Preact is a lightweight declarative user interface library designed for building high-performance web applications. It utilizes a component-based architecture where interfaces are defined as functional or class-based units, relying on a virtual DOM to perform efficient state reconciliation and updates. By prioritizing a minimal footprint, the library enables developers to create modular, predictable, and testable user interfaces while maintaining compatibility with standard browser APIs.
The library distinguishes itself through a reactive state engine that leverages signals to track dependencies and trigger granular updates automatically. This approach eliminates the need for manual subscription management, allowing for efficient data flow and state synchronization. Furthermore, Preact provides a compatibility layer that allows for the integration of existing third-party packages, ensuring that developers can reuse established ecosystems within its streamlined environment.
Beyond its core rendering and reactivity models, the project includes a comprehensive toolset for server-side rendering, which supports both static HTML generation and streaming output to enhance initial load performance and search engine visibility. It also offers robust support for modern development workflows, including native module loading, TypeScript integration, and specialized debugging utilities for monitoring signals and component hierarchies.
The project provides an interactive command-line interface for project initialization and supports various build configurations, including options for development without external build tools.
