The Elixir community has a powerful new resource with the launch of Ash Framework by Alembians Rebecca Le and Zach Daniel, now available in beta from The Pragmatic Programmers. This comprehensive guide opens up new possibilities for developers looking to build robust, scalable web applications more efficiently.
What is the Ash Framework?
Ash Framework is a declarative toolkit that revolutionises how developers build Elixir applications. By abstracting away common patterns and boilerplate code, Ash lets developers focus on what matters: crafting exceptional features and solving business problems. The framework provides built-in solutions for authentication, authorisation, API generation, and real-time updates, while maintaining the performance and reliability that Elixir is known for.
Empowering the Developer Community
I created Ash primarily out of frustration. I worked in the startup scene in Chicago, and then at an agency. Every new company, every new project, would need the same stuff, being rebuilt over and over again. Every time the team would stitch together a bunch of disparate tools, or our own handwritten components. This would inflate the project startup time, and then incur huge technical debt later down the line. All for what is essentially table stakes! Something had to be done.
Zach Daniel - Ash Framework creator
The book guides readers through building a real-world web application, demonstrating how the Ash Framework can transform the development process. Key topics include:
- Building Phoenix LiveView applications with Ash Framework
- Implementing seamless authentication and authorization
- Generating REST and GraphQL APIs automatically
- Creating dynamic search functionality and nested forms
- Handling real-time updates and PubSub patterns
From Framework to Book
This is a book borne out of deep practical experience with Ash.
We identified a gap in the documentation, the kind of seeing-how-the-pieces-fit-together that could only be demonstrated in a larger project-based guide. And I wanted to write the book I wish I'd had when I started learning Ash.
Rebecca Le - Ash Framework book author
Here at Alembic, we've been putting Ash through its paces on large-scale, ambitious projects. Our mission to make simpler software for everyone aligns perfectly with Ash Framework's goals. We couldn't be more proud of the Ash Framework, along with the Ash core team and community who have all contributed to making it possible.
The Future of Ash Framework
The release of this book marks an important milestone in making declarative programming more accessible to developers worldwide. As more developers experience the power of Ash Framework we aim to empower them to build more robust, maintainable applications moving forward.
At Alembic, our commitment to open source software, particularly within the Ash and Elixir ecosystems, remains strong. Alembic will continue to support both the framework and the Ash core team, ensuring that this powerful toolkit evolves to meet the growing needs of the developer community.
Get Started with Ash Framework
The book is now available in beta through Pragmatic Programmers. Whether you're new to Elixir or an experienced developer looking to enhance your toolkit, the Ash Framework book provides the insights and practical knowledge you need to build better applications faster.
Need help getting started with Ash?
Getting started with Ash framework? We can help. Whether it's supporting your team in up-skilling, or getting stuck into building an ambitious web app with you.
Ash Premium Support is our subscription service that provides a direct line to our team of Ash experts, helping client teams maximise productivity and ensure project success. It includes implementation guidance, bug troubleshooting, code reviews and training: Everything you need to take full advantage of Ash.
