---
# System prepended metadata

title: Instructions

---

<img src="https://i.imgflip.com/8gsdgn.jpg" />


# Prompt Instructions

write the explanation as a blog post from the following snippet:


```
#get yourself in one of the directories on your file system in bash compatible shell

$ cat > first.html <<EOF
    <script src="https://unpkg.com/htmx.org@1.9.10"></script>
    <button hx-get="second.html" hx-swap="outerHTML">Replace Me</button>
EOF
$ cat > second.html <<EOF
    <script src="https://unpkg.com/htmx.org@1.9.10"></script>
    <button hx-get="first.html" hx-swap="outerHTML">Replace Me Again</button>
EOF
$ python3 -m http.server 8558

#in your browser go to http://localhost:8558/first.html
#[Replace Me] button from first.html calls via hx-get second.html. it loads second.html and replaces itself with [Replace Me Again] button from second.html. [Replace Me Again] loads first.html and replaces itself with [Replace Me] button from first.html.
```

# ChatGPT response

### Creating a Dynamic Web Page with HTMX

In the realm of web development, creating dynamic, interactive web pages without reloading the entire page has always been a sought-after goal. With the advent of HTMX, achieving this has become more straightforward and efficient. In this blog post, we'll delve into a practical example that demonstrates how to use HTMX to swap elements on a web page dynamically.

#### Getting Started with HTMX

HTMX is a modern JavaScript library that allows you to access AJAX, CSS Transitions, WebSockets, and Server-Sent Events directly in HTML, making it easier to create highly interactive and dynamic web pages. The simplicity and power of HTMX lie in its ability to communicate with the server without needing to write complex JavaScript code.

#### Setting Up Our Project

First, we need to set up our project environment. This involves creating two HTML files and serving them via a simple HTTP server. Here's how you can get started:

1. **Create the HTML Files:**
   - Navigate to a directory on your file system where you want to create your project.
   - Open your terminal and create the first HTML file, `first.html`, with the following content:

```html
<script src="https://unpkg.com/htmx.org@1.9.10"></script>
<button hx-get="second.html" hx-swap="outerHTML">Replace Me</button>
```

This file includes a button that, when clicked, will fetch `second.html` and replace the button's content with the content of `second.html`.

   - Next, create the second HTML file, `second.html`, containing a similar structure but pointing back to `first.html`:

```html
<script src="https://unpkg.com/htmx.org@1.9.10"></script>
<button hx-get="first.html" hx-swap="outerHTML">Replace Me Again</button>
```

2. **Serve the Files:**
   - In the same directory as your HTML files, start a simple HTTP server by running the following command in your terminal:

```bash
python3 -m http.server 8558
```

This command starts a simple HTTP server on port 8558.

#### Exploring the HTMX Magic

Now, with our server running, navigate to `http://localhost:8558/first.html` in your browser. You'll see a button labeled "Replace Me." Clicking this button triggers an HTMX request to fetch `second.html` and replaces the entire button element with the new content from `second.html`, which is another button labeled "Replace Me Again."

Clicking on the "Replace Me Again" button repeats the process, but this time it fetches `first.html` and replaces the button with the original "Replace Me" button. This creates a dynamic interaction on the page without reloading the entire page or writing extensive JavaScript code.

#### How It Works

The key to this interaction is the `hx-get` attribute in the button element, which specifies the URL to fetch when the button is clicked. The `hx-swap="outerHTML"` attribute tells HTMX to replace the entire button element (the outer HTML) with the response from the server.

#### Conclusion

This simple example showcases the power and simplicity of HTMX for creating dynamic web pages. By merely adding a few attributes to your HTML elements, you can significantly enhance the interactivity of your web pages. HTMX opens up a world of possibilities for web developers looking to create engaging, dynamic content with minimal fuss. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting out, HTMX is a valuable tool to add to your web development toolkit.