How do I run this Elm example app on my computer?

First, install Elm and Node.js, then run 'npm i' to install dependencies, and 'npm run start' to launch the local server at http://localhost:3000. This is directly from the setup instructions in the README.

Is this Elm app suitable for total beginners?

It's designed as a companion to the Elm Tutorial, so it's best for those with some Elm basics. Complete novices might find it overwhelming without prior tutorial exposure, but it's great for reinforcing concepts.

Elm example app vs the official Elm guide: which should I use?

This app provides runnable code for a concrete SPA, ideal for hands-on learning after the guide. The official guide is more theoretical, so use this to see patterns in practice and the guide for foundational understanding.

Can I use this as a template for my own Elm project?

Yes, it's a clean starting point for new Elm SPAs—clone it and modify the code. However, note that it's minimal, so you'll need to add features like styling and advanced logic based on your requirements.

What dependencies does this Elm example require?

It relies on Elm 0.19 for the core language and Node.js with npm for the development server setup. The package.json includes basic scripts, but no external Elm packages beyond standard libraries.

How can I add new pages to this Elm SPA?

Extend the existing routing by adding new route definitions in the Elm code, then update the view and update functions to handle them, following the pattern shown in the app's source files.

Elm Example App — Example Single-Page Elm Application

What is Elm Example App?

sporto/elm-example-app is an open-source example single-page application built with Elm 0.19, designed to accompany the Elm Tutorial website. It provides a practical, runnable codebase that demonstrates how to structure a real-world Elm application using the Elm Architecture. The project solves the problem of finding a clear, up-to-date reference for developers transitioning from tutorials to building their own SPAs in Elm.

Target Audience

Developers learning Elm who want a concrete example of a complete single-page application, especially those following online tutorials or courses. It's also useful for educators and teams adopting Elm who need a starter template or reference implementation.

Value Proposition

Developers choose this because it's a minimal, focused example that aligns with official Elm practices and version 0.19, avoiding the clutter of larger frameworks. It provides immediate runnable code with clear separation of concerns, making it easier to understand Elm's core concepts in a real project context.

An example Elm single page application

Use Cases

Best For

Learning the Elm Architecture through a complete example
Referencing SPA structure when building your first Elm app
Comparing Elm 0.19 patterns with older versions
Starting a new Elm project with a clean template
Teaching Elm concepts in workshops or courses
Understanding navigation and routing in Elm SPAs

Not Ideal For

Teams building production applications that require advanced features like authentication or database integration
Developers seeking a UI framework with pre-styled components for rapid prototyping
Projects needing compatibility with Elm versions newer than 0.19 or integration with JavaScript-heavy ecosystems

Pros & Cons

Pros

Clear Architecture Demo

Effectively illustrates the Elm Architecture (Model-View-Update) and SPA routing, serving as a practical reference from the Elm Tutorial website for hands-on learning.

Elm 0.19 Compatibility

Built specifically for Elm 0.19, as noted in the branches section, ensuring it aligns with the latest major version at the time and avoids outdated patterns.

Easy Local Setup

Includes straightforward npm scripts—run 'npm i' and 'npm run start' to launch a development server at localhost:3000, making it instantly runnable for exploration.

Minimal, Focused Codebase

Emphasizes clarity and best practices with a clean structure, avoiding unnecessary complexity, which helps learners focus on core Elm concepts without distraction.

Cons

Limited Feature Set

As a basic example app, it lacks advanced SPA features like state persistence, error handling, or API integrations, which are needed for real-world projects.

No Styling or UI

The project is purely functional with zero CSS or pre-built components, requiring developers to add all styling and UI elements from scratch for a polished look.

Version Lock-in Risk

Tied to Elm 0.19 and not actively updated for newer versions, so developers may face migration challenges or miss out on recent Elm improvements and features.

What is Elm Example App?

Target Audience

Value Proposition

Use Cases

Best For

Learning the Elm Architecture through a complete example
Referencing SPA structure when building your first Elm app
Comparing Elm 0.19 patterns with older versions
Starting a new Elm project with a clean template
Teaching Elm concepts in workshops or courses
Understanding navigation and routing in Elm SPAs

Not Ideal For

Teams building production applications that require advanced features like authentication or database integration
Developers seeking a UI framework with pre-styled components for rapid prototyping
Projects needing compatibility with Elm versions newer than 0.19 or integration with JavaScript-heavy ecosystems

Pros & Cons

Pros

Clear Architecture Demo

Effectively illustrates the Elm Architecture (Model-View-Update) and SPA routing, serving as a practical reference from the Elm Tutorial website for hands-on learning.

Elm 0.19 Compatibility

Built specifically for Elm 0.19, as noted in the branches section, ensuring it aligns with the latest major version at the time and avoids outdated patterns.

Easy Local Setup

Includes straightforward npm scripts—run 'npm i' and 'npm run start' to launch a development server at localhost:3000, making it instantly runnable for exploration.

Minimal, Focused Codebase

Emphasizes clarity and best practices with a clean structure, avoiding unnecessary complexity, which helps learners focus on core Elm concepts without distraction.

Cons

Limited Feature Set

As a basic example app, it lacks advanced SPA features like state persistence, error handling, or API integrations, which are needed for real-world projects.

No Styling or UI

The project is purely functional with zero CSS or pre-built components, requiring developers to add all styling and UI elements from scratch for a polished look.

Version Lock-in Risk

Tied to Elm 0.19 and not actively updated for newer versions, so developers may face migration challenges or miss out on recent Elm improvements and features.

Elm Example App

What is Elm Example App?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?

Elm Example App

What is Elm Example App?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?