The Evolution of Clojure Web Frameworks in 2019

As the digital landscape evolved in 2019, so did the choices available for developers building modern web applications using Clojure. Unlike traditional monolithic frameworks, Clojure's web development ecosystem leverages a combination of libraries and tools to provide flexibility and modularity. This article explores the top web frameworks for Clojure, providing insights into their features, use cases, and community support.

The Best Clojure Web Frameworks in 2019

Here are some of the best Clojure web frameworks used in 2019, each with its unique strengths:

1. Compojure

Compojure is a widely used routing library that emphasizes simplicity and expressiveness. It is often combined with Ring, a middleware library, to provide robust web server capabilities. Compojure's strengths lie in its ability to define routes concisely and its seamless integration with other Clojure libraries.

2. Luminus

Luminus is a full-stack Clojure web framework that provides a comprehensive approach to web development. It combines several libraries, such as Compojure and Ring, to offer features like database integration, user authentication, and templating out of the box. Luminus is ideal for projects that require a more opinionated structure and a wide range of built-in functionalities.

3. Re-frame

While primarily a frontend library for building single-page applications (SPAs) using ClojureScript, Re-frame can also be integrated with backend frameworks like Compojure. It harnesses a functional reactive programming model, making it a popular choice for modern web applications that require responsive and dynamic user experiences.

4. Pedestal

Pedestal is a more complex framework that provides tools for building both HTTP services and web applications. Emphasizing a modular approach, Pedestal offers features like interceptors for handling request and response processing. This makes it a versatile choice for developers who need fine-grained control over their application's architecture.

5. Malli

Malli is a data validation and schema definition library that gained popularity in the Clojure community. While not a full web framework, it is highly useful for ensuring data integrity in web applications. Malli complements other frameworks by providing robust validation mechanisms.

The Misconception: Clojure is a Framework-less Language

It is sometimes incorrectly stated that there are no web frameworks for Clojure. However, this is not entirely accurate. While Clojure is a language that emphasizes simplicity and modularity, several tools and libraries have been developed to provide the necessary web development features. Ring and Compojure are the backbone of most Clojure web stacks, with Leiningen being the go-to tool for building and running Clojure applications.

An example of a framework that did exist in the market but was not widely adopted was Noir. Despite its potential, Noir faced challenges and eventually fell out of maintenance. Currently, the de facto web stack for Clojure involves Ring and Compojure, augmented by various libraries and tools as needed.

The Shift Towards Modularity in Web Development

The web development landscape has shifted significantly in recent years. Large, monolithic frameworks have given way to more modular approaches, where components are built and composed independently. This shift has led to an increase in the use of API endpoints and JSON data exchanged between the backend and frontend.

Instead of developing HTML on the backend and serving static pages, modern web development often involves creating RESTful or GraphQL APIs. The frontend handles user interactions and rendering, often using JavaScript frameworks. This new approach allows for greater flexibility, faster development cycles, and a better developer experience.

Conclusion

The choice of web framework in 2019 for Clojure development was largely influenced by specific project requirements, team familiarity, and personal preferences. Luminus, with its comprehensive approach, was a strong choice for many developers, while Compojure remained a popular option for simpler applications. In a modular and dynamic world, these frameworks provided the flexibility and power needed to build robust and scalable web applications.