Build a JavaScript Single Page App Without a Framework

This tutorial demonstrates building a Single Page Application (SPA) from scratch using plain JavaScript, without relying on a front-end framework. This approach offers a deeper understanding of SPA architecture and component interaction.

Key Concepts and Technologies:

• Server-Side (Node.js & Express): A Node.js server using Express.js acts as a secure proxy, handling API key management and communication with external services. This prevents exposing sensitive API keys directly in client-side code.
• Client-Side (Vanilla JavaScript & jQuery): Core application logic is implemented using Vanilla JavaScript and jQuery for DOM manipulation.
• Routing (Vanilla Router): Client-side routing manages navigation within the SPA without page reloads, providing a seamless user experience.
• Templating (Handlebars): Handlebars.js simplifies HTML rendering based on data, promoting clean separation of concerns.
• APIs (Fixer.io & Free Currency Converter): The application utilizes Fixer.io for currency rates (requiring an API key, securely handled on the server) and the Free Currency Converter API for currency conversions.

Project Structure and Setup:

The project is organized into client-side (public/) and server-side (server.js) components. Dependencies are managed using npm. The .env file stores sensitive information like the API key.

Application Features:

The tutorial builds a simple currency application with these features:

• Displaying Latest Currency Rates: Fetches and displays current exchange rates from Fixer.io.
• Currency Conversion: Allows users to convert between different currencies using the Free Currency Converter API.
• Displaying Historical Currency Rates: Retrieves and displays historical rates for a specified date from Fixer.io.

Development Process:

The tutorial walks through the step-by-step creation of the application, covering:

1. Setting up the Server and Basic HTML: Creating the Express server and serving a basic HTML page.
2. Creating Handlebars Templates: Defining templates for different views (currency rates, exchange, historical rates, and error handling).
3. Implementing Client-Side Routing: Using Vanilla Router to handle navigation within the SPA.
4. Fetching and Displaying Latest Currency Rates: Integrating the Fixer.io API and displaying the data in a table.
5. Building the Currency Conversion Feature: Implementing the conversion UI and integrating the Free Currency Converter API.
6. Adding Historical Currency Rates Functionality: Creating the UI for selecting a date and fetching historical rates.

Considerations for Scaling:

The tutorial concludes by discussing limitations of building an SPA without a framework, including DOM performance, browser performance optimization (bundling), code organization, and testing. It highlights the advantages frameworks offer in addressing these challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

The tutorial includes a comprehensive FAQ section addressing key differences between SPAs and traditional web applications, SEO implications, popular SPA frameworks, potential drawbacks, routing mechanisms, performance optimization techniques, SEO strategies, and testing methodologies. This section provides valuable insights for developers considering SPA development.

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