Frameworks are a critical part of web development. With the rising application standards, developers need technology that helps them to solve complexity. Complexity has become a primary reason for the reinvention of sophisticated and valuable technology, making all developers’ tasks easier and faster.
Frameworks are being endorsed by hundreds of developers globally. They consider it as a sensible approach for developing interactive and rich web solutions. According to a Statista report, jQuery was one of the most considered frameworks among developers worldwide.
More than 43.3% of respondents agreed that they use the jQuery framework during the survey, while around 35.9% agreed that they love to use React JS. jQuery is losing its user base to Angular and React JS since last year. End number of web development frameworks is available in the market these days.
Hence it becomes critical for you to choose the proper framework that solves your tricky and complex task. If you want to build a business app solution, it becomes requisite for you to use a maintained framework for at least five years. Also, make sure that the framework that you choose matches your source and caters to all your requirements efficiently.
Professionals who want to evolve their career in the development field need to choose a high-demand framework that fits their profile and succeed in the job market. There are few criteria that you can consider while choosing a framework for web development; these criteria include:
- Well adapted sector;
- Highly popular and feature-rich;
- In-demand framework to look first;
- Avoid framework with maintenance mode;
- Time required for code implementation;
- Code maintenance;
- Community support and documentation;
- Learning curve.
If you don’t know which framework to choose for web development, then we are here to help you out; check the top 8 web development frameworks that you can choose to use in 2021 and beyond. But before digging deep, let’s review what a web framework is? Why is it the best option to choose for your app development?
What is Web Framework?
A web application framework is software intended to promote web app development, including web services, resources, and APIS. It’s a standard way to make and deploy a web app on the web. Most frameworks aim to automate the burden with everyday activities carried out in web development. For instance: you can leverage templates, libraries for database access session management and much more.
Most frameworks allow developers to reuse code, ensuring to make their development task faster and effective. However, the primary purpose of development is a dynamic website applicable for a static website as well.
Multifaceted and high-functioning web apps are vital for eCommerce businesses. However, a web development task is time-consuming and requires you to have technical skills and aptitude as well. However, the web development frameworks ease the process.
Web frameworks can be highly customized if you have the proper knowledge and skills for using them. There are various frameworks that you can use for web development. But most frameworks are categories are mainly two categories that are:
Front-end Web Frameworks
Front end web framework is the pioneer block of the development process. But there are multiple-choice to choose from, especially when developing a visually appealing app that provides the best user experience. In web app development, the front-end refers to the part that visitors come across directly.
Past was when coders were required to create the code manually to dictate the behavior and interactions. Front end web framework reduces the task complexity by offering pre-written coding that has to be built. Top front end web framework includes:
- React
- Vue.js
- Angular
- Preact
- Ember
- Svelte
Each front framework provides different features and functionality to the users. It has its pros and cons, while the user base also differs for each framework. Check the following diagram to find the number of users for each front-end web framework.
Backend Web Frameworks
Backend or server-side framework assists the development of web applications. A server-side framework is practical when developers want to build an app in a standardized and fast way. StackOverFlow is the best example of understanding the concept of the backend web framework. The front-end framework deals with the area that the visitor is facing. In contrast, the back-end web framework offers tools that assist with the web development task such as user authorization, security, URL routing, etc.
Famous Use Cases
Django (Python): The famous use cases include Instagram, Pinterest, Coursera;
Laravel (PHP): Few use cases involve Deltanet Travel, Neighborhood Lender, MyRank;
Ruby on Rails (Ruby): Zendesk, Shopify, GitHub is famous use cases for the web framework;
ExpressJS (NodeJS): Use case includes MySpace, GeekList, Storify;
CakePHP (PHP): Mapme, Educationunlimited, Followmy TV are a few use case examples;
Flask (Python): Use case example include Red Hat, Rackspace, Reddit
Asp .NET (C#): Microsoft, Godaddy, Ancestry are use case example;
Spring Boot (Java): Use case includes Trivago, Via Varejo, Intuit
Koa (NodeJS)
Phoenix (Elixir): Most know use case involves Financial Times, Fox 10, ABC15
Why is Web Framework the Best Option to Choose for App Development?
