WebExpress 0.0.10-alpha – Rethinking REST & Bringing WebSockets On Board

With version 0.0.10‑alpha, WebExpress is being elevated to a new level. The framework, which has so far been used primarily for building static websites, is now opening itself more consistently to the world of reactive web applications.

A major focus of the new version is the extensively improved REST API. It has been structurally redesigned to become clearer, more stable and more flexible. The endpoint architecture is now more unified, error handling provides more precise feedback and the processing of complex data models has been significantly optimized. These enhancements ensure that the API can serve as a reliable foundation for dynamic applications that go far beyond previous capabilities. The CRUD endpoints in particular benefit from the structural adjustments and improved consistency. In this context, the JavaScript controls have also been updated to make full use of the new API. They have been modernized overall, now offer more functionality and provide a noticeably improved user experience.

In parallel, WebExpress introduces native WebSocket support for the first time. This addition enables true bidirectional communication between client and server and forms the basis for modern real‑time features. Applications can receive live updates, user interfaces can react immediately to events and collaborative scenarios such as shared editors or interactive dashboards become technically feasible. With the integration of WebSockets, the framework gains a contemporary communication layer that is essential for reactive web applications.

Alongside these major innovations, version 0.0.10‑alpha has also been refined in many smaller areas. Bugs have been fixed, the codebase has been thoroughly cleaned up and test coverage has been expanded. Performance has also been further improved, making the framework more robust, stable and consistent overall.

Taken together, WebExpress 0.0.10‑alpha marks the beginning of a fundamental transformation. While earlier versions focused on static content, the framework is now clearly oriented toward modern reactive web applications based on events, real‑time communication and dynamic interfaces. This version will also no longer be backward compatible, as numerous breaking changes prevent it. However, the effort required to migrate from the previous version remains low and can usually be completed relatively quickly.

The release is scheduled for spring 2026 and marks the official transition of WebExpress into a framework for modern reactive web applications. Until then, development will continue steadily, and all forms of contribution are explicitly welcome. Anyone interested in helping shape WebExpress is invited to participate, whether through feedback, bug reports, testing new features or contributing directly to the code. Together, the community can help improve the framework and play a significant role in shaping its future.