Preface
I decided to write this short blog about HTMX because I’m working on a side project for a client that allowed me the freedom to use any tech I desired as long as the app was fast and delivered on time. Since I am working with Django , I thought I would give HTMX a try.
While working on the project, my kids tap on my shoulder every so often and ask me questions. In this particular case, my daughter, who is actually coding at school and at home with code.org, asked me what I was working on. I told her, “ I am learning HTMX.” Then she proceeded to ask “Dad what is HTMX?” 🫠
Then I had the deer in headlights face 🦌 🔦, how do I explain this to an 8-year-old? Well, here it goes.
🧙♂️ What Is HTMX?
Hey there, little coder! 👋 Today we’re going to talk about a magical helper called HTMX. It’s like a superhero that helps websites do cool tricks — fast and easy!
🍪 Imagine You’re on a Website…
Let’s say you’re visiting your favorite cupcake website. You see a big button that says “Show me more cupcakes!” 🍰 Now, there are two ways the website can show you more cupcakes.
🚪 The Old Way (Without HTMX)
Without HTMX, here’s what happens you click the button…
💨 The whole website disappears!
🏃 It runs to the kitchen, gets more cupcakes,
🍽️ Then it comes back with a brand new plate.
That takes a little time. You had to leave your seat and come back — kinda slow and annoying.
🧙♀️ The HTMX Way
Now imagine there’s a magic waiter hiding behind the scenes. When you click “Show me more cupcakes,” the magic waiter says:
“Don’t worry! Stay right there. I’ll go grab just the cupcakes for you.” 🍰✨
No need to reload the whole page. No jumping around. Just the part you want — the cupcakes — appear like magic! 🎩
💡 So, What is HTMX?
HTMX is a tiny helper that makes websites faster and smoother. It lets buttons and links talk to the kitchen (the server) and bring back just the stuff you asked for, without making you leave the page. It’s like a magic waiter for websites. 🧙♂️✨
🔧 Grown-Ups Love HTMX Because
1️⃣ It’s super fast 🏎️
2️⃣ It’s easy to use 🧩
3️⃣ It makes websites feel like magic ✨
4️⃣ You don’t need tons of complicated code 🧠
👶 Final Thoughts
HTMX is like having a little helper that says: “Hey buddy, I’ve got this. You just sit back and enjoy your cupcakes.” And who doesn’t want that?
👨 👩 A little Code sample for the grown ups
Create an index.html file and add the following script tag and style code in your head tags:
Add the code below and place it in between your body tags:
Create a separate more-cupcakes.html file:
💡 The HTMX Magic Explained button attributes breakdown
hx-get="/more-cupcakes" - "When clicked, make a GET request to this endpoint"
hx-target="#cupcake-box" - "Put the response inside this container"
hx-swap="beforeend" - "Add new content at the end, don't replace existing cupcakes"
✅ View on Github
