Web Development: The Rise of Vite

The landscape of web development is rapidly evolving, and frameworks like Vite are at the forefront of this transformation. Designed for speed and simplicity, Vite is changing how developers approach static site generation.

What is Vite?

Vite is a modern build tool that significantly improves the development experience. It leverages native ES modules and offers features like hot module replacement (HMR), making it an ideal choice for developers looking to enhance their static sites.

Why Combine Vite with 11ty?

While 11ty (Eleventy) is a powerful static site generator, it lacks built-in asset bundling and advanced features. By integrating Vite, developers can harness the npm ecosystem, streamline their workflow, and maintain the simplicity of 11ty.

Setting Up Vite with 11ty

Setting up Vite with 11ty is straightforward. Developers can start by installing Vite and configuring it to work seamlessly with 11ty. This setup allows for efficient asset management and better performance.

The Benefits of Using Vite

One of the standout features of Vite is its hot module replacement (HMR). This allows developers to see changes in real-time without refreshing the browser, significantly speeding up the development process [1].

Moreover, Vite's efficient handling of assets ensures faster load times. With the average mobile page load time around 1.9 seconds in 2025, optimizing performance is crucial for retaining visitors and improving SEO [2].

Navigating Challenges: CORS and Configuration

When developing applications with a frontend and backend, developers often face CORS issues. Configuring Vite to handle these requests can streamline the development process and avoid common pitfalls [4].

Displaying Version Information

Another practical aspect of using Vite is the ability to display the current app version from package.json. This can be achieved through a few simple configuration steps, enhancing transparency for users [5].

The Future of Web Development with Vite

As we head into 2025, the integration of AI and automation in web development is expected to rise. Vite’s capabilities will likely evolve, further enhancing developer efficiency and user experience [3].

By leveraging Vite with frameworks like 11ty, developers can create modern, efficient static websites that meet the demands of today’s users.