A software or web development framework helps developers build unique software, focusing on its increased functionality. It includes all predefined functions and classes that utilize the process input, interact with system software and manage hardware devices as well. Developers can streamline the development process with the help of the backend and frontend frameworks.
The front-end framework is also termed “client-side” programming. It’s part of an app that interacts with users and is surrounded by dropdown sliders and menus. It is a combo of CSS, HTML, JavaScript, and much more through the computer browser. Front-end developers make use of front-end languages like React, Angular, Node JS, etc., to make eye-catchy and appealing solutions.
The back end framework is functioning in the back of the software and reflects on the website. It can be when users log in to the account and purchase a product from an online store. Backend developers take care of all operations that focus on scripting, database, architecture, and other website things.
A framework is the best object to automate the overhead correlation with software development activities. Top Benefits of the framework include:
- Time-Saving;
- Scalability;
- Robustness;
- Security;
- Integrations;
- Secure code.
The most framework is open source and provides users with libraries and tools for managing and developing web apps much easier and faster. All the frameworks have a goal to ease the task of the developers. Let’s check a few points that explain why a framework is essential for software development.
- The framework helps programmers to develop an app in an efficient, accurate, and consistent manner;
- A popular and active framework provides developers large community, robust tools, and rich resources;
- The scalable and flexible framework helps to meet the complexity and time constraints of app development;
- Helps to avoid redundant and duplicate code and helps to build code with several bugs;
- It makes sophisticated technologies making it easier to develop a reliable app as code and functions are pre-tested and pre-built;
- Debugging and testing the code is relatively more straightforward and can be carried out by developers who don’t have code, ensuring reducing development time.
Top 8 Web Framework Developers Can Use in 2021
The app development sector is evolving continuously, the demand for valuable and scalable software is constantly increasing. Now most prospects are looking for a solution that helps them meet growing customers’ needs efficiently than ever before. And when it comes to improving app performance and development, the frontend and backend framework grab the spotlight. The framework works for logic, execution, and layout.
The browser-based system needs CSS, HTML, JavaScript, and many other web standard technologies. Hence it becomes critical for you to choose the proper framework after knowing its properties, pros, and cons as well. Check the top 8 web app frameworks which developers are using to enhance their overall development process.
1. React
A JavaScript-based client-side web framework is dominating development. React native is a popular and most used framework launched in 2013 by Facebook as a JavaScript library to implement the view layer in a component-based way. It differs from JavaScript in numerous ways; the framework has gained huge popularity among developers and its leading web framework these days.
Key Features of React:
- React is an opinionated library that executes the view layer for UI. In the development process, Reach JS is used with other libraries to an ecosystem for end-to-end development.
- “Learn Once, Write Anywhere” is the React slogan; developers use React to build apps such as mobile, web, desktop, and even Smart TV.
- React has a polarized immutable state, declarative programming, data binding, and much more.
- It enables developers to enjoy improved performance, cleaner code, and concurrency support.
Popularity:
React is undoubtedly a popular web framework that is evident from various sources. GitHub survey shows that React is the second most used web framework among developers.
While Stack Overflow data shows that React is used by 35.9% of users globally.
When to Use React:
- Developers having expertise in JavaScript can use react;
- The right option to choose while developing best performing app;
When to Avoid Use of React:
- Avoid React when speed is the primary criteria for an app.
Pros
- Virtual DOM helps developers to work faster and improve user experience to a great extent;
- Provides better performance;
- Helps to handle local variables;
- Stable code.
Cons
- Developers need to have good knowledge of configuration changed to use the MVC framework;
- No proper availability of instructions, developers have to create their documentation for specific tool;
- The high learning curve for developers.
Quick Example of React:
<div id=”myReactApp”></div>
<script type=”text/babel”>
function Greeter(props) {
return <h1>{props.greeting}</h1> }
var App = <Greeter greeting=”Hello World!” />;
ReactDOM.render(App, document.getElementById(‘myReactApp’));
</script>
Code: (Source)
2. Angular
Angular is a robust web framework launched in 2010. A typescript-based framework is used to craft web apps; it provides a wide range of code editors. It has detailed documentation and comes under MEAN stack technology. Angular nine is considered the latest version of the Angular framework. The latest Angular version enables apps to use the ivy compiler and runtime by default. It has been updated with Typescript 3.6 and 3.7.
