Does Installing Hotwire in a Rails Project Require Javascript?

To enhance user experience, Hotwire, encompassing Turbo and Stimulus, relies on JavaScript to provide modern web functionalities in web applications.

Error Indication and Resolution:

Encountering the error message “You must either be running with node (package.json) or importmap-rails (config/importmap.rb) to use this gem” implies Hotwire’s dependency on either Node.js (specified in package.json) or Importmap Rails (specified in config/importmap.rb) for managing JavaScript components.

Resolving the Issue:

There are two approaches to resolve this issue:

1. Installing Hotwire via npm:

rails new chat --skip-javascript
cd chat/
bundle add hotwire-rails
npm install @hotwired/turbo-rails
rails hotwire:install

2. Installing Hotwire via importmap:

rails new chat --skip-javascript
rails new chat --skip-javascript
cd chat/
bundle add hotwire-rails
bundle add importmap-rails
rails importmap:install
rails hotwire:install

Usage of JavaScript in Hotwire:

While Hotwire reduces the necessity for custom JavaScript, it relies on JavaScript to handle specific functionalities, enabling smooth updates and interactions on the frontend.

Conclusion:

In summary, Hotwire streamlines custom JavaScript requirements but necessitates the utilization of JavaScript to utilize its features, providing an enhanced user experience in a Rails application.