# ADR 001: Frontend Architecture - HTMX + AlpineJS

## Status
Accepted

## Context
The ThrillWiki platform needs a frontend architecture that:
- Provides dynamic user interactions
- Maintains server-side rendering benefits
- Enables progressive enhancement
- Keeps complexity manageable
- Ensures fast page loads
- Supports SEO requirements

## Decision
Implement frontend using HTMX + AlpineJS + Tailwind CSS instead of a traditional SPA framework (React, Vue, Angular).

### Technology Choices
1. HTMX
   - Server-side rendering with dynamic updates
   - Progressive enhancement
   - Simple integration with Django templates
   - Reduced JavaScript complexity

2. AlpineJS
   - Lightweight client-side interactivity
   - Simple state management
   - Easy integration with HTMX
   - Minimal learning curve

3. Tailwind CSS
   - Utility-first styling
   - Consistent design system
   - Easy customization
   - Optimized production builds

## Consequences

### Positive
1. Performance
   - Faster initial page loads
   - Reduced client-side processing
   - Smaller JavaScript bundle
   - Better Core Web Vitals

2. Development
   - Simpler architecture
   - Faster development cycles
   - Easier debugging
   - Better Django integration

3. Maintenance
   - Less complex state management
   - Reduced dependency management
   - Easier team onboarding
   - More maintainable codebase

4. SEO
   - Server-rendered content
   - Better crawler compatibility
   - Improved accessibility
   - Faster indexing

### Negative
1. Limited Complex UI
   - More complex for rich interactions
   - Less ecosystem support
   - Fewer UI components available
   - Some patterns need custom solutions

2. Development Patterns
   - New patterns needed
   - Different mental model
   - Some developer familiarity issues
   - Custom solutions needed

## Alternatives Considered

### React SPA
- Pros:
  * Rich ecosystem
  * Component libraries
  * Developer familiarity
  * Advanced tooling
- Cons:
  * Complex setup
  * Heavy client-side
  * SEO challenges
  * Performance overhead

### Vue.js
- Pros:
  * Progressive framework
  * Good ecosystem
  * Easy learning curve
  * Good performance
- Cons:
  * Still too heavy
  * Complex build setup
  * Server integration challenges
  * Unnecessary complexity

## Implementation Approach

### Integration Strategy
1. Server-Side
   ```python
   # Django View
   class ParksView(TemplateView):
       def get(self, request, *args, **kwargs):
           return JsonResponse() if is_htmx() else render()
   ```

2. Client-Side
   ```html
   <!-- Template -->
   <div hx-get="/parks"
        hx-trigger="load"
        x-data="{ filtered: false }">
   ```

### Performance Optimization
1. Initial Load
   - Server-side rendering
   - Progressive enhancement
   - Critical CSS inline
   - Deferred JavaScript

2. Subsequent Interactions
   - Partial page updates
   - Smart caching
   - Optimistic UI updates
   - Background processing

## Monitoring and Success Metrics

### Performance Metrics
- First Contentful Paint < 1.5s
- Time to Interactive < 2s
- Core Web Vitals compliance
- Server response times

### Development Metrics
- Development velocity
- Bug frequency
- Code complexity
- Build times

## Future Considerations

### Enhancement Opportunities
1. Short-term
   - Component library
   - Pattern documentation
   - Performance optimization
   - Developer tools

2. Long-term
   - Advanced patterns
   - Custom extensions
   - Build optimizations
   - Tool improvements