Back to the future: The most popular JavaScript stories and themes of 2025

Artificial intelligence and its promise to revolutionize programming—and possibly overthrow human sovereignty—is a central story of the post-Covid world. But for JavaScript developers, it is only one of the forces contending for center stage.

Among the notable trends in 2025 was the emergence of increasing power, importance, and stability on the server side. This was partially driven by the universal expansion of front-end frameworks into full stack ones. It also reflected the maturation of various general-purpose and use-case specific server-side tools.

Alongside this was a move toward simplicity in JavaScript programming, perhaps best typified by tools like HTMX and Hotwire. The elaborate complex of solutions driven by web requirements (UX, performance, state management, etc.) met an articulate counterpoint in new tools that maximize developer experience.

The big question about AI is how it will redefine the applications we build, and not just how we build them. Currently, AI still seems to be just another feature, rather than a radical upsetting of the tech industry apple cart.

Rain or snow, disruption or iteration, JavaScript developers have one of the best seats on the roller coaster ride of software innovation. Here’s a look at some of the most important moments that defined our last year.

7 stories that defined JavaScript development in 2025

If 2025 was a journey, these were the landmarks. Our most popular JavaScript features and tutorials this year tracked with the three major shifts we felt on the ground: Thirst for simplicity, solidification of the server, and the accelerating adoption of AI.

HTMX and Alpine.js: How to combine two great, lean front endsJavaScript developers started the year looking for a way to simplify without sacrificing power. Many found a solution in combining HTMX with Alpine.js.

ECMAScript 2025: The best new features in JavaScriptThe annual JavaScript language update focused on performance and precision. From the lazy evaluation of the new Iterator object to the AI-ready Float16Array, ECMAScript 2025 showed JavaScript is still a living language, evolving to meet modern demands.

10 JavaScript concepts you need to succeed with NodeAs JavaScript’s server side evolves toward stability and power, understanding the runtime becomes non-negotiable. This knowledge isn’t just about syntax but the mechanics of the engine. From the nuances of the event loop to the proper handling of streams and buffers, mastering core JavaScript concepts is the difference between writing Node code and architecting scalable, high-performance systems.

Intro to Nitro: The server engine built for modern JavaScriptDo you ever wonder how modern meta-frameworks run effortlessly on everything from a traditional Node server to a Cloudflare Edge Worker? The answer is Nitro. More than just an HTTP server, Nitro is a universal deployment engine. By abstracting away the runtime, Nitro delivers a massive leap in server-side portability, effectively coalescing the fractured landscape of deployment targets into a single, unified interface.

Intro to Nest.js: Server-side JavaScript development on NodeWhile Nitro handles the runtime, Nest handles the architecture. Nest has emerged as the gold standard for serious, scalable back-end engineering. By moving beyond the “assemble it yourself” mode of Express middleware, and toward a structured development platform, Nest empowers teams to build large-scale apps in JavaScript.

Comparing Angular, React, Vue, and Svelte: What you need to knowThe so-called framework wars have gradually evolved to something else. “Framework collaboration” is far less sensational but rings true over the past few years. All the major frameworks (and many less prominent ones) have attained feature parity, mainly by openly influencing and inspiring each other. Choosing a framework is still a meaningful decision, but the difficulty now is in making the best choice among good ones.

Just say no to JavaScriptLest you think I am a complete JavaScript fanboy, I offer this popular critique by fellow InfoWorld columnist Nick Hodges. Here, he takes aim at JavaScript and sings the praises of TypeScript, while speculating as to why more developers have not yet taken the leap.