This post is about a breakup letter that encourages Express users to switch to LiteNode.
Dear JavaScript developers and Node.js enthusiasts,
Remember when you first met Express.js? Those magical early days of server-side JavaScript when Express swooped in with its minimalist charm and saved you from the frightening world of raw Node.js HTTP servers? It was beautiful while it lasted...
But maybe you've noticed, Express hasn't changed much since 2014. It's like that friend who still wears the same jeans from college.
It's Time to Get LiteNode in Your Life
Allow me to introduce LiteNode – the framework that makes Express look like it's carrying emotional baggage from three relationships ago.
Why Should You Switch?
1. LiteNode is actually lite
Express graph comes straight away from a middle age decoration like a half century family tree. Meanwhile, LiteNode stays lean with no dependencies offering an impressive feature set. It's like going from a Swiss Army knife with 87 functions (most of which you never use) to a perfectly balanced chef's knife that just gets the job done right.
2. Modern JavaScript, not JavaScript from two decades
LiteNode embraces modern JavaScript patterns and ES modules out of the box. Express still wants to require() everything like it's 2012 and Gangnam Style is slowing the net. Which century are we coding in again?
3. Built-in Template Superpowers
LiteNode comes with AST-based STE (Simple Template Engine) baked in, so you don't need to shop around trying to find a template engine that will make your code relations easier without adding unneeded fat to you node_modules for simple tasks. It's like having a built-in relationship counselor for your HTML and data.
4. No Callback Hell
Remember nesting callbacks in Express until your code looks like a pyramid that would make Egyptian architects jealous? LiteNode embraces modern async/await patterns to keep your code flat and readable. Your mental health will thank you.
5. Smart Static File Handling
LiteNode's StaticAssetLoader watches your static files like an overprotective parent, automatically serving up changes without you having to restart the server every time you fix a typo in your CSS or JS.
6. Markdown handling capabilities
LiteNode's markdown processor allows for flexible and powerful parsing, rendering, and serving of Markdown front-matter/content. If you Markdown, LiteNode is your new best friend!
7. Built-in environment loader
LiteNode provides built-in support for environment variables without external dependencies. Now you can manage your internal affairs like a self-sufficient hermit — no need to call for help from the outside world, even if your coffee machine breaks down.
A Gentle Migration Example
Breaking up is hard, but moving on doesn't have to be painful. Here's how comfortable the transition can be:
// Express (your ex)
const express = require("express")
const app = express()
app.get("/hello/:name", (req, res) => {
res.send(`Hello, ${req.params.name}!`)
})
app.listen(3000, () => {
console.log("Server running on port 3000")
})
// LiteNode (your upgrade)
import { LiteNode } from "litenode"
const app = new LiteNode()
app.get("/hello/:name", (req, res) => {
res.txt(`Hello, ${req.params.name}!`)
})
app.startServer(3000)
See? Almost the same, but with you in mind! LiteNode comes with helpful extensions like res.txt(), res.json(), and res.render() that just make sense.
But Wait, There's More!
LiteNode doesn't just match Express - it goes beyond with features like:
- Nested routers that make Express's Router look like a flip phone in a smartphone world
- Route printing for debugging that actually shows you what's going on
The Breakup Line
It's time to look Express in the eye and say: "It's been great, but I've met LiteNode, and it understand my needs better."
Don't feel guilty. Express had a good run, but sometimes we need to move on to frameworks that don't make us feel like we're developing in a time machine set to 2014.
P.S. Your package.json will lose weight immediately after the switch. Those dependencies were never a good influence anyway.
Installation
npm install litenode
Give LiteNode a try today and build something amazing... with just LiteNode!
