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Mithril

A small JavaScript framework for building single page web apps, with routing and XHR built in.MithrilJS/mithril.js

GitHub Download v2.3.8
Stars
14.5k
Forks
922
Licence
MIT
Language
JavaScript
Last update
3 months ago
Type
Library

What it is

Mithril.js is a client-side JavaScript framework for building single page applications, where the page updates in the browser without full reloads. According to its README, it is small (about 8.93 KB gzipped) and includes routing and XHR (network request) utilities without extra packages. It is installed via npm or loaded from a CDN.

  • Build a single page web application with client-side routing
  • Make XHR requests to load data into the page
  • Add Mithril via a script tag for a quick prototype without a build step

Great for

  • Developers who want a small framework with routing and HTTP utilities included
  • Teams building single page apps who prefer a lightweight alternative to larger frameworks
  • Projects targeting modern browsers, since the README says no polyfills are required

Not ideal for

  • People who need server-side rendering or a backend framework, since the README only describes client-side use
  • Non-programmers looking for a no-code tool, since it requires writing JavaScript
  • Projects needing support for old browsers beyond Firefox ESR and the last two versions of major browsers, per the README
Step-by-step guide: how to use MithrilInstall, first run, examples, tips and FAQs
Mithril alternativesMithril vs ReactMithril vs SvelteMithril vs Preact

How to get it

  1. 1

    Install with a package manager

    Install via npm

    npm install mithril --save

    Install TypeScript type definitions (optional)

    npm install @types/mithril --save-dev
  2. 2

    Run it

    • Install the package with npm or add one of the CDN script tags to an HTML page
    • Read the Getting started guide at mithril.js.org
    • Work through the Simple Application example in the docs
    • Explore the API docs for routing and XHR
  3. 3

    Get the most out of it

    • Follow the Getting started guide on mithril.js.org for a structured introduction
    • Use the TypeScript type definitions from DefinitelyTyped if you work in TypeScript
    • Browse the Examples page on the docs site for working code
    • Ask questions on the Zulip chat or tag Stack Overflow questions with mithril.js

Downloads

Source code (.zip)main branch · straight from GitHubRelease v2.3.8Release notes and sourceOfficial website & docsmithril.js.org

Strengths

  • Small size, about 8.93 KB gzipped according to the README
  • Routing and XHR utilities are included out of the box
  • MIT licensed with an active community on Zulip and Stack Overflow

Trade-offs

  • The README does not detail the feature set beyond routing and XHR, so the scope is unclear from this source alone
  • Documentation is hosted on an external site, and the README is brief
  • Browser support is limited to recent versions as listed in the README

How it compares

ProjectStarsTypeLevelUpdatedBest for
mithril.js (this)14.5kLibraryintermediate3 months agoDevelopers who want a small framework with routing and HTTP utilities included
react252kLibraryintermediate6 days agoDevelopers building interactive web interfaces with JavaScript
vue212kLibraryintermediate2.1 years agoMaintaining an existing Vue 2 application that cannot yet be upgraded
svelte88.5kLibraryintermediate4 days agoDevelopers who want to build interactive websites with less boilerplate
preact39kLibraryintermediate4 days agoWeb developers who already know React and want a lighter library
hyperapp19.2kLibrarybeginner1.6 years agoDevelopers who want a very small framework for simple to medium browser apps

Stats synced from GitHub. The assessment above was drafted with AI from the project's README on 2026-10-29 and may miss recent changes — check the README before relying on a command. MIT licence: free to use, modify and distribute, including commercially, as long as you keep the copyright notice.