Question 1

How does Hexagon compare to Ktor for building Kotlin APIs?

Accepted Answer

Hexagon emphasizes modularity and Hexagonal Architecture with pluggable adapters, giving more control over infrastructure choices, while Ktor offers a more integrated, framework-like experience with easier setup but less flexibility in swapping underlying technologies. Hexagon is better for teams focused on architectural purity and avoiding framework lock-in.

Question 2

How to handle authentication in a Hexagon application?

Accepted Answer

Hexagon doesn't provide built-in authentication; you need to implement it manually using filters or middleware, as shown in the filters example where basic auth is handled. This requires custom code or integration with third-party libraries for OAuth, JWT, or other methods.

Question 3

Does Hexagon support HTTP/2 and WebSockets?

Accepted Answer

Yes, both the HTTP server and client in Hexagon support HTTP/2 and WebSockets, as mentioned in the features list. Implementations are available through adapters like Jetty, ensuring modern protocol support for production applications.

Question 4

What are the real-world performance benchmarks for Hexagon?

Accepted Answer

Hexagon participates in the TechEmpower Frameworks Benchmark, providing performance numbers for various scenarios. While not the fastest, it delivers solid, production-ready performance, with results publicly available to validate its suitability for high-load environments.

Question 5

How to build a native image with Hexagon using GraalVM?

Accepted Answer

Most Hexagon libraries include GraalVM metadata, so you can use standard GraalVM native image tools. The project's CI tests ensure compatibility, and examples are provided in the documentation for configuring native builds in Gradle or Maven, reducing setup friction.

Question 6

Is Hexagon suitable for serverless functions on AWS Lambda?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Hexagon's modular design and native image support make it well-suited for serverless deployments, allowing you to build lightweight, fast-starting functions. However, setup requires manual configuration for the Lambda runtime, as it lacks specific serverless abstractions found in other frameworks.

Hexagon

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