Astro is a modern framework designed specifically for building fast and lightweight websites. Unlike many other JavaScript frameworks, Astro employs a unique approach to rendering content. It’s known for its "Islands Architecture," where static content is rendered on the server, and interactive components are added client-side only when needed. This makes Astro particularly efficient for content-heavy websites such as blogs, documentation sites, or portfolios.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ASTRO

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Astro has several key characteristics that set it apart from other frameworks:

• Server-Side Rendering (SSR) by Default: Astro renders pages on the server, sending static HTML to the client, and only adding JavaScript when necessary. This enhances page performance.
• Zero JS by Default: Astro only sends HTML to the browser by default, minimizing the amount of JavaScript loaded for the user.
• Island Architecture Support: With Astro's "Island Architecture," JavaScript is only sent where it's needed, such as for interactive components, rather than the entire page.
• Component Based: Astro uses a component-based approach, allowing developers to combine components from different frameworks like React, Vue, or Svelte in the same project.
• Static Site Generator (SSG): Astro is a static site generator, meaning it compiles all the content at build time, resulting in fast, static pages that require minimal server-side processing.

ADVANTAGES OF ASTRO

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• Performance Optimized: Since Astro ships minimal JavaScript by default, it improves load times and overall performance, particularly on mobile devices or slower connections.
• Flexible Framework Support: Astro supports components from various frameworks, allowing you to mix and match technologies like React, Vue, or Svelte within the same project.
• SEO Friendly: Static site generation in Astro makes it ideal for SEO as the content is rendered as plain HTML, making it easy for search engines to crawl.
• Low Learning Curve: If you are familiar with JavaScript and modern front-end libraries, you will find Astro easy to pick up and use.