In this episode of the Modern Web Podcast, hosts Rob Ocel, Adam Rackis, and Danny Thompson, examine the technical side of modern web development with guest Dennis Ivy, a developer advocate at Appwrite. The discussion explores HTMX, its approach to extending HTML for dynamic UIs, and how it challenges the dominance of JavaScript-heavy SPAs. They examine where HTMX fits in the web ecosystem, its strengths and limitations, and its potential for enterprise applications. The conversation then shifts to backend-as-a-service platforms, with Dennis breaking down how Appwrite provides authentication, databases, and real-time updates as an open-source alternative to Firebase and Supabase. They discuss performance considerations, architectural trade-offs, and the evolving landscape of server-side development.Keypoints for this Episode- HTMX and Its Role in Web Development – The discussion explores how HTMX extends HTML to enable dynamic UIs without heavy JavaScript frameworks, making it a compelling option for certain applications, particularly for backend developers and server-rendered apps.- Backend-as-a-Service with Appwrite – Dennis Ivy explains how Appwrite offers authentication, databases, and real-time eventing as an open-source alternative to Firebase and Supabase, highlighting its performance advantages and developer-friendly approach.- Trade-offs in Modern Web Architectures – The group discusses the evolution of SPAs, the resurgence of server-side rendering, and how tools like HTMX and backend-as-a-service platforms challenge traditional frontend-heavy workflows.- Performance and Scalability Considerations – The conversation touches on Appwrite's efficient architecture compared to other backend solutions, examining how its lightweight design impacts real-world applications and developer experience.Chapters0:00 - Introduction 0:35 - Welcome to the Modern Web Podcast 1:26 - Dennis Ivy’s Journey into Tech 4:03 - Selling a Project for $40K+ 6:39 - Different Paths into Development 8:49 - Learning Through Building 11:16 - The Importance of Side Projects 14:05 - Introduction to HTMX 16:41 - HTMX for Enterprise and Scalability 19:34 - The HTMX Learning Curve and Adoption 24:41 - Comparing Modern Web Development Approaches 27:12 - Introduction to Appwrite's Features 30:46 - Appwrite vs. Competitors like Firebase and Supabase 33:41 - Appwrite's Performance and Scalability 37:49 - Where to Find Dennis Ivy Online 38:54 - Podcast Wrap-Up and ClosingFollow Dennis Ivy on Social MediaTwitter: https://x.com/dennisivy11Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-ivanov/Sponsored by This Dot: thisdot.coFollow This Dot Labs on Social MediaThis Dot Media X: https://x.com/ThisDotMediaThis Dot Labs X: https://x.com/ThisDotLabsThis Dot Labs Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thisdotlabs/This Dot Labs BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thisdotlabs.bsky.social