We call a Zero-LOC framework (Zero Line-Of-Code framework), a framework that consists only of:
- Tools - Where each tool is a do-one-thing-do-it-well tool that can be used individually and independently of other tools.
- Starters - A starter assembles tools into a well-polished scaffold.
A Zero-LOC framework allows you to develop as quickly as a monolithic framework, such as Ruby on Rails, but with a fundamental increase in freedom and robustness.
Freedom:
- Cherry pick tools - Each tool can be used individually and independently of each other — you can choose whatever tool you want.
- No lock-in - A Zero-LOC framework is only a collection of tools and starters — there is virtually no lock-in.
- Scale - Replace rapid-prototyping tools with entreprise-grade tools as you scale.
Robustness:
- Robust tools - Many do-one-thing-do-it-well tools survive a very long time (and usually out-survive frameworks that come and go) resulting into hardened and rock-solid tools.
- Future-proof - Being based on robust tools is not only a robust foundation but also a future-proof one: do-one-thing-do-it-well tools (and the Zero-LOC framework as a whole) can easily adapt to future technologies.
- Growth & maintainability - Being based on do-one-thing-do-it-well tools is a powerful separation of concerns. It is order of magnitudes easier to grow and maintain a Zero-LOC framework than a big monolith.
- Framework collaboration - We envision a future with many frameworks following the Zero-LOC philosophy and developing and sharing tools with each other. Leading to a vibrant and robust ecosystem.
Reframe's vision is to develop a Zero-LOC framework that is as feature-rich as big monoliths such as Ruby on Rails.