Why JAMStack : The modern way of building your website & ecommerce

1. The Dominance of WordPress and Its Challenges

WordPress, the leading content management tool globally, is the foundation for approximately 40 million websites. Its user-friendly interface, extensive library of templates and plugins, and a vast developer community make it the first choice for many businesses. However, while it offers remarkable advantages, it also comes with certain challenges that businesses and developers must address. These challenges predominantly revolve around issues related to speed, security, and availability.

2. The Solution: Embracing Jamstack

In the quest to overcome the limitations of WordPress, an innovative solution has emerged: Jamstack. But what is Jamstack, and why should you consider it as a viable alternative?

3. Deciphering Jamstack: A Paradigm Shift

Jamstack represents a methodology or architecture aimed at addressing three core concerns:

a. Faster Loading Web Pages b. Enhanced Security c. Improved Scalability

By harnessing the power of this approach, developers can create applications and websites with a strong focus on providing an optimal user experience. The foundation of Jamstack is the use of various tools, specifically tailored to meet the requirements of developers while effectively separating website development from content creation, uniting them through a streamlined workflow.

4. Jamstack Unveiled: JavaScript, API, Markdown Stack

At the core of Jamstack’s philosophy are three fundamental components, each playing a crucial role in its effectiveness:

a. JavaScript (JS) b. API Integration c. Markdown Markup Language

These elements collectively make up the Jamstack stack and contribute to the platform’s robustness. But what motivates the adoption of Jamstack over established platforms like WordPress or Magento?

5. The Why: Choosing Jamstack Over WordPress and Magento

The decision to shift to Jamstack warrants a closer examination. This is not a choice that should be made blindly following trends. Rather, it should be informed by a clear understanding of the “why” and subsequently the “how.”

6. The Imperative Role of Your Website

Your website is the digital face of your business, a platform that communicates essential information to your customers. It conveys:

a. Your Business’s Offerings b. What Makes Your Product or Service Unique c. Product Pricing (Relevant in E-commerce Scenarios)

In essence, your website is a vital component of your digital presence, making it essential to select a platform that guarantees robustness in all aspects.

7. WordPress and Magento: The Conventional Choices

In the contemporary web development landscape, small websites predominantly lean toward two conventional platforms: WordPress and Magento. WordPress, in particular, has earned its reputation as a powerhouse among content management systems, enabling users to swiftly create and publish web content.

8. WordPress: The Allure of Speed and Flexibility

WordPress boasts an impressive range of features that cater to the needs of content creators and business owners:

a. Quick Content Creation b. Template Customization Options c. URL and Slug Customization d. SEO Optimization Using Plugins Like Yoast e. E-commerce Capabilities and Inventory Management

It’s undeniable that WordPress offers a compelling package, making it an attractive choice for many. However, it’s not without its drawbacks.

9. The Pitfalls of WordPress: A Tarnished Shine

While WordPress’s ease of use is commendable, it also has inherent flaws. Inexpensive developers, though readily available, often lack the technical expertise necessary for optimal website performance. Many resort to downloading numerous plugins to add desired features, leading to performance degradation. Moreover, some plugins, created by developers with varying skill levels, may not adhere to best practices, potentially compromising security.

As a result, a typical WordPress website ends up with an excess of 10 to 20 plugins, causing a significant slowdown in performance. Worse still, websites built on WordPress are susceptible to breaks and security breaches. Without a robust backup system and an efficient restoration process, the consequences of a security breach can be catastrophic.

10. The Triad of Issues: WordPress’s Achilles Heel

Three core issues plague WordPress users:

a. Availability Challenges b. Speed and Performance Issues c. Security Vulnerabilities (In Case of Hacks)

For businesses that heavily rely on their websites for revenue, such as those involved in e-commerce or advertising, these issues can be nothing short of a nightmare. Even for businesses where the website serves as a digital brochure, downtime or security breaches can be a source of embarrassment, and the responsibility to rectify these issues often falls on the developer.

11. Jamstack: A Solution to the Rescue

For those seeking a platform that addresses availability, performance, and security issues effectively, Jamstack emerges as a formidable alternative. Let’s delve into the three vital advantages that Jamstack offers:

12. #1 Availability: The Power of Static Site Generators

Jamstack websites leverage Static Site Generators (SSGs) like Hugo, Gatsby, Jekyll, and others. These SSGs transform content from APIs or markdown files into pre-rendered pages. These pages are then distributed across a Content Delivery Network (CDN) that spans multiple servers globally.

To illustrate this concept, envision having digitally printed copies of each web page distributed worldwide. Whenever someone accesses your website, they receive a pre-printed copy that’s closest to their location. Any updates or changes are rapidly propagated to all these pages, typically within 2 to 4 minutes.

This approach effectively enhances your website’s scalability by eliminating the need to communicate with your server every time a page is requested. It also removes the need to continually add or remove servers to accommodate a growing user base.

13. #2 Security: Impenetrable Static Pages

One of the most remarkable features of Jamstack is its unparalleled security. Since all pages are static, there is no real-time connection to your server or database, significantly reducing the potential vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit.

14. #3 Speed, UX, and UI: Lightning-Fast Page Load Times

With all pages being static and pre-rendered, they load in under a second, depending on the volume of images included. Furthermore, you can optimize page speed by utilizing pre-processed and cached images. This results in a seamless and efficient user experience.

15. Conclusion: Jamstack, the Triumphant Solution

In summary, Jamstack is a game-changer in the realm of web development. Its ability to resolve critical issues of availability, performance, and security makes it a compelling choice for businesses and developers. While WordPress and Magento have their merits, they also have significant drawbacks that can hinder a business’s online presence. Jamstack offers a fresh approach, ensuring that your website not only meets but exceeds the expectations of your users. So, when the question arises – Jamstack or WordPress? – the answer becomes clear: embrace the future with Jamstack.