April 9, 2025
Framework Trade-offs: What Laravel Offers JavaScript Developers
Josh Cirre joins us to discuss his transition from the JavaScript ecosystem to Laravel, revealing why PHP frameworks can offer a compelling alternative for full-stack development. We explore the "identity crisis" many frontend developers face when needing robust backend solutions, how Laravel's batteries-included approach compares to piecing together JavaScript services, and the trade-offs between serverless and traditional hosting environments. Josh also shares insights on Laravel's developer experience, front-end integration options, and his thoughts on what JavaScript frameworks could learn from Laravel's approach to abstraction and infrastructure.
COMPRESSED.fm Episode 202
Framework Trade-offs: What Laravel Offers JavaScript Developers
Josh Cirre
DevRel at Laravel
I'm a developer, educator, and creator.
I work at Laravel, help people learn to code, and enjoy building things. Most importantly, I'm a father and husband. Keep creating.
Jump Links
Links
- Laravel - PHP Framework
- TanStack Start - React meta-framework Josh created a YouTube video about
- Livewire - Laravel's HTML-over-the-wire front-end framework
- Inertia.js - Framework for creating single-page apps
- Volt - Single file component system for Livewire
- Laravel Cloud - Managed hosting solution for Laravel applications
- Herd - Laravel's tool for setting up PHP development environments
- Forge - Laravel's server management tool
- Envoyer - Laravel's zero-downtime deployment tool
- Laracasts - Where Josh has a course on Livewire
- Josh Cirre's YouTube channel
- HTMX - Frontend library Josh compared to Livewire
- Web Dev Challenge with Jason Lengstorf (featuring Josh and Amy)
- Josh Cirre's BlueSky account (@joshcirre)
- Amy's BlueSky account
- Brad's BlueSky account
- Nightwatch - Latest product from Laravel
- Laravel Vapor - Serverless deployment platform for Laravel
- Theo's Laravel exploration (discussed in the criticism section)
- Laravel Breeze
- Laravel Jetstream
- Laravel Fortify (authentication package mentioned)
- Adonis.js (JavaScript framework compared to Laravel)
- Anker USB powered hub (Josh's pick)
- Grether's Sugar Free Black Currant Pastilles (Josh's pick)
- JBL Portable Speaker (Amy's pick)
- Laptop stand with walnut finish (Brad's pick)
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