Getting Started with Astro

Learn how to build fast, content-focused websites with Astro's unique approach to web development.

I switch my blog from Middleman to Astro. It was a long time coming, but thanks to bolt.new and continue.dev, I was able to use AI to do all the heavy lifting. Below is the generic template post, that I’ve decided to keep.

Astro is a modern static site builder that offers an exciting new approach to building websites. In this post, I’ll share my experience with Astro and why I think it’s a great choice for content-focused websites.

Why Astro?

Astro stands out for several reasons:

  1. Zero JavaScript by default: Astro automatically removes all JavaScript from your site, delivering only HTML and CSS.
  2. Component Islands: Use your favorite UI frameworks (React, Vue, Svelte) where needed.
  3. Great Developer Experience: Familiar syntax and excellent tooling support.

Code Example

Here’s a simple Astro component:

---
// Your component script goes here
const greeting = "Hello, Astro!";
---

<div class="greeting">
  <h1>{greeting}</h1>
  <p>Welcome to my blog!</p>
</div>

<style>
  .greeting {
    color: navy;
    padding: 1rem;
  }
</style>

Performance

Astro’s approach to JavaScript is particularly interesting. By shipping zero JavaScript by default, your sites are:

  • Faster to load
  • More secure
  • Better for SEO
  • More accessible

Conclusion

Astro represents a significant step forward in static site generation. Its focus on performance and developer experience makes it an excellent choice for modern web development.

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