How to Build High-Performance Websites with Astro

In this JS Drops episode, Ryan Furr explores Astro, a modern JavaScript framework built for speed, flexibility, and minimal client-side JavaScript. He shares how Astro’s server-side rendering, server islands, and developer-friendly DX make it a great choice for static and content-heavy sites.
Ryan walks through Astro’s integration with React, Vue, Solid, and Svelte, the new Content Layer API, and how it compares to frameworks like Next.js. He also covers scoped styles, built-in image optimization, and view transitions to enhance the developer experience.

In a live demo, he showcases best practices for structuring components, using Tailwind for styling, and managing global state with Nano Stores. Whether you're new to Astro or looking to refine your workflow, this session is full of insights to help you build faster, leaner web applications.

Keypoints:
Why Astro? Exploring how Astro’s server-side rendering, server islands, and minimal client-side JavaScript improve performance and developer experience.
Multi-Framework Support: Using React, Vue, Solid, and Svelte within Astro, plus best practices for integrating multiple frameworks in one project.
Content Layer API & Static Site Benefits: Managing content from markdown, CMS, and APIs with Astro’s Content Layer API for flexible, data-driven sites.
Live Demo & Best Practices: Structuring components, optimizing UI with Tailwind, handling global state with Nano Stores, and improving DX with built-in tooling.

Chapters
0:00 - Introduction & Welcome
0:24 - Meet Ryan Furer
1:13 - Ryan’s Background
2:39 - Why Astro?
4:10 - Key Features of Astro
5:19 - Content Collections and API
7:58 - Astro’s Content Layer API
9:55 - Astro vs Other Frameworks
11:23 - Use Cases for Astro
12:34 - Exploring Astro-Powered Websites
15:39 - Astro Integrations
17:36 - Getting Started with Astro
19:03 - Astro Components and Props
22:27 - Using Different JavaScript Frameworks in Astro
24:49 - Handling State Management in Astro
27:35 - Astro File Structure and Project Setup
30:26 - Astro Layouts and Routing
35:31 - Blogs and Content Collections in Astro
38:56 - Astro Config and TypeScript Settings
42:06 - Public vs Assets in Astro Projects
44:46 - Final Thoughts and Q&A
47:38 - Community Engagement and Call to Action

Follow Ryan Furrer on Social Media
Twitter: https://x.com/ryandotfurrer
Linkedin:   / ryanfurrer  

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