HTMX is a tool optimized for server-centric web development frameworks like Django, providing simple yet powerful features that reduce the complexity of JavaScript and handle Ajax requests directly through HTML attributes. In this article, we'll explore the relationship between HTMX and Ajax, as well as the differences between HTMX and React, and we'll look at a working example of Ajax requests with HTMX to understand its practical applications.

Relationship between HTMX and Ajax

HTMX internally uses Ajax requests. When the browser identifies HTMX attributes (e.g., hx-get, hx-post), it generates an Ajax request and inserts the server response into the HTML elements on the client side. This process allows developers to avoid writing complex JavaScript code.

Flow of Ajax Requests with HTMX

1. The HTML attributes (e.g., hx-get, hx-post) generate an Ajax request.
2. The server processes the request and returns the necessary data.
3. HTMX inserts the response data into the HTML element (e.g., hx-target).
4. Additional DOM updates occur automatically.

Differences between HTMX and React

HTMX and React can both implement dynamic web pages, but their approaches are fundamentally different.

Working Example of Ajax Requests with HTMX

Using HTMX Attributes in HTML

<button hx-post="/like/" hx-trigger="click" hx-target="#like-count">
    Like
</button>
<div id="like-count">0</div>

Handling Ajax Requests in Django View

from django.http import JsonResponse

def like_post(request):
    # Process like count on the server
    likes = 1  # Sample data
    return JsonResponse({'likes': likes})

Results

1. When the user clicks the "Like" button, a POST request is sent to /like/.
2. The server returns JSON data: {'likes': 1}
3. HTMX automatically updates the content of the #like-count element.

Conclusion

HTMX is a tool that simplifies the handling of Ajax requests and strengthens server-centric web development approaches. For projects that do not require heavy and complex client-side rendering like React or Vue.js, HTMX can be a powerful and flexible alternative.

In the next installment, we will discuss the setup needed to integrate Django with HTMX and provide a detailed guide on how to implement HTMX in your project. Stay tuned!