Why RedwoodJS Is the Future of Full-Stack JavaScript

Published on: 2022-08-14

Introduction: A New Era of JavaScript Frameworks

In 2022, full-stack JavaScript is no longer just a buzzword — it’s a movement. With tools like Next.js, Remix, and Blitz gaining popularity, RedwoodJS carves out its own niche: a full-stack framework purpose-built for startups and modern apps, with batteries included.

1. What Is RedwoodJS?

RedwoodJS is an opinionated, full-stack framework designed by Tom Preston-Werner (co-founder of GitHub). It aims to make building and deploying JAMstack applications as simple as possible. Out of the box, it comes with:

• React (frontend)
• GraphQL (API layer)
• Prisma (ORM for database)
• Apollo (data fetching)
• TypeScript (optional but supported)
• Serverless-first deployment strategy

2. Key Concepts That Make Redwood Unique

Directory Structure

Redwood introduces a clear separation between the frontend and backend:

/web    → Frontend (React)
/api    → Backend (GraphQL, Prisma)

Generators

Want to scaffold a CRUD interface?

yarn rw generate scaffold post

This generates:

• Prisma model
• GraphQL SDL
• Services
• Pages and forms
• Routing setup

It’s Rails-style scaffolding but modernized for React and GraphQL.

Cells: Data Fetching Made Declarative

Redwood introduces Cells, a way to encapsulate GraphQL fetching with loading, error, and success states in a single component.

export const QUERY = gql`
  query FindPostById($id: Int!) {
    post(id: $id) {
      id
      title
      body
    }
  }
`;

No need for custom useEffect or data-loading boilerplate — it’s all handled within the Cell.

3. Building a Blog: Quick Demo

Let’s build a simple blog with posts:

Step 1: Create the App

yarn create redwood-app blog-app
cd blog-app

Step 2: Define a Post Model

In api/db/schema.prisma:

model Post {
  id    Int     @id @default(autoincrement())
  title String
  body  String
}

Then run:

yarn rw prisma migrate dev

Step 3: Scaffold It

yarn rw generate scaffold post

Redwood gives you routes, forms, pages, and full CRUD functionality.

4. Deployment: Serverless First

RedwoodJS is made for modern platforms like:

-Netlify
-Vercel
-Render

Just run:

yarn rw setup deploy netlify

Redwood auto-generates deployment configs, including for Netlify Functions.

5. Who Should Use Redwood?

RedwoodJS is a perfect fit if you:

-Want to ship MVPs fast
-Prefer convention over configuration
-Like React, GraphQL, and modern tooling
-Are deploying to the JAMstack

It’s especially great for early-stage SaaS, marketplaces, and dashboards.

Conclusion: Redwood must try

While it’s not as hyped as some frameworks, RedwoodJS is a hidden gem. If you want full control, modern tooling, and the ability to scale from serverless MVP to production SaaS, Redwood is worth serious consideration.