SmolPHP: a lightweight PHP framework for the SmolWeb
2024-08-23 10:00
I need a tool that bridges the gap between modern web development needs and the minimalist, ethical principles of the SmolWeb. I imagine how this tool could help to create websites that are not only efficient and fast but also meaningful and accessible to all users.
SmolPHP (in construction) is a lightweight PHP framework designed specifically to cater to the SmolWeb philosophy, focusing on minimalism, semantic content, and low resource usage.
Core principles
SmolPHP is built on three foundational principles that make it ideal for developers who prioritize simplicity and efficiency:
- Minimalism: SmolPHP has a small footprint, avoiding unnecessary bloat. It is designed to be easy to use and understand, even for those with limited programming experience.
- Static file generation: By generating static HTML files where possible, SmolPHP reduces server load and improves page load times. This approach also enhances security, as fewer dynamic scripts are executed server-side.
- Semantic HTML: SmolPHP encourages the use of semantic HTML to create meaningful and accessible content. This not only benefits search engine optimization (SEO) but also aligns with the ethical design principles of the SmolWeb, promoting content that is clear and easy to understand.
SmolPHP employs a Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture, which is both simple and effective for organizing code and separating concerns. This approach helps maintain a clean codebase, making it easier to manage and scale applications.
- Model: the model handles data interactions. SmolPHP favors flat-file storage, such as Markdown or JSON, over traditional databases. This keeps data management straightforward and avoids the overhead associated with complex database systems.
- View: the view is responsible for the presentation layer. It is based on a lightweight templating engine to render content dynamically. Templates define the structure of the HTML and use placeholders for dynamic content. SmolPHP emphasizes the use of semantic HTML tags to ensure that the content is both meaningful and accessible.
- Controller: the controller orchestrates the application flow. It interacts with Models to fetch data, applies business logic, and passes the processed data to Views. Controllers also decide whether the output can be cached, contributing to efficient performance.
More details about the template structure:
SmolPHP uses a simple but powerful templating system that supports template inheritance and block overrides. This makes it easy to maintain consistent layouts across multiple pages while allowing specific sections to be customized.
- Base template: SmolPHP defines a base template (page.tpl) that outlines the standard structure of a web page, including semantic blocks such as
<header>,<main>,<aside>, and<footer>. This base template can be reused across different pages. - Inherited templates: pages can extend the base template or a derived one and override specific blocks to customize the content. For example, an article list page might inherit from the base template and redefine the main block to display a list of articles. This approach ensures that all pages share a common structure while allowing flexibility for specific use cases.
Caching for performance
One of the key features of SmolPHP is its ability to cache generated HTML output. Caching is handled by the templating engine component that checks if a cached version of the page exists. If a valid cached file is found, it is served directly, bypassing the need to regenerate the content. If not, the content is generated dynamically and then cached for future requests if the controller marks it as cacheable.
This caching mechanism significantly improves performance, reducing server load and improving response times. It also ensures that pages remain fast and responsive, even as the number of requests grows.
Semantic and accessible content
SmolPHP encourages the use of semantic HTML, ensuring that all web content is accessible and meaningful. By using semantic tags such as <article>, <section>, <nav>, and others, SmolPHP makes it easy to create content that is not only well-structured but also beneficial for SEO and accessible to users with disabilities.
This focus on semantic content aligns with the ethical principles of the SmolWeb, promoting a web that is inclusive, easy to navigate, and free from unnecessary distractions.
Work with SmolPHP
Getting started with SmolPHP would be straightforward. Developers can set up a project by defining their Models, Views, and Controllers. Using the lightweight templating engine, they can create base templates and extend them as needed to build consistent and dynamic web pages.
The simplicity of SmolPHP makes it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, from personal blogs and portfolios to small business websites and static content generators. Its lightweight nature also makes it suitable for deployment on low-powered servers, such as those found in rural or low-bandwidth areas, further supporting the SmolWeb philosophy.
SmolPHP should offer a refreshing approach to web development, prioritizing simplicity, performance, and semantic integrity. By focusing on static file generation, caching, and semantic HTML, SmolPHP aligns perfectly with the SmolWeb's vision of a web that is lightweight, ethical, and user-friendly. Whether you're building a small personal site or a larger project, SmolPHP provides the tools you need to create meaningful web experiences with minimal overhead.