Reevaluate Endpoint language, frameworks, etc.

[cheezyrock]

Current code uses a Python (Flask) back end which must be started separately. This also introduces an additional technology which must be maintained.

The front end relies on outdated React and unreliable third party libraries.

It should be evaluated whether to undergo a large restructuring. Some suggestions include:

1. Next.js - build on React, but can handle the back end framework as well without Python. This would streamline the setup and deployment process as well.
2. Flask-app only with no javascript (probably harder overall)
3. Vite - A newer JS framework, newer structures, but at risk for becoming outdated if it doesn't grow enough mainstream adoption.
4. Single Language application - Can use just about any language with WebGL. Larger project to recode the app, but will be more maintainable afterwards.

[hollowtree11]

Doing research on suggestions:

1. Next.js

• Pros: Removes need for Flask, Server + client in one project, Strong ecosystem
• Cons: JavaScript-heavy, Requires Node ecosystem shift,

2. Flask-only

• Pros: Simple architecture, Python-only stack, Easier backend control
• Cons: Hard to replicate rich interactivity, Likely regression in features, Hard to make modern

3. Vite

• Pros: Fast dev experience, Modern, Fast dev experience
• Cons: Doesn’t solve backend problem

4. Single Language

• Pros: Maximum consistency, Potential for high performance, Flexible
• Cons: Lots of rewriting

Other Suggestion: Hybrid Modernization: Keep the Flask backend, replace the frontend with modern React

• Pros: Low risk, Fast/Incremental implementation
• Cons: Still two different systems, doesn't solve architecture issues

My Recommendation: Next.js

• While hybrid modernization offers a low-risk way to improve the current system, it does not address the core issue of maintaining a split architecture. Switching to Next.js consolidates frontend and backend into a single framework, simplifying development, deployment, and long-term maintenance. Although it requires a larger upfront effort, it provides a cleaner and more sustainable architecture moving forward.