Hi everyone!
I recently completed an advanced bootcamp covering HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, and Python. While the experience was educational, it left me feeling overwhelmed with information. Now, faced with building a website for a client, I’m unsure which approach to take given the plethora of options available—Framer, Webflow, React, Next.js, and others. I’m also concerned about security issues and how to address them with my client. Unfortunately, these bootcamps often don’t cover such practical aspects. I am seeking guidance and would greatly appreciate any suggestions.
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The first question shouldn’t be “what tools will I use?” but “what tools do I need?” You can build a fantastic website with just a bit of HTML and CSS. Maybe a tiny bit of JS is needed? Fine. Nobody (including the client) cares what’s on the backend. People build perfectly fine websites without any JS frameworks/libraries at all, so while they may facilitate doing certain things, they aren’t needed for building a website generally.
If your client needs to log in and make changes, maybe consider using a CMS to build the site around — such as Craft, ExpressionEngine etc. (there are many more). But again, only use a CMS if you need one.
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True I should ask “What tools do I need”. I think the issue here is the security, authenticity for username, password, etc and what to use. Thanks Ralphm
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An off-the-shelf CMS like Craft should handle safely logging in etc. if you aren’t sure how to handle it yourself.
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Hey nscoding88, congrats on finishing the bootcamp! For your client’s website, using a framework like React or Next.js will give you more control, but if it’s a simpler site, Webflow could be a good option (no coding needed). Security is important! Focus on keeping software updated and using libraries from trusted sources. There are also security plugins for frameworks. Good luck!
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Given your skills, using React with Next.js is a strong option for building a modern, performant website while reinforcing your recent learning. If you prefer a faster, visual approach, Webflow is great for quickly creating professional sites. For security, ensure input validation, HTTPS, environment variables, and regular updates.
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Professional developers that have a college degree in application development first ask the question, what does the application need? What are the requirements? Complicated websites are usually called applications. A professional first determines the requirements then decides what is needed to satisfy those requirements.
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To decide which technology to use, one should determine a specific need in your project. If the website requires custom functionality, like complex user interactions or integration with a backend system, React or Next.js would be good choices.
While React is great for interactive user interfaces, Next.js adds server-side rendering and static site generation to make it performant and SEO-friendly.
On the other hand, if this is an orientation toward speed and easiness, not requiring much coding, Webflow or Framer may be more appropriate. In these platforms, one can have rapid development and design, so it will be perfect in cases of simple websites.
Another thing to consider would be to use some kind of CMS (Content Management System) like WordPress or Shopify when the client wants an easy way to manage content or when the project requires updates frequently.
Security does not depend on the choice of a platform, but best practices are a must. Use HTTPS, validate inputs, and update your dependencies. All these aspects should be brought to the attention of your client right at the beginning for setting up expectations of a safe and efficient website.
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Hey nscoding88!
Given your skills and options, here’s a simple guide:
- Project Needs:
- Simple, Design-Focused: Use Framer or Webflow. They’re easy to use and great for design-heavy sites.
- Custom Features: Use React or Next.js for more control and advanced functionality.
- Security:
- Basic: Ensure HTTPS, keep everything updated, and validate inputs.
- Platform-Specific: Webflow handles a lot of security for you. For custom sites, add security headers and test regularly.
- Client Preferences:
- Easy Updates: Framer or Webflow are better if the client wants to manage content easily.
- Complex Sites: React or Next.js are better if you need more customization and performance.
Talk to your client about their needs and choose based on what fits best!
Hope this helps!
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Good point! I had same experience when i finished a bootcamp in udemy and had no idea on how to build real web apps. Now i can say that i can build something good. However, what i can say, is that you shouldn’t tak it too hard, i actually have built some real good ecommerce website with only nuxt and supabase.
If you are really concerned about security issues, use something like keycloak to manage users and authentication ( it’s stable) and maybe next.js for the UI, supabase is a good option for database and so on (Be aware that the free plan will pause your project if it’s not active in 7 days). I can give you more infos if you wish to 
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Appreciate it
Appreciate your input, that helps a lot.
Never heard of keycloak, will look into it and as I am taking it slow. Thank you
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Thank you for your input, much appreciate it 
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You hit the nail hard, yes I was preparing those type of questions which help to give clarity and direction. Thank you
Yes please, any input will be much of help