Forget complex state libraries. Use the URL as your single source of truth for filters, sorting, and pagination in HTMX applications
Bookmarkable by Design: URL-Driven State in HTMX
When you move from React to HTMX, you trade complex state management for server-side simplicity. But you still need to handle filters, sorting, pagination, and search. Where does that state live now?
The answer is surprisingly elegant: in the URL itself. By treating URL parameters as your single source of truth, you get bookmarkable, shareable application state without needing to install another dependency.
The Pattern in Action
A URL like /?status=active&sortField=price&sortDir=desc&page=2 tells you everything about the current view. It’s not just an address—it’s a complete state representation that users can bookmark, share, or refresh without losing context.
Quick Start: Three Essential Steps
The entire pattern revolves around three synchronized steps:
Server reads URL parameters and renders the appropriate view Client preserves all state when making HTMX requests Browser URL updates without page reload after each interaction
Let’s build this step by step.
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