Introduction to The Boring JavaScript Stack

Summary

In this lesson, Kelvin Omereshone introduces The Boring JavaScript Stack (TBJS), a technology stack designed to simplify full-stack JavaScript development. TBJS prioritizes stability, ease of use, and rapid iteration over chasing the latest shiny tools. It enables JavaScript developers to build single-page applications (SPAs) without needing a separate API, leveraging Sails.js as the backend, Inertia.js as the glue, and Vue, React, or Svelte for the frontend.

Key Takeaways:

• TBJS aims to make full-stack development boring (predictable, stable, and low-maintenance).

• It removes unnecessary complexities by integrating backend and frontend seamlessly.

• Sails.js (MVC backend) + Inertia.js (server-centric routing) + Tailwind CSS (styling) = A smooth developer experience.

• It empowers JavaScript developers to ship products faster without getting bogged down by unnecessary tooling.

• Ideal for teams that want to move fast and engineering managers who need full-stack collaboration.

Transcript

Introduction to The Boring JavaScript Stack

Okay. So I want to introduce The Boring JavaScript Stack, which is the tool we're going to use in building 50 Days. Anytime I say The Boring JavaScript Stack, it’s a mouthful, right? So you could call it:

• The Boring JavaScript Stack

• The Boring Stack

• The Boring JS Stack

• Or TBJS, like I like to call it because I love acronyms.

What is The Boring JavaScript Stack?

TBJS is a group of technologies that simplifies full-stack JavaScript development. Its mantra is:
"Don’t focus on shiny tools, focus on solving real problems."

It’s a culmination of my years of JavaScript experience since 2018. Traditionally, building SPAs meant:

1. Creating a frontend with a meta-framework (React, Vue, etc.).

2. Creating a separate API.

But this setup doesn’t fully leverage JavaScript’s power. Why have two separate applications when we’re using the same language?

The Core Technologies Behind TBJS

While thinking about a better approach, I discovered Inertia.js, which made TBJS possible. Here’s the stack:

• Sails.js → Powerful backend framework, great for APIs.

• Inertia.js → Bridges backend and frontend seamlessly.

• Vue, React, or Svelte → Component-based UI frameworks.

• Tailwind CSS → Simple, pragmatic styling.

This stack makes JavaScript development predictable, stable, and low-maintenance.

Why TBJS?

TBJS is designed for fast-moving teams. Many teams struggle with technology becoming a bottleneck. The Boring Stack eliminates this by:

• Allowing developers to focus on building their business, not wrestling with tech.

• Removing unnecessary complexities that meta-frameworks introduce.

• Enabling developers to ship products faster and iterate quickly.

Who is The Boring Stack for?

• Calm JavaScript Developers – Those who focus on building products instead of chasing new tools.

• Teams that need to move quickly – If your team doesn’t want tech to slow them down, TBJS is for you.

• MVC Lovers – If you love the MVC way of building apps, but hate needing meta-frameworks for SPAs, TBJS is for you.

• Engineering Managers & Team Leads – Helps full-stack teams collaborate better with a unified stack.

How Does TBJS Work?

• Single Page Applications without APIs – You don’t need a separate API layer; everything works seamlessly.

• Full-stack collaboration – No more dividing "frontend" and "backend" developers; everyone can contribute across the stack.

• Lower costs and maintenance – Because everything is simple, boring, and stable.

What’s in the Stack?

• Sails.js → MVC framework (like Laravel or Rails).

• Inertia.js → Replaces frontend routers (like React Router or Vue Router).

• Tailwind CSS → Elegant, pragmatic styling.

• Your choice of frontend → Vue, React, or Svelte.

Final Thoughts

TBJS is a quick, low-cost, and maintainable way to build full-stack JavaScript applications. It enables JavaScript developers to ship faster and focus on what really matters—solving real problems.