Exadel Smart Library: Solving Problems Before They Begin

At Exadel, we believe in fixing problems before they rear their heads. That’s precisely how the Exadel Smart Library (ESL) came to life. Think of it as more than a set of tools—it’s our way of building for the future.

We created ESL to handle the challenges associated with performance, scalability, and adaptability. This article takes you behind the scenes of its creation, explores what makes it unique, and demonstrates how it reflects our broader approach to solving real-world problems.

If you’re worried this is a three-page sales pitch, it’s not. ESL is 100% free and open source.

The Genesis of ESL

About six years ago, a client came to us with a pretty straightforward request: They wanted their media-heavy website to load faster and perform better. Sounds simple, but not quite. The tools available at the time either didn’t work well enough, were too rigid, or couldn’t handle the capabilities of modern browsers, so we decided to build something ourselves.

That’s how the Smart Image Component was born. It wasn’t fancy, but it was smart. By using Custom Elements and IntersectionObserver, we created a tag that streamlined performance and cut down on unnecessary code bloat. As a result, the site’s speed doubled, and the codebase stayed clean and lightweight.

Although Smart Image is now somewhat legacy, it was a game changer at the time—a clear sign that we were on to something.

What started as a one-off solution eventually grew into the Exadel Smart Library, a framework-agnostic development toolbox that’s as versatile as it is powerful.

What Makes ESL Different?

1. Works Wherever You Do

One of ESL’s defining features is its adaptability. It doesn’t matter if you’re using React, Angular, Vue, or even plain JavaScript—it fits right in. This flexibility makes it perfect for large organizations with diverse tech stacks that are ambitious to scale.

Take the Panel and PanelGroup components, for example. They let you create tabs and accordions from the same setup, saving developers time and ensuring a more consistent experience across different platforms.

2. Speed That Matters

Slow websites are a dealbreaker—ESL solves that by maintaining lightweight code and exploiting modern browser features like ECMAScript 6. This doesn’t just speed things up, it also boosts SEO rankings and creates a smoother user experience.

The Smart Media Component is a perfect example of this. Whether it’s used for background videos or embedded players, it optimizes media assets without compromising on quality. This kind of optimization is vital for industries like retail, where website performance needs to be fast and flawless.

3. You are the Tailor

Off-the-shelf tools often force developers to make compromises. ESL doesn’t. It’s designed to let developers tweak and customize to meet exact project needs, so you’re never stuck trying to force a square peg into a round hole.

For example, the ESLMedia Provider API makes it easy to integrate third-party services or add custom functionality that’s unique to your project. It’s all about giving developers the control they need to build smarter, faster, and better.

For Business Leaders: Why ESL Matters

Why Build Your Own? It’s All About Craftsmanship

Off-the-shelf solutions are fine if you’re looking for something generic. But when you need a specific result, there’s no substitute for a custom build. Choosing Exadel over larger, off-the-shelf providers is akin to commissioning a boutique craftsman to hand-stitch a luxury car interior or a Michelin-starred chef to craft a new restaurant menu. Exadel delivers tailored, innovative solutions that elegantly dovetail with client business needs and technical ecosystems.

We don’t just solve problems; we create solutions that can be continually adapted to the evolving tech and business landscape. In doing so, we foster a culture of innovation and expertise that permeates every aspect of our company.

What’s Next: ESL as a Launchpad for Innovation

The Exadel Smart Library isn’t just a collection of instruments in a nice-looking toolbox—it’s the epitome of an agile, future-focused mindset. It combines flexibility, performance, and customization to help businesses build better digital experiences faster and more effectively.

From retail to fintech, ESL is empowering companies to innovate with confidence, offering the liberty to adapt the tools to scale, and the ability to stay agile in a fast-changing digital world.