View Source Routing Solutions for Phoenix: A Comparison of Key Differences

When working with the Phoenix framework, developers often seek solutions to address their routing needs. These routing needs range from common requirements such as internationalization and localization to more specialized needs such as route obfuscation.

This comparison includes three notable routing solutions within the Phoenix ecosystem. Each solution has a different scope—ranging from basic to virtually endless—allowing you to select the one that best aligns with your application's requirements.

We will delve into several aspects which differ significantly, including functionality and extensibility, compatibility with existing codebases, runtime features, and customization options.

By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of the strengths and limitations of each library, enabling you to make an informed decision for your Phoenix project.

Phoenix Router, the basic buildin

The Phoenix Router is the built‐in routing system of the Phoenix framework. It is the base other solutions build upon.

Since version 1.8, it supports runtime path prefixing which automatically prefixes routes in templates with the result of one or multiple functions. This feature enables the most basic, and common, route localization known for it's language prefixes (e.g /en/products and /fr/products).

Comparing Cldr Routes and Routex

Cldr Routes and Routex aim to enhance the routing capabilities of Phoenix, but they differ significantly in their approach and feature set. This article will focus on their greatest differences to help developers make an informed decision.

Functionality and Extensibility

Features

Cldr Routes focuses on localization enabling users to enter URLs using localized terms. Additionally, Cldr Routes generates localized path and URL helpers, making it easier for developers to work with localized routes.

Routex is, in terms of features, a superset of Cldr Routes. It not only matches the internationalization and localization features of Cldr Routes, but adds support for a wider range of routing needs. It's open-ended design makes the feature set virtually limitless.

Both

• Localized routes
• Translated route segments

Routex only

• Custom assigns per route
• Automated Liveview livecycle hooks and Plugs
• Alternative routes
• Reordered route segments
• Route obfuscation
• etc.

Architecture

Cldr Routes is designed to seamless extend the Cldr library. It therefor requires the integration and configuration of the Cldr and Gettext libraries. Depending on your project this might require the addition of the Cldr dependency and additional setup besides Cldr Routes itself.

The monolitic approach, in contrast to Routex, in combination with being part of the Cldr-suite ensures a seamless integration and consistent API within the Cldr ecosystem.

Routex is designed as an standalone, extensible framework. As a result Routex has no hard dependency on other libraries. However, some extensions may use other libraries such as Gettext or Cldr when enabled.

This modular approach provides developers with the flexibility to incorporate only the features and dependencies necessary for their specific use case.

Customization

Cldr Routes' design may establish certain limitations when it comes to adding new features or modifying existing behavior in Cldr Routes. Due to its tight integration with the Cldr library new feature or change in behavior will likely need to align with the overall structure and functionality of Cldr. To implement a new feature or slightly different behavior downstream, developers typically need to fork the project.

Routex, being a framework, tries to simplify the process of adding new features or modifying existing behavior.

Developers can create custom extensions that integrate seamlessly with the core library and other extensions. If only a slight modification to an existing Routex extension is needed, developers can clone the relevant extension into their project and adapt it accordingly. Developers van leverage utilities and abstractions provided by Routex to simplify the process.

This approach ensures that developers can tailor Routex's functionality to their unique requirements without deep understanding of it's codebase.

Compatibility with Existing Codebases

Cldr Routes requires the use of the ~q sigil and url_q functions in place of the standard URL functions for its version of Verified Routes. Consequently, when utilizing Phoenix generators, developers must modify the routes in their templates accordingly. The same goes for existing templates, which may require adjustments to integrate Cldr Routes.

Routex, in contrast, allows users to select their preferred sigil and function names, enabling configuration that maintains compatibility with generated templates and existing codebases. This flexibility ensures that Routex can be seamlessly integrated into existing projects without the need for extensive modifications.

Runtime Features

Cldr Routes requires an additional dependency and configuration to manage locale settings, such as the excellent Cldr Plugs

Routex extensions can include callbacks for Plug and LiveView lifecycle hooks to, for example, manage locale settings by invoking Gettext.put_locale or Cldr.put_locale. These callbacks are automatically enabled upon adding the extension without modifications to the codebase. This design choice streamlines the integration process, reducing the need for extra dependencies and codebase modifications.

Comparison Table

Conclusion

In summary, each routing solution brings valuable capabilities to the table.

Phoenix Router offers a reliable, built-in option for standard routing needs.

Cldr Routes is primarily designed to extend the capabilities of the Cldr library, focusing on localization and internationalization. It provides compile-time translations for route paths using Gettext, enabling users to navigate applications using localized terms. However, the tight integration with Cldr and Gettext libraries imposes certain limitations on customization and flexibility.

Routex, on the other hand, offers a more flexible and extensible architecture that not only matches the internationalization and localization features of Cldr Routes but goes beyond. Routex includes all the features provided by Cldr Routes and adds additional functionalities without the need for workarounds. Its modular approach allows developers to incorporate only the components necessary for their specific use case, making it a comprehensive solution for advanced routing needs.