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Frameworks vs. Vanilla JS in the Age of AI

JavaScript frameworks like React and Vue were created to dramatically boost developer productivity, often enabling developers to write code up to 10 times faster.

But now, with the rise of AI-powered code generators, it's worth asking: is it time to reconsider using plain vanilla JavaScript, especially when AI can produce it just as quickly?

1. Introduction

JavaScript Vanilla
JavaScript is the language that brings websites to life. It runs directly in the browser, allowing pages to respond, move, and interact without needing to reload. From clicking buttons to loading new content, JavaScript powers almost everything we do on a website.

JavaScript Frameworks
JavaScript frameworks are pre-built structures and tools that help developers write browser-based code more easily. They simplify common tasks like updating the page, handling user input, or organizing code. Instead of starting from scratch with vanilla JavaScript, frameworks speed up development with helpful shortcuts and patterns.

2. Why Frameworks Have Been Preferred Approach?

  • JavaScript frameworks make it easier and faster to build interactive websites and web apps. Instead of starting from scratch, developers use ready-made structures that save time and effort.

  • These frameworks simplify common tasks like showing or hiding content, handling user clicks, or loading data—all with less code and fewer mistakes. They also help keep the code organized, especially as projects grow larger and more complex.

  • Additionally, popular frameworks come with strong community support and a rich ecosystem of tools, plugins, and libraries, making it easier to find solutions, stay updated, and integrate new features.

3. What is downside of Frameworks?

  • While frameworks make development easier, they also add extra layers of complexity. Developers need to learn new concepts and follow specific rules to use them effectively.

  • Frameworks often result in larger file sizes, which can slow down websites—especially smaller projects. For example, Angular may become slower when used for very large applications.

  • Each framework has its own way of doing things, so switching between them or upgrading to new versions can take time and effort. For instance, React’s structure is quite different from Angular’s, making transitions challenging.

4. Frameworks or Vanilla JS with AI?

  • Vanilla code is lighter and tends to run faster and more efficiently than code generated using frameworks. This raises the question: should we prefer vanilla JavaScript over frameworks now that AI can help generate code quickly?

  • While faster code generation is a big advantage, there are other important factors to consider—especially for larger projects.

  • Two of the most crucial are maintainability and scalability. Maintainability means how easy it is to understand, fix, and update the code over time, while scalability refers to how well the code can grow and adapt as the project becomes more complex or gains more users.

  • These features are just as important as writing code quickly because poorly maintained or unscalable code can lead to headaches, bugs, and slowdowns in the future. Frameworks provide established patterns, tools, and structures that help manage these challenges efficiently.

  • For these reasons, even with AI-powered code generation making vanilla JavaScript easier to write, frameworks still play a vital role—especially in large, complex applications where maintainability and scalability can’t be compromised.

5. Takeaway

JavaScript frameworks revolutionized web development by making it faster and easier to build complex, interactive applications. While AI-powered code generators now make writing vanilla JavaScript quicker and more accessible, frameworks still hold significant value

  • For small to medium projects, vanilla JavaScript paired with AI tools can be a lightweight, efficient choice.

  • But for complex applications that need to grow and evolve over time, frameworks provide the structure and best practices necessary to keep code manageable and reliable.