Hotwire Patterns

Iron Laws

1. Keep server-rendered interactions simple before reaching for custom JS.
2. Broadcast after commit when Turbo Stream updates depend on committed state.
3. Keep Stimulus controllers focused on browser concerns, not business rules.
4. Avoid duplicating the same state in DOM, session, cache, and Current without a clear source of truth.
5. Use Turbo Frames for scoped navigation; Turbo Streams for server-driven updates.
6. Progressive enhancement: pages work without JavaScript, enhanced with it.

Overview

Hotwire provides tools for building modern web applications with minimal JavaScript:

• Turbo Drive — Handles page navigation without full reloads
• Turbo Frames — Scoped page updates, independent navigation
• Turbo Streams — Server-driven page changes via WebSocket or HTTP
• Stimulus — JavaScript controllers for progressive enhancement