RedwoodJS vs. Blitz.js

What is RedwoodJS ?

RedwoodJS is a full-stack JavaScript framework. It gives you frontend, backend, GraphQL API, and database in one neat package. Basically, instead of wiring React + Node + GraphQL + Prisma manually, Redwood gives you everything set up out-of-the-box.

Good for startups or devs who wanna ship MVPs fast without thinking too much about architecture.

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• Full-stack framework: frontend + backend + database all in one repo
• GraphQL API built-in: automatic API scaffolding
• Prisma integration: type-safe DB access, migrations handled
• CLI for scaffolding: create pages, components, services quickly
• Built-in auth: supports Auth0, Supabase, Netlify Identity
• Opinionated folder structure: guides you on how to organize code
• TypeScript ready: strong TS support out of the box

Advantages of RedwoodJS

• Comes with full-stack setup out of the box: frontend, backend, database, deploy all in one.
• Opinionated structure: no guessing “where should I put this file?” – conventions guide you.
• Tight GraphQL integration: faster API work, with auto-generated SDLs and services.
• Database via Prisma: type-safe queries, easy migrations, works with many databases.
• Built-in auth system: supports Auth0, Supabase, dbAuth, Netlify Identity, and more.
• CLI scaffolding: quickly spin up pages, components, services, CRUD.
• Great for startups: ship MVPs fast without stitching tools together.

Disadvantages of RedwoodJS

• Still new: ecosystem is smaller than frameworks like Next.js or Remix.
• Less flexible: opinionated folder structure may feel restrictive.
• GraphQL learning curve: extra work if you haven’t used it before.
• Prisma adds another layer: you need to learn it for database handling.
• Community packages are limited: fewer plugins/extensions compared to bigger frameworks.
• Not much enterprise adoption yet: less battle-tested at huge scale.
• Documentation improving: but can sometimes feel limited or incomplete.

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.