title: "What is Dex?" author: "Dex Team" date: "2026-07-05"

What is Dex?

Dex is a Bun-first web framework that combines file-based routing with a minimal configuration approach. It's designed for developers who want to ship fast web applications without wrestling with complex tooling.

Why Dex?

Problem	Dex Solution
Complex routing configs	File-based routing — your folder structure is your routes
Build tool fatigue	Zero-config defaults with Bun's speed
Confusing layouts	Explicit layout files that compose naturally
Deployment friction	Single binary output, ready for any platform

Key Features

File-based routing: web/pages/about.tsx → /about
Automatic layout composition: web/layouts/global.tsx wraps all pages
Config-driven paths: Customize folder structure via dex.config.ts
SPA fallback: Automatic client-side navigation for dynamic routes
Dev/prod parity: Same mental model, different modes

How It Compares

Framework	Routing	Config
Next.js	File-based	`next.config.js`
Dex	File-based	`dex.config.ts` (optional)
Remix	Convention-based	`remix.config.js`
Express	Manual	Manual

When to Use Dex

Building a marketing site, blog, or dashboard
You want file-based routing without framework lock-in
Deploying to platforms that support Node/Bun binaries
You prefer explicit over magical

Example Structure

my-app/
├─ dex.config.ts      # Optional configuration
├─ web/
│  ├─ pages/          # Routes (index.tsx → /)
│  │  ├─ about.tsx    # /about
│  │  └─ [id]/        # Dynamic route /:id
│  ├─ layouts/        # Layout components
│  └─ public/         # Static assets
└─ core/              # Generated files (don't edit)

Ready to Try It?

Proceed to Your First App to scaffold and run your first Dex application.

What Is Dex