Joel Dare advocates for using pure HTML and CSS for web development in 2025, emphasizing simplicity, speed, and security. He argues that many modern frameworks over-engineer solutions, while pure HTML and CSS provide a lightweight and efficient alternative that is accessible and easy to deploy. Dare highlights the environmental and accessibility benefits of smaller page sizes and standard HTML practices.

The author reflects on their decision to move away from Next.js for their personal website, opting for a simpler, self-hosted solution using Hono on a VPS. This shift allows for reduced reliance on JavaScript, improved independence, and a more streamlined approach to website development and maintenance.

The article discusses the challenges of maintaining simplicity in web development, specifically when using Inertia.js with a Rails backend. It explores the complexities that arise and provides insights into how to address them effectively to enhance the developer experience and user interface.