Building Better Apps with TanStack Start and Tanner Linsley

In a recent chat with Tanner Linsley, the creator of TanStack, we discussed the origins of popular tools like TanStack Router and TanStack Query. And the future of TanStack Start.

TanStack aims to simplify the development of web applications. It is a framework-agnostic library that provides a set of tools for building modern, performant, and scalable web applications.

We also talked about the importance of React Server Components and how TanStack Start is working to integrate them in a way that is compatible with the existing ecosystem.

Tanner's Journey

Tanner started his journey with WordPress, moved to Angular, and then embraced React.

His journey at https://nozzle.io led him to create TanStack to tackle challenges he faced personally.

Now full-time at tanstack.com, Tanner is working to build a better developer experience for the next generation of web applications.

Core Principles

• Keep It Simple – Design tools that are straightforward and easy to use.
• Be Expressive – Allow developers to do more with less code.
• Stay Flexible – Ensure tools work across different frameworks.

Key Tools Developed

• TanStack Query – Simplifies fetching and managing server data in React apps.
• TanStack Table – Helps create customizable tables that can handle large datasets with features like sorting and filtering.
• TanStack Router – Provides a robust routing solution with built-in data fetching and caching.
• TanStack Form – Makes form handling and validation easier for developers.

Community's Role

Open-sourcing these tools attracted a vibrant community that actively contributes to their improvement.

Design Philosophy

• Simplicity – Reduce the learning curve for developers.
• Expressiveness – Enable clear and concise code.
• Framework-Agnostic – Ensure compatibility across various projects.

Comparison to Traditional Tools

Unlike tools like Redux that often require extensive setup, TanStack tools aim to minimize friction, allowing developers to focus on building features.

React Server Components and the Future of TanStack

TanStack has taken a balanced approach to React Server Components (RSC). While some frameworks, like Next.js, have gone all-in on RSC, TanStack is integrating support in a way that complements its existing philosophy of flexibility and incremental adoption.

Tanner sees RSC as a useful tool, particularly for reducing bundle size and optimizing static content, but not as a universal solution.

TanStack Start is being designed with isomorphic loaders that work on both the server and client, allowing developers to fetch data efficiently without being locked into a specific paradigm. The long-term goal is to introduce server component support in a way that leverages the existing caching and data-fetching mechanisms found in TanStack Query and TanStack Router.

By treating server components as streams of serialized JSX rather than magic black boxes, TanStack aims to give developers more control over caching, transport, and rendering.

Future Vision

• Collaborating with the Solid.js team to create a unified base for both TanStack Start and Solid Start, aiming to extend the benefits of TanStack tools across various frameworks.
• Gradual integration of React Server Components with a focus on flexibility, caching, and developer control.

Wondering about TanStack Start and how it works with Strapi?

Check out this integration with Strapi and TanStack Start.

We are excited to build more projects with Strapi and TanStack and TanStack Start.

Here is an internal LMS we built with TanStack Router, TanStack Query and Strapi 5 to manage internal training for our team: Project Repo

Conclusion

TanStack offers powerful and flexible solutions for modern web development, focusing on enhancing the developer experience through simplicity and adaptability.

Learn more about Tanner