Fullstack frameworks are back (thanks to AI)

These notes are based on the YouTube video by Daniel Bergholz

Full Stack Frameworks and AI

Full stack frameworks are becoming popular again, thanks to the capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI). To take full advantage of AI, it’s essential to use it in a way that automates tasks such as code generation, testing, and result checking, enhancing development productivity.

Agentic AI

Agentic AI refers to AI systems that can autonomously perform tasks within defined environments. In the context of full stack development, this means leveraging AI tools and IDEs to assist with code generation, running tests, and even deployment, reducing manual intervention. These AI systems typically operate within sandboxed environments or with limited permissions for security reasons.

Benefits of Full Stack Frameworks

Using full stack frameworks like Phoenix, Laravel, or Django can simplify the development process when working with AI. These frameworks reduce the number of steps required to generate a full stack feature, making it easier for AI to handle the entire process from start to finish.

Complex Tech Stacks

On the other hand, complex tech stacks with multiple languages, frameworks, and APIs can make it challenging for AI to generate and test code. For example, a stack with a Node backend, Java microservices, and an Angular front-end can be difficult for AI to handle.

Simplifying the Tech Stack

To get the most out of AI, it’s essential to simplify the tech stack. By using a full stack framework, developers can:

Reduce the number of steps required to generate a full stack feature
Decrease the time spent on testing and debugging
Optimize computational resources and costs associated with AI-driven development Some examples of simplified tech stacks include:
Elixir with Phoenix and LiveView
Ruby on Rails with a single-page application front-end

Example Use Cases

For instance, using Elixir with Phoenix and LiveView can simplify the development process. The steps involved in generating a full stack feature include:

Creating a database migration
Defining a schema
Creating context functions
Rendering the front-end with LiveView

# Example Elixir code for a schema
defmodule MySchema do
  use Ecto.Schema
  import Ecto.Changeset

  schema "my_table" do
    field :name, :string
    field :email, :string
  end

  def changeset(schema, params) do
    schema
    |> cast(params, [:name, :email])
    |> validate_required([:name, :email])
  end
end

Summary

In summary, using full stack frameworks with AI can significantly improve development productivity. By simplifying the tech stack and leveraging AI automation, developers can generate and test code more efficiently, reducing the time and resources spent on development. When choosing a tech stack, consider using full stack frameworks like Laravel, Django, or Phoenix to get the most out of AI-driven development. Additionally, tools like Playwright can be utilized for end-to-end testing of web applications, further streamlining the development process.

# Fullstack frameworks are back (thanks to AI)