex client-side applications with rich state management. htmx is simpler; React is more powerful.