A web development framework or web application framework is a software framework, which has been designed to development of web applications that include different web services, web resources, and web APIs.
Web development frameworks provide an easy way to build web applications on the overall web. Frameworks are technically made to support the construction of internet applications that are either based on a single programming language, from general-purpose tools to native-language programs.
The two major categories are further differentiated into subcategories according to different kinds of front and back end frameworks. We will be here discussing the 20 best web development frameworks listed below and how they work.
The various backend web development frameworks are:
• NodeJS
• ExpressJS
• Flask
• Django
•Rails
• Laravel
• Spring
• Gatsby
• Nuxt.js
• Koa
• Next
Starting with number one, we have NodeJS:
NodeJs (microservice) is an open-source back-end platform that is built on JavaScript. It helps build fast and expandable network applications. Node.js is lightweight and efficient for intense data and real-time applications that are operated vastly across distributed devices.
It is used for non-blocking I/O calls and event-driven servers. Its non-blocking feature speeds up the code run time, which accounts for an asset. It also has a good ability in caching data. On a concluding note, Node.js is easy to learn and operate as it is based on JavaScript.
Moving on to number two, we have ExpressJS:
ExpressJS is a back end web application framework that is written in JavaScript and is hosted within node.js. It is free and open-source software that is designed for building web applications and APIs.
It uses less overhead in the core framework and is comparably fast because of its minimal footprint. It’s very easy to create a web server with just a few code lines, and it also helps you build a server quickly. It is certainly easier to learn because it is also based on JavaScript.
On number three, we have Flask:
Flask is a back-end web framework that is written in Python. It has been classified as a micro framework because it has zero dependencies on external libraries. It provides us with the tools and features that help us in building a web application.
The applications may be in the form of web pages or blogs. One of its major drawbacks is that it is unsuitable for big applications, and migrations can be complex.
Moving on to number four, we have Django:
Django is an open-source web framework. Django is a high-level platform based on Python that allows you to design a quality web application quickly. It is suitable for both sides, i.e. frontend (client) and back-end (server).
The cons of using Django is that it is very rigid, and it is not that straightforward to learn, as it is pretty complicated, especially for beginners. The user must have a strong base of Python to work with Django smoothly.
Moving ahead to number five, we’ve got Rails:
Ruby on Rails, or simply Rails, is a free open source web framework created to make web applications.
To install Ruby on one’s system, the system should already have the following Ruby, SQLite3, Node.js and Yarn to avoid any future troubles.
Rails have been designed with generators (script numbers) which makes the app development more straightforward. Rails is a bit more in demand as it eases the repetitive section making the user speed up. Ruby on Rails is a lot easier to learn hence suitable for beginners.
On number six, we have Laravel:
Laravel is a server-side (back-end) free open source web development PHP framework. It is user friendly as it simplifies the complicated tasks involved in web development like routing and caching.
The drawback of using Laravel is that it has a layered structure that slows down the whole process. But learning and working in Laravel is all worth the process because the work will be modest.
To work smoothly with Laravel, the user must be comfortable in working with PHP. Amongst all the PHP frameworks, Laravel is the easiest to work with and to learn.
Moving on, we have Spring on number seven:
Spring is an open-source framework that works uniquely for Java applications. It helps to compile various components in one frame.
It is a lightweight application, but it can support heavy programming and regard as powerful software.
The working of Spring is a bit more essential as compared to other back-end frameworks. But on the healthier side, it is easy to learn and supports Java-based applications.
Next on number eight, we have Gatsby:
Gatsby