Features:
- Helps to make robust design;
- Build impeccable UI for web apps;
- Ensure the high performance of single-page app;
- Implement development tasks and product analyses with complex nature.
When to Use Angular:
- Developers having experience of Spring and JavaEE;
- Use for complex app development;
When to Avoid Use of Angular:
- Avoid using it while SEO and app performance is crucial.
Pros
- Support easier and faster data binding;
- Dependency injection makes components easier to test and manage;
- Directives enable to assign specific behavior to the DOM, authorizing engineers to build dynamic and rich content using HTML;
- Enhance server performance by decreasing the burden from the server CPUs;
Cons
- The dynamic app doesn’t perform best every time;
- Stepper learning curve;
- For most developers, TypeScript is a barrier than an advantage;
- Time-consuming if users are unfamiliar with MVC architecture patterns.
3. Vue JS
Vue is an essential framework of JavaScript library; it offers a stunning user interface. Due to versatility and simplicity, Vue JS has become popular among developers.
Key Features:
- Vue JS is much similar to Angular end-to-end app development functionality. Simultaneously, the View layer with state management and data flow makes the developer’s task much easier and faster.
- Vue JS provides premium quality documentation to users;
- It’s the best JavaScript framework for progressive app development;
- Community-driven framework.
When to Use or Not to Use Vue.JS
- Use for modernizing and progressive app development;
- Lower barrier;
- Avoid using Vue.JS when you want to use the same framework multiple times.
Pros
- Virtual DOM;
- Simple Syntax & Integration
- Small Size;
- Easy to understand;
- Github Stars: 172,000 +
- Latest update: 3.0 (Sept, 2020)
4. Django
The python-based server-side framework was designed by Simon Willison and Adrian Holovaty. Django follows the MTV architecture, the popularity of the framework increased among developers with the increasing popularity of the Python language. If you are looking for multiple features for a website builder, then Django provides you with it. The web framework makes development tasks much easier and faster than ever before.
Key Features:
- Standalone option for testing and app development;
- Stimulated development process;
- Batteries-based web framework;
- MVC Paradigm;
- Improved security
- Github Stars: 52,000 +
- Latest update: 3.1 (Aug 2020)
When to Use Django?
- Developers can use Django when speed is a critical aspect;
- When there is a need for integrating cutting edge projects like deep learning or ML;
When to Avoid the Use of Django?
- Developers need to avoid its use if they don’t have expertise in Python.
Pros
- Speed up the development task;
- Helps to include ORM layer allowing to handle sessions, database access, multi-language support, etc.
- Cost-efficient and effective option;
- Helping developers to deliver projects on time.
Cons
- Django doesn’t allow developers to handle multiple requests efficiently;
- Badly designed architecture;
- The web development framework is not the right choice for small projects.
5. ASP. NET
Asp.NET is a server-side web framework designed to produce dynamic web pages. Built and launched by Microsoft, ASP.NET makes it easier to develop dynamic websites, services, and apps. The web framework is an essential part of the Microsoft .Net platform.
ASP.NET apps are compiled codes developed using the reusable and extensible objects present in the .Net framework. The code helps to leverage the advantage of the entire hierarchy of the .Net framework. It is used to make a data-driven app; ASP.NET consists of many buttons, configuring, manipulating code, and much more to build HTML pages.
Features:
- Apps developed using ASP.NET can run efficiently on multiple platforms like Linux, Mac, Windows;
- The web framework enables developers to include a package that they require for app development;
- It reduces the request pipeline and enhances scalability and performance;
- It helps develop a class library that can be used with a .NET framework like Mono or 4.x.
- Language: C#
- Latest Version: ASP.NET 5 (ASP.NET Core 1.0)
When to Use ASP.NET Core:
- Use if to build an app where flexibility and tooling support is essential;
- Faster release and development velocity is a crucial concept.
