Front-end framework

[gary]

I want to develop a website system. I'm using Mormot 2 as the backend framework (currently developing well), but I'm unsure what to use for the frontend. I only know Pascal and no other languages. The TMS Web Core framework is actually quite good, but it's a paid commercial framework. Are there any alternative frameworks? I don't know HTML, CSS, or JS.

Pas2JS_Widget looks promising, but it's no longer maintained and feels outdated.

Any suggestions?

[Thaddy]

pas2js is maintained. You can also use it with any js front-end library, like e.g. ExtJs.
Have a look at:
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/blogs/best-frontend-javascript-frameworks/

All of them can be used.

[DonAlfredo]

@gary
Normally, I just ask an AI to make a frontend based on a framework of choice, and add as requirement to use REST JSON for data. Very easy. Grids, Charts, realtime data. All can be included. mORMot2 is used (through REST JSON) as data-provider.

[gary]

@gary
Normally, I just ask an AI to make a frontend based on a framework of choice, and add as requirement to use REST JSON for data. Very easy. Grids, Charts, realtime data. All can be included. mORMot2 is used (through REST JSON) as data-provider.

The way I did it on my previous website was like this. I developed the backend, sent the data to the AI, and it would generate an HTML page for me. However, if there are many front-end pages, this method becomes extremely ineffective.

[gary]

pas2js is maintained. You can also use it with any js front-end library, like e.g. ExtJs.
Have a look at:
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/blogs/best-frontend-javascript-frameworks/

All of them can be used.

I'm familiar with the framework you mentioned, but I don't currently know HTML or CSS. What I'm wondering is whether there exists a drag-and-drop front-end design tool like TMS Web Core, similar to VCL, where you can directly drag elements onto the form.

[delphius]

I'm familiar with the framework you mentioned, but I don't currently know HTML or CSS. What I'm wondering is whether there exists a drag-and-drop front-end design tool like TMS Web Core, similar to VCL, where you can directly drag elements onto the form.

https://github.com/d2bridge/d2bridgeframework

[zeljko]

When I read or hear "framework" I get sick.

[dsiders]

When I read or hear "framework" I get sick.

Especially when it's coupled with a statement like "I don't know HTML or CSS".  Why would you try to develop a web app if you don't know the absolute basics?

[gary]

When I read or hear "framework" I get sick.

Especially when it's coupled with a statement like "I don't know HTML or CSS".  Why would you try to develop a web app if you don't know the absolute basics?

I specialize in backend development. My first completed project was a backend system I built myself, paired with a frontend generated by AI. So far, it's running smoothly, but I can't fine-tune the frontend precisely since it was AI-generated. That's why I'm eager to learn more about it now.

[gary]

I'm familiar with the framework you mentioned, but I don't currently know HTML or CSS. What I'm wondering is whether there exists a drag-and-drop front-end design tool like TMS Web Core, similar to VCL, where you can directly drag elements onto the form.

https://github.com/d2bridge/d2bridgeframework

I just downloaded it (this is a really excellent framework), but it has its own HTTP server, which conflicts with my mormot framework.

[delphius]

I just downloaded it (this is a really excellent framework), but it has its own HTTP server, which conflicts with my mormot framework.

if you don't want to mess with the frontend, then you should take a closer look at the htmx library (https://htmx.org/examples), with its help, you can organize full-fledged generation on the server side, and the library will take over all the dynamics at the front.
But this will not solve the issues of the component approach and drag and drop translational solutions with forms.
In any case, I do not know of an open full-fledged solution like TMS Core, except for the above framework.
And that's a problem for Pascal.

[gary]

I just downloaded it (this is a really excellent framework), but it has its own HTTP server, which conflicts with my mormot framework.

if you don't want to mess with the frontend, then you should take a closer look at the htmx library (https://htmx.org/examples), with its help, you can organize full-fledged generation on the server side, and the library will take over all the dynamics at the front.
But this will not solve the issues of the component approach and drag and drop translational solutions with forms.
In any case, I do not know of an open full-fledged solution like TMS Core, except for the above framework.
And that's a problem for Pascal.

It seems that there is no shortcut for development.

[egsuh]

The simplest way is to install virtualUI on client PC. It allows running Windows application on browsers.

[PierceNg]

if you don't want to mess with the frontend, then you should take a closer look at the htmx library (https://htmx.org/examples), with its help, you can organize full-fledged generation on the server side, and the library will take over all the dynamics at the front.

HTMX needs familiarity with HTML, CSS and AJAX to use effectively. OP has self-declared his doesn't know.

The simplest way is to install virtualUI on client PC. It allows running Windows application on browsers.

Anything requiring installing software on client PCs is not simple. That's why the web browser has become the universal client-side application platform.

[egsuh]

Anything requiring installing software on client PCs is not simple. That's why the web browser has become the universal client-side application platform.

Yes, you are right. But if there exists any Lazarus tool that is easy both in development and in deployment then it must have been the standard web development tool. Within the current limitations --- not knowing HTML, JS, CSS --- we are looking for ways.