Stop Chasing New JavaScript Frameworks: Build with Fundamentals Instead

What I’m Doing Instead of Chasing FrameworksI haven’t sworn off new frameworks entirely (they’re still fun to explore!). But I have changed my approach:

• Double down on fundamentals: I invest more time sharpening my core JavaScript/TypeScript, HTML, and CSS skills. It’s amazing how many “magical” framework features are just clever applications of language fundamentals. Understanding closures and the module pattern can help you write simple state management without any library.
• Use frameworks as tools, not dogma: Now I choose frameworks based on project requirements and team expertise, not novelty. If my team knows React well and we need to build quickly, we stick with React. If I’m adding a small feature to a mostly vanilla JS project, I might not use a framework at all.
• Build real projects (even small ones): Nothing teaches better than creating something end-to-end. Instead of rewriting the same demo in 5 frameworks, I focus on building useful projects with tools I already know. Working on my own app, Kollabe, taught me more about software development and teamwork than framework migrations ever could. By building a real product, I learned about managing growing complexity, handling user feedback, and performance optimization – lessons that stick.
• Keep an eye on trends, but bet on proven tech for serious work:I stay aware of new libraries and developments (I’m a developer after all!). I’ll experiment with them in small projects or study their concepts. But for production code or anything with deadlines, I rely on stable, well-documented technology. It’s less about being conservative and more about being pragmatic. I can always adopt new tools once they prove their value and address a specific need.
• This shift in focus has brought more peace of mind and productivity. I no longer panic that “FrameworkXYZ 1.0 just launched, I’m falling behind!” Instead, I evaluate new tech calmly and often find that my existing skills are sufficient to do the job well.

Source: Stop Chasing New JavaScript Frameworks: Build with Fundamentals Instead 🏗️ – DEV Community