Abstract:

This Reddit thread, posted in r/htmx, addresses a common question regarding the framework's use of custom attributes (like hx-post) without the standard HTML data- prefix, a practice used by competitors like Hotwire. The discussion clarifies that while HTMX permits the use of the data- prefix as an option for user preference, technically, any attribute containing a dash is permitted for custom use. Furthermore, the conversation introduces "Datastar," a related, HTMX-inspired framework that explicitly adheres to the data- convention and expands functionality with features like Server-Sent Events (SSE).

HTMX Attribute Naming Convention Discussion

• Original Post (miguelv_): The user questions why HTMX does not adopt the data- prefix for its attributes, noting that standard HTML practice recommends this prefix to avoid conflicts with future native HTML attributes, citing frameworks like Hotwire as examples that follow this convention.
• pharrisee (10mo ago): Provides the official answer from the HTMX documentation, confirming that the data- prefix can be used optionally by the user if preferred (e.g., <a data-hx-post="/click">Click Me!</a>).
• gureggu (10mo ago): Clarifies the technical reason for the data- prefix, explaining that while any attribute with a dash is acceptable for custom use, data- is special because it allows developers to access the attribute easily using the JavaScript dataset property.
• bogz_dev & yoyoloo2 (10mo ago): Mentions a related framework called Datastar (or data-star) which was inspired by HTMX and explicitly uses the data- prefix.
• Key Takeaway (Datastar): Datastar is described as a "super set of HTMX" that also incorporates open Server-Sent Event (SSE) connections and is reportedly very lightweight and fast.