Pros
- Decrease coding time for big apps;
- Improve scalability and performance;
- MVC architecture of ASP.NEt enables separate input, output, and processing for the app;
- Help to develop a secure app;
- The framework enables easy migration and configuration services.
Cons
- ASP.NET is expensive; as the hosting providers charge extra for different services;
- Documentation of ASP.NET is not good;
- The configuration setting in the ASP web app is obscure;
6. Laravel
Laravel is an open-source PHP web app development framework. It comes with API support and also carries several packages that could increase its reach. Laravel users can easily access Laravel codes through GitHub.
The web framework values readability, simplicity, and elegance. The large community assures the evolution of programming issues in the minimum time possible. Additionally, it offers informative blogs, online forums, and professional opinions, making it easier for developers to understand and implement coding.
Essential Features:
- Command Line Interface;
- Comfortable Migrations;
- Database System Support;
- Built-in command “Artisan”;
- Modular Libraries and Systems;
- MVC Architecture.
- https://github.com/laravel/laravel
- Github Stars : 61,500 +
- Latest update : 7.3.0 (Sept, 2020)
Pros
- Users can use all PHP features such as overloading, namespace, anonymous functions, etc.;
- Appropriately documentation for each version;
- Easy to understand;
- Shorten development life cycle;
- Save team time and money;
- Reduce coding efforts.
Cons
- Limited in-built support compared to Django and Ruby on Rails;
- Fresh developers find it difficult in executing Laravel codes;
- Methods are very complex;
- Less community support.
When to Avoid Use of Laravel:
- Laravel must not be chosen for serverless computing;
When to Use Laravel?
- Suitable for developing a highly scalable and large app;
7. Ember JS
Ember JS, released in 2011, is considered a productive JavaScript framework that uses the component service paradigms. Ember Js core development model contains CSS and HTML. The launch of Ember 2.0 includes excellent stabilization; since then, it became famous for making a maintainable JavaScript app.
Key Features of Ember JS:
- Stability without Stagnation;
- Built-in functionalities;
- Gigantic Ecosystem;
- Optimistic and reasonable web standards;
- Integrity with massive Codebase;
- Github Stars: 21500 +
- https://github.com/emberjs/ember.js/
- Latest update: Ember 3.17
Pros
- The modular architecture of Ember provides developers with speed;
- Apps developed using Ember can easily be converted into a native app.
Cons
- Challenging for developers to know which module they must use;
- The learning curve is also a bit complex.
8. Ruby on Rails
Ruby on Rails is a well-known server-side web development framework on MVC. It is written in Ruby that features worthwhile software engineering paradigms such as “convention over configuration” and “don’t repeat yourself.” Emerged in 2005, Ruby on Rails started influencing the development and steadily became the top framework that provides cut-throat competition to other web frameworks.
Critical Features of Ruby on Rails:
- Supports AJAX Library;
- Practicing Rails API;
- Action view & mailer;
- Provides Customized Library;
- Automated Deployment;
- Rake Command enabled;
- Active Record Pattern;
- https://rubyonrails.org/
- Github Stars: 46,500;
- Latest version: 6.0.3.3.
Summing It Up
For the last few years, developers have shown affection towards React, Django, Vue.js, and Angular. Comparative interest in few web frameworks was held back because of the long-awaited and delay in updates, which might have changed now. Many web frameworks have gained popularity in the competitive market, from which we have listed the top 8 used by most developers. But the list doesn’t end here; there are many more which you can use to enhance your development process and speed.
Python-based web framework has begun to dominate the current market and is gaining control over Django and Flask. However, Laravel is still the winner in the competition and will stay on the top for many years. If you want to explore more details related to the framework, then you have the opportunity now, explore blogs, and other things on the web right away.
Brijesh Vadukiya
Brijesh is the tech activist, blogger, and internet marketing officer of Elluminati Inc for more than three years. My major concern is to educate people who are interested in technology. I am passionate about helping people in all aspects of SaaS solutions, online delivery business, digital marketing and other related topics that make tomorrow’s world better. I am fond of writing useful and informative content that helps brands to grow business. |