Gigavel is a minimalist Laravel-style PHP MVC framework — built for developers who want the structure of Laravel without the bloat. It comes powered by HTMX and Alpine.js, enabling reactive and dynamic interfaces with almost zero JavaScript code.
✨ The smallest Laravel-like MVC with just enough magic and full control.
- 🐘 PHP MVC – Models, Views, and Controllers inspired by Laravel's architecture.
- ⚡ HTMX (~14kB) – Handles dynamic content, AJAX, and HTML swaps declaratively.
- 🔮 Alpine.js (~7kB) – Gives reactivity like Vue but fits in your HTML.
- 🪶 Super lightweight – ~21kB of JS, near-zero boilerplate, blazing fast.
gigavel/
├── app/
│ └── Controllers/
│ └── HomeController.php
├── config/
│ └── routes.php
├── resources/
│ └── views/
│ └── home.php
├── public/
│ └── index.php
├── .env.example
├── composer.json
└── README.md
- 🧠 Laravel-like structure without the heavy framework
- 🔥 HTMX for backend-powered dynamic UIs (no AJAX boilerplate)
- 🧬 Alpine for instant frontend reactivity
- 🏎️ Fast load, minimal dependencies
- 🛠️ Designed for simplicity and rapid prototyping
| Feature | HTMX + Alpine.js | Laravel Livewire |
|---|---|---|
| Initial JS Load | ⚡ ~21kB | 🐘 ~80-100kB |
| Page Updates | ⚡ HTML swaps | 🐢 JSON + DOM rehydration |
| PHP Integration | ✅ Return views directly | ✅ Full reactivity |
| Manual JS Needed | ❌ Minimal | ✅ Required |
| Speed | ⚡ Faster overall | 🐢 Heavier & slower |
✅ Verdict: HTMX + Alpine wins for raw speed, control, and simplicity — perfect for Gigavel’s lean mission.
git clone https://github.com/yourusername/gigavel.git
cd gigavel
composer install
cp .env.example .env
php run
Then open [http://localhost:8000](http://localhost:8000) in your browser.
---
## ✨ Example Usage
### Define a Route (`config/routes.php`)
```php
return [
'/' => ['App\Controllers\HomeController', 'index']
];Create a Controller (app/Controllers/HomeController.php)
namespace App\Controllers;
class HomeController {
public function index() {
require_once __DIR__ . '/../../resources/views/home.php';
}
}
Build a View (resources/views/home.php)
<h1 hx-get="/some-action" hx-swap="outerHTML">Click me</h1>
<div x-data="{ open: false }" @click="open = !open">
<p x-show="open">Hello from Alpine!</p>
</div>
Gigavel is about fast iteration and keeping your tools out of your way. It gives you enough Laravel-style structure to scale while staying lean and snappy.
MIT © Biruk Endrias