Learn HYPERAPP with Real Code Examples
Updated Nov 23, 2025
Explain
Hyperapp uses a functional, Elm-inspired architecture.
It focuses on predictable state updates through pure actions.
Its virtual DOM implementation is extremely minimal yet efficient.
Core Features
State management via pure functions
Virtual DOM rendering
Actions for updating state
Subscriptions for external effects
Component composition via functions
Basic Concepts Overview
The global state object
Pure actions modifying state
View function returning virtual DOM
Subscriptions for external events
Component functions (reusable UI)
Project Structure
index.html - basic mount point
app.js - state, actions, and views
components/ - optional reusable UI pieces
store.js - centralized state (optional)
effects/ - subscriptions for events like timers
Building Workflow
Define initial state
Write actions that update it
Write a view that renders DOM
Mount app via `app({})`
Iterate with small components
Difficulty Use Cases
Beginner: counters and forms
Intermediate: components and actions
Advanced: subscriptions and effects
Expert: custom rendering patterns
Community: Hyperapp plugins or contributions
Comparisons
Lighter than React, Preact, and Vue
More functional than Svelte
Simpler than Elm with fewer constraints
More predictable than jQuery-based UIs
Better for micro-apps than Angular
Versioning Timeline
2017 – Hyperapp 1.0 released
2018 – Virtual DOM improvements
2020 – Hyperapp 2 released with simplified API
2022 – Community growth and tooling maturation
2025 – Hyperapp used widely for microfrontends
Glossary
VDOM: Lightweight representation of DOM
Action: Pure function updating state
Subscription: External side effects
Component: Reusable function returning VDOM
App(): Initializes state/action/view