I've started using TanStack/Start and I like it a lot.

In the dynamic world of React frameworks, developers are often spoilt for choice. While Next.js and Remix (now called React-Router v7, I think) have established themselves as go-to solutions, TanStack/Start has recently entered the scene, promising innovative solutions to common web development challenges. Having worked extensively with these frameworks, I decided to delve deeper into what sets TanStack/Start apart and why I am currently preferring it for my personal and business projects (including this personal website) over Remix and Next.js.

The Journey Through React Frameworks

My journey with React began with Next.js, attracted by its seamless integration of server-side rendering and static site generation. It served my projects well, but as they grew in complexity, I found myself wrestling with implicit routing, the forced-serialization of server actions and the occasional type safety pitfalls. Seeking a more structured approach, I transitioned to Remix, appreciating its convention-over-configuration philosophy. However, the reliance on file-based conventions sometimes led to runtime errors due to simple naming mishaps.

Enter TanStack/Start. Drawn by its promise of a unique, type-safe approach to routing and server-side logic, I decided to give it a try. The experience has been transformative, addressing many of the pain points I encountered with previous frameworks.

Project Structure and Routing: A Paradigm Shift

One of the standout features of TanStack/Start is its prescriptive project structure:

app/
├── routes/
│   ├── __root.tsx    # Root layout and configuration
│   └── index.tsx     # Individual routes
├── client.tsx        # Client-side entry
├── router.tsx        # Router configuration
└── ssr.tsx           # Server-side entry

At first glance, this structure might seem rigid, especially if you're accustomed to Next.js's flexible file-based routing or Remix's convention-driven setup. However, this explicitness brings several advantages:

• Type Safety: Defining routes using functions ensures that any missteps are caught at compile time, reducing runtime errors.
• Clear Separation: There's a distinct line between route configuration and component logic, making the codebase more maintainable.
• Elimination of Naming Errors: The function-based approach means you're less likely to encounter issues like exporting 'load' instead of 'loader' or 'metadata' instead of 'meta', a common pitfall in other frameworks.

Example: Defining a Route with createFileRoute

TanStack/Start uses createFileRoute to define routes in a fully type-safe manner:

// app/routes/index.tsx
import { createFileRoute } from '@tanstack/react-router';
import React from 'react';

const IndexPage: React.FC = () => {
  return <div>Welcome to the Index Page</div>;
};

export const route = createFileRoute('/')({
  component: IndexPage,
});

This structure might require a shift in mindset, but the benefits in reliability and developer experience are well worth it. (And yes, createFileRouter has support for loaders and metadata, just like Remix.)

Redefining Server-Side Logic with Server Functions

Another area where TanStack/Start shines is in its handling of server-side operations. Traditional frameworks often rely on specific directives or patterns, which can sometimes feel limiting or lead to unexpected behavior. TanStack/Start introduces createServerFn, a method that brings flexibility and type safety to server-side logic:

const userSchema = z.object({ ... });

const createNewUser = createServerFn({ method: 'POST' })
  .validator((data) => {
    return zodSchema.parse(data);
  })
  .handler(async ({ data }) => {
    // Handle the validated data
  });

This approach offers several benefits:

• Explicit Validation: You're in control of validating incoming data, ensuring that only the expected data shapes proceed.
• Universal Applicability: These server functions can be invoked from anywhere within your application, be it loaders, hooks, or components, all while maintaining type safety.

This method has streamlined my server-side logic, making it more predictable and easier to manage.

Data Management and Caching: Seamless Integration

Data fetching and caching are critical aspects of modern web applications. TanStack/Start's seamless integration with TanStack Query (yes, I am a fan after being burned by the the complexity of dealing with data invalidation manually and in ad-hoc fashions) offers a robust solution:

• Advanced Caching: Automatic caching and invalidation mechanisms ensure that your application remains performant without manual intervention.
• Synchronized Data Management: The tight coupling with the routing and server function architecture means that data fetching is always in sync with your application's state and navigation.

This integration has reduced the boilerplate code in my projects and improved data handling efficiency.

Performance: Balancing Build and Runtime

Performance is a crucial consideration in any framework adoption. While TanStack/Start offers impressive runtime performance, I did notice some challenges during the build process, primarily due to its dependency on Nitro. However, the development team is actively addressing this, and future versions promise improved build times with the removal of this dependency.

In terms of runtime, features like full document SSR support and streaming capabilities have ensured that my applications load quickly and provide a smooth user experience.

Migration Considerations

Transitioning to a new framework is never a decision to be taken lightly. For those coming from Remix, the shift to TanStack/Start is relatively smooth, given the conceptual similarities. The primary adjustment lies in adopting server functions over traditional action patterns.

For Next.js users, the migration requires a more significant overhaul, especially in terms of routing and server-side logic. However, the gains in type safety and architectural clarity can make this transition worthwhile.

Wrap-Up

TanStack/Start has redefined my approach to building React applications. Its emphasis on type safety, explicitness, and seamless integration has addressed many of the challenges I faced with other frameworks. While it's essential to consider the current limitations, particularly around build performance, the active development and promising roadmap make it a compelling choice for developers seeking a robust and maintainable solution.

If you're looking to enhance your development experience and build reliable, scalable applications, TanStack/Start is worth exploring.