Getting Started with Astro.js
# Getting Started with Astro.js
Welcome to this comprehensive guide on getting started with Astro.js! 🚀 In this blog post, we'll explore what makes Astro.js special and how to build your first Astro website.
## What is Astro.js?
Astro is a modern static site builder that offers incredible performance by default. It allows you to use your favorite JavaScript framework (React, Vue, Svelte, etc.) while shipping zero JavaScript to the client by default.
## Why Choose Astro?
- **Performance First**: Ships zero JavaScript by default
- **Framework Agnostic**: Use any UI framework you love
- **Great Developer Experience**: Intuitive API and excellent documentation
- **Static Site Generation**: Better SEO and faster load times
- **Partial Hydration**: Add interactivity only where needed
## Setting Up Your First Astro Project
1. Create a new project:
```bash
npm create astro@latest
```
2. Choose your template and follow the CLI prompts
3. Start the development server:
```bash
npm run dev
```
## Project Structure
A typical Astro project looks like this:
```
/
├── public/
├── src/
│ ├── components/
│ ├── layouts/
│ └── pages/
└── astro.config.mjs
```
## Key Features
### 1. File-based Routing
Pages in `src/pages/` automatically become your website routes.
### 2. Component Islands
Use UI framework components only where needed, keeping the rest of your site lightweight.
### 3. Built-in Markdown Support
Write content in Markdown and mix it with components seamlessly.
## Next Steps
- Explore the [official documentation](https://docs.astro.build)
- Join the [Discord community](https://astro.build/chat)
- Check out [example themes](https://astro.build/themes)
Happy coding with Astro! 🚀