htmx: Build Interactive Interfaces with HTML Attributes

Overview

htmx is a JavaScript library that extends HTML so elements can make HTTP requests in response to user events and update selected parts of a page with the server response. It addresses the gap between basic links and forms and the richer interactions often implemented with client-side JavaScript.

It suits developers who want to build interactive web pages while keeping application behavior close to HTML and server-rendered responses. The project describes itself as small, dependency-free, and extendable.

Key Features

• Trigger AJAX requests from HTML attributes on elements beyond links and forms.
• Configure requests for events beyond clicks and form submissions.
• Support HTTP methods beyond GET and POST.
• Choose how and where a response updates the page, including replacing an element.
• Provide CSS transition support.
• Support WebSockets and server-sent events through extensions.
• Extend behavior with an extensions system.

Use Cases

• Server-rendered applications that need interactive controls without adopting a full client-side framework.
• Forms or buttons that should submit requests and update only a portion of the page.
• Teams that prefer to keep request and update behavior expressed in HTML alongside server-rendered views.
• Interfaces that need event-driven updates over WebSockets or server-sent events using the available extensions.

Project Facts

• Language: JavaScript
• License: NOASSERTION
• Stars: 49.5k
• Forks: 1.7k
• Topics: hateoas, html, htmx, hyperscript, javascript, rest
• Archived: false

Getting Started

Install the npm package:

npm install htmx.org --save

For browser usage, documentation, and setup details, see the README and official documentation.

Alternatives

• react: React builds interfaces from JavaScript components and client-side state, while htmx uses HTML attributes to issue requests and swap server-rendered content.

Considerations

htmx is a JavaScript library, so browser use requires loading it into the page. Its HTML-oriented approach is a good fit for server-driven interfaces, but teams seeking a client-side component framework may prefer a different architecture. The repository reports its license as NOASSERTION, so verify applicable licensing terms before adopting it.