Fresh vs. Blitz.js

What is Fresh?

Fresh is a full-stack web framework for Deno that prioritizes zero JavaScript by default and leverages the islands architecture. Instead of hydrating entire pages, Fresh delivers static HTML and only hydrates isolated, interactive "islands" where needed.

Fresh is originally designed for modern edge computing with Deno Deploy, has no build step, and relies on native ES modules and TypeScript. It’s ideal for fast, lightweight, SEO-friendly apps with minimal complexity.

Key Features of Fresh

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• Zero JS by Default: Ships no JavaScript unless components explicitly need interactivity.
• Islands Architecture: Interactive components exist in isolated islands for optimal performance.
• SSR & Streaming: Server-rendered HTML with support for streaming.
• Edge Native: Optimized for Deno Deploy and edge hosting.
• TypeScript-first: Built-in TypeScript support without config.
• No Build Step: Instant reloads, no bundling or transpiling.

Advantages of Fresh

• Ultra-lightweight Performance: Minimal JS means faster load times.
• No Build Step: Faster developer iteration; you write, refresh, and go.
• Edge-Optimized: Runs seamlessly on Deno Deploy with serverless scaling.
• Modern Standards: Uses ES modules, TypeScript, and Web APIs directly.
• Simple DX: File-based routing, components, and islands make development intuitive.

Disadvantages of Fresh

• Deno Only: Requires Deno runtime, limiting adoption among Node.js developers.
• Smaller Ecosystem: Fewer third-party libraries and integrations.
• Early Stage: Still maturing, not as widely adopted as Next.js.
• Custom Solutions: Some features like authentication or CMS integrations need manual setup.

What is Blitz.js ?

Imagine you wanto to build an app but setting up frontend, backend, APIs, database and it feels like overextended right ? That’s where Blitz.js comes in.

Blitz is like this super handy fullstack framework that sits on top of Next.js yup, the one you probably already know. Think of it like Rails but for React. You get Next.js goodies like (SSR, file-based routing, etc.), but Blitz throws in extra magic — like a zero-API data layer, built-in auth system, and easy database integration with Prisma.

Basically it is less boilerplate, more actual building.

Key Features of Blitz.js

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• Zero-API Data Layer – call server functions straight from the client, no need to write API endpoints manually.
• Built on Next.js – so you don’t lose all the SSR/SSG goodness.
• Auth included – login/logout stuff already sorted.
• Code Generation – scaffolding to spin up queries, pages, mutations super fast.
• TypeScript ready – works smooth with TS.
• Database via Prisma – easy database access, feels natural.
• Plugins – add common stuff like Tailwind, auth, etc. with one command.
  

Advantages of Blitz.js

• All-in-one: You don’t need to glue 10 tools together.
• Boosts productivity: Code scaffolding saves so much time.
• Zero-API layer: Less boilerplate, no boring API wiring.
• Still Next.js inside: You can keep SSR, static exports, etc.
• Databases: Works great with Prisma and SQL databases.
• Community is small but passionate: New recipes, ideas keep coming.

Disadvantages of Blitz.js

• Might be overkill: If all you need is a tiny static site, Blitz is too heavy.
• New learning curve: You need to understand queries/mutations instead of normal APIs.
• Smaller community: Not as huge as Next.js, so fewer tutorials and resources.
• Dependent on Next.js: Since it’s built on Next, any big shift in Next.js affects Blitz.
• Still maturing: Some features and ecosystem tools are not as polished as older frameworks.