Why Choose Gatsby? A Complete Guide to Its Power and Potential

Since brands today want to create faster and more scalable websites, static site generators have become incredibly popular. One tool that has become a driving force in creating lightning-fast websites is Gatsby. Gatsby offers a developer-friendly environment for building sites with unmatched user experiences across platforms and devices, thanks to its integration of GraphQL, React, and plugins. You can learn everything there is to know about the Gatsby framework from this blog. 

What is Gatsby?

Web applications and static websites can be made with the open-source Gatsby framework based on React. It provides highly optimised web pages using the static site generation (SSG) concept. Gatsby offers features that simplify image handling, routing, and linking. Among Gatsby’s salient characteristics are:

• React-Based Framework: Gatsby, built on React, enables developers to create reusable components and dynamic front-end interfaces.

• GraphQL Integration: This refers to using a centralised GraphQL API to query data from multiple sources, such as databases, Markdown files, content management systems (CMSs), and APIs.

• Plugins and Ecosystem: Gatsby has a sizable ecosystem of plugins that simplify tasks like sourcing data from various platforms, optimising images, and integrating analytics.

• PWA Capabilities: Gatsby offers numerous features, including offline functionality and service workers, which are supported by the framework.

• Scalability and Security: Gatsby’s database and server are not operational. This successfully lowers possible security threats.

What is the Structure of Gatsby Sites?

Gatsby easily connects with various data sources through external APIs, enabling developers to build front-ends without dealing with the underlying data. Gatsby’s data-agnostic nature also allows it to concentrate entirely on front-end development. Essential elements of a standard Gatsby website consist of:

• A database, a headless CMS, a CSV file, or even a Notion document
• A GraphQL datalayer to display CMS data
• A deployment tool similar to Vercel and Netlify

Many leading brands utilise Gatsby across various industries to enhance the speed, flexibility, and scalability of their websites. Several well-known brand names that use Gatsby are:

Typescript:

To showcase TypeScript’s technical documentation capabilities, the TypeScript documentation site is constructed using Gatsby. The documentation website can easily produce high-quality content thanks to its seamless integration with GitHub, fast search functionality plugins, and Gatsby’s Markdown support.

Cloudflare:

Gatsby is used by Cloudflare, a well-known provider of web security and infrastructure services, for their marketing website. There are almost 1,450 English-language pages on this website, along with extra content in 15 other languages. Gatsby’s performance enhancements boost user engagement and improve conversion rates for their services.

Airbnb Design:

Airbnb is a well-known company that allows property owners to rent their homes to tourists and other lodging seekers. Airbnb has a separate website called Airbnb Design, which promotes the brand and facilitates the exchange of design concepts. This site is developed using Gatsby.js and seamlessly integrated with Figma.

Why Should You Choose Gatsby?

Gatsby is a static site generator that provides several advantages for web developers. Let’s have a look at some compelling reasons to select Gatsby for your next project:

1. Speed & Performance:

Known for its high performance, Gatsby utilises techniques such as image optimisation, code splitting, and lazy loading. These features provide a seamless user experience, enabling websites to load quickly and efficiently. Additionally, faster load times improve search engine rankings and boost user satisfaction. So, for business owners looking to develop dynamic websites, they can hire expert Gatsby developers from agencies like CodeClouds and make things work the best for their website.

2. Cost-Effective Hosting:

Gatsby websites can be easily hosted on CDNs (Content Delivery Networks). This significantly reduces hosting costs compared to server-based setups. Free or low-cost hosting options make Gatsby cost-effective for developers who want to deploy their projects efficiently.

3. Flexibility with Data Sources:

Gatsby can pull data from several sources, including databases, APIs, and content management systems. This flexibility enables developers to build dynamic sites that seamlessly aggregate content from various platforms. The use of GraphQL handles data querying and makes it simpler to maintain complex data structures.

4. Security Features:

Gatsby’s architecture enhances security by providing static HTML files without the need for a traditional server setup. This serverless approach reduces the attack surfaces and makes the framework less susceptible to vulnerabilities. Apart from that, since Gatsby doesn’t deal with sensitive client information, there is no risk of data breach.

What’s New in Gatsby v4?

Released in 2021, Gatsby v4 is the latest version of the Gatsby platform that brings several edge features, such as:

• Parallel query running to accelerate query times (Up to 40%)
• Enhanced content management with Preview UI
• Deferred static generation to create pages statically
• A new Gatsby starter and Shopify source plugin
• Server-side rendering & Gatsby Cloud hosting
• New docs and tutorial experiences

Gatsby v4 is all about increasing performance, user experience, and flexibility. This allows developers to create faster and highly scalable websites. With this version, developers have more options for developing dynamic sites by combining server-side rendering with static generation.

Tips to Hire Gatsby Developers

Whether you hire remote Gatsby JS developers or a dedicated team of reliable agencies, consider the following tips that encompass technical skills and effective hiring practices:

1. Check Proficiency in React: Make sure the developers you hire are knowledgeable about JavaScript libraries because Gatsby is built on React. They must demonstrate experience in using React components to create applications.

2. Focus on Portfolios: Employ developers with impressive portfolios who have successfully worked on various Gatsby projects. This could entail developing original designs and combining data from multiple sources.

3. Check Skills in Jamstack Architecture & SEO: Since Gatsby utilises the Jamstack architecture, it’s critical to become proficient in this technique to enhance the security and functionality of web applications. Additionally, it is crucial to have a solid understanding of SEO best practices.

4. Look for Developers in the Right Places: Work with reputable Gatsby website development companies to find developers. By collaborating with such organisations, you can efficiently accelerate your entire development process while maintaining the highest standards of performance and quality.

Final Words

Gatsby is a robust framework that streamlines the website creation process. Through the integration of SSG with GraphQL and React, this framework offers a strong option for building modern websites and applications. Gatsby may be the best option for your project, regardless of whether you want to create a massive business platform or an eCommerce website.