When I started using Inertia.js alongside Laravel, I was already familiar with building SPAs the “traditional” way - managing APIs, handling authentication tokens, and implementing frontend state management. While I know how to do all that, I’ve always felt that these layers of complexity make the development process more tedious than it needs to be.

That’s why I was excited to try out Inertia.js. It promised the power of an SPA without the added headaches of managing a separate API or juggling the frontend state. After using it extensively, I can say that it’s a great way to develop SPA style apps in a Modern Monolith way.

In this blog, I’ll share my experience with Inertia.js and why I think it’s a fantastic solution for building modern web applications efficiently - both for developers like me and for the clients we work with.

No More Token or API Management Hassles

One of the first things I noticed with Inertia.js was how much simpler it made managing authentication. In a traditional SPA setup, you’d typically need to build an API layer, deal with cross-origin requests, and handle authentication tokens manually. It works, but it adds a lot of overhead.

With Inertia, Laravel takes care of authentication, gates, and middleware, just like it would in a classic monolithic app. This eliminates the need to implement token management or re-create Laravel’s robust authentication layer on the front end.

For me, this was a big win. Instead of spending time setting up API endpoints or debugging token-related issues, I could focus on building application features. And since Laravel’s built-in tools like Sanctum integrate seamlessly with Inertia, I didn’t have to sacrifice security or functionality.

A Unified Workflow That Feels Natural

Inertia.js creates a development experience that feels incredibly natural, especially if you’re already comfortable with Laravel which is the case with me. Instead of treating the backend and frontend as two separate worlds, Inertia allows me to work on them together seamlessly.

With Laravel handling routing, controllers, and business logic, I could use my existing skills to drive the application. At the same time, the frontend components - whether in Vue, React, or Svelte - brought the modern, dynamic user experience I wanted and feel is why I need Javascript in my project.

What I loved most was not having to write and maintain a separate API for the front end. Inertia allows you to pass data directly from Laravel controllers to frontend components, reducing the back-and-forth and keeping everything in sync effortlessly. It saved me a lot of time and kept my codebase more maintainable.

Rapid Development for Clients

This streamlined workflow doesn’t just make life easier for developers - it also means faster results for clients.

One thing I’ve found invaluable is the flexibility to start small and scale as needed. For instance, I often begin projects with Laravel Blade for rapid prototyping. Once the project’s scope grows, transitioning to Inertia.js for a more dynamic, SPA-like experience is incredibly straightforward.

This adaptability means I can deliver features faster and with fewer rewrites. Clients not only get a faster turnaround but also benefit from an application that’s scalable and built on a solid foundation.

A Smoother User Experience

User experience is everything in modern web applications, and Inertia.js helps deliver it seamlessly.

In a traditional Laravel app, navigating between pages triggers full-page reloads. While functional, this approach can feel outdated in today’s world of instant feedback and smooth transitions.

Inertia changes that by intercepting navigation requests and dynamically updating the page using server-rendered data. The result is a SPA-like experience where users don’t have to wait for full reloads. It’s fast, fluid, and exactly what users expect from modern applications.

Less Complexity, More Productivity

One of the biggest advantages I’ve experienced with Inertia.js is how it reduces the need for frontend state management. With Laravel managing most of the state on the server-side, there’s no need to introduce additional libraries like Redux or Vuex unless absolutely necessary.

For example, when implementing role-based access control, I could rely on Laravel’s policies and gates instead of duplicating that logic on the frontend. This not only kept my code cleaner but also reduced the chances of bugs creeping in due to mismatched logic between the server and client.

By simplifying state management, Inertia allowed me to focus on building features rather than wrestling with unnecessary complexity.

Why You Should Try Inertia.js with Laravel

If you’re looking to build modern web applications without the overhead of managing APIs, tokens, and complex state, Inertia.js is a fantastic solution. It gives you:

• A simplified workflow that keeps backend and frontend in sync.
• Faster development cycles, meaning clients get their applications sooner.
• A seamless, polished user experience that feels modern and responsive.
• The ability to scale from small prototypes to full SPAs without rewriting your app.

For me, Inertia.js has redefined how I approach web development. It’s a perfect blend of Laravel’s backend power and a dynamic, SPA-like frontend - without the usual complexity.

Have you tried using Inertia.js in your projects? I’d love to hear about your experiences or answer any questions you have. Get in touch with me on twitter @amitavroy7