My New JAM Stack Site

My New Tech Stack

I re-built my website using the following stack. Rebuilding my website has been an exciting journey, and I'm thrilled to share the tech stack that made it possible. Here’s an overview of the tools and technologies I used:

• Contentful: Headless CMS for managing content.
• GraphQL: Data query language for efficient data fetching.
• React: JavaScript library for building user interfaces.
• Styled Components: For styling React components.
• GatsbyJS: Static site generator for blazing-fast websites.
• Netlify: Hosting platform for static sites with powerful features.
• Cloudflare: Web Application Firewall (WAF) and Content Delivery Network (CDN).
• CircleCI, GitHub, and Webhooks: Automated deployment pipeline.
• Disqus: Integration for user comments.

I’m quite happy with this stack, though Netlify and Contentful can become expensive once you exceed the free tier limits. I might revisit my choices in the future based on cost-effectiveness.

Contentful

Contentful is an incredible headless CMS with a generous free tier for developers. It's packed with features and integrates seamlessly with GatsbyJS using the gatsby-source-contentful plugin.

// In your gatsby-config.js
module.exports = {
  plugins: [
    {
      resolve: `gatsby-source-contentful`,
      options: {
        spaceId: `your_space_id`,
        // Learn about environment variables: https://gatsby.dev/env-vars
        accessToken: process.env.CONTENTFUL_ACCESS_TOKEN,
      },
    },
  ],
}

Contentful’s intuitive interface and powerful API make it a top choice for managing content in modern web projects.

GatsbyJS

GatsbyJS is a joy to work with, offering a vast array of plugins that streamline the development process. It provides a head start with a performant Progressive Web App (PWA) out of the box. If you haven’t tried Gatsby yet, I highly recommend giving it a shot.

Netlify

Netlify has been a game-changer for me, offering an easy-to-use platform with excellent integration capabilities. Coming from Digital Ocean, where I had to manage droplets myself, Netlify’s managed service saves a significant amount of time. While the free tier is fantastic, costs can rise as your site grows, so keep an eye on your usage.

Embracing the JAMstack

I’m a huge fan of JAMstack websites and apps. They are:

• More Performant: Faster load times and better user experience.
• Easier to Scale: Handle traffic spikes effortlessly.
• More Secure: Reduced attack surface due to static nature.
• Fun to Develop: Modern tools and workflows make development enjoyable.

JAMstack offers a modern approach to building web applications that are performant, scalable, and secure.

Conclusion

Rebuilding my website with this stack has been a rewarding experience. Each tool and technology has contributed to a robust, high-performing, and scalable site. I’m excited to continue exploring and optimizing this stack. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment!