Kissing Frameworks Goodbye 01/24/23

Frameworks serve the most important part of all - teaching you the basics of the tool you're working with.

The most I learned about PHP, was when I tried using Wordpress or Laravel. The most I learned about NodeJS, was when I tried using Express. The most I learned about Emacs, was when I tried using Spacemacs.

Some would argue that frameworks are useless, obtrusive and closed. They leave little room for customization. I don't think that is a valid reason to dismiss them.

Frameworks hold all of the combined efforts of all of the individuals who love the tool in question so much, they felt the need to standardize, improve, or downright oppose its standards, and instead they came up with what they believe are better standards.

Thanks to their knowledge and opinions, you gain a deeper understanding of the underlying tool.

Of course that one can learn to use a tool without ever using a framework for it, but I would argue that the learning curve for using a framework is more flat. It immediately becomes a process of exploration, charting the unknown with someone holding your hand, making sure that your first steps are safe and fun.

When you feel it squeezing your hand too tight - you know it's your time to leave, and chart a path of your own, using all that you've learned. When charting your path, don't forget to Keep It Stupid Simple (KISS), using the simplest solution you can find, as it is often times the best.