Getting Started with Astro Framework

Astro is a modern static site generator that delivers incredible performance through its unique island architecture. In this post, we’ll explore the basics of Astro and why it’s becoming so popular.

What is Astro?

Astro is an all-in-one web framework for building fast, content-focused websites. It removes bloat and complexity by shipping zero JavaScript by default. Only JavaScript you explicitly import is sent to the browser.

Key Features

• Zero JS by default: Fast page loads and better SEO
• Islands architecture: Progressive hydration for interactive components
• Framework agnostic: Use React, Vue, Svelte, or write vanilla JS
• Built-in routing: File-based routing system
• Content collections: First-class support for MDX and Markdown

Getting Started

To create a new Astro project:

npm create astro@latest

This will guide you through a setup process where you can choose your preferred UI framework, styling tools, and other preferences.

Why Choose Astro?

Astro is perfect for content-focused websites like:

• Blogs and documentation
• Marketing websites
• Portfolios
• E-commerce product pages

The focus on performance and developer experience makes it a great choice for modern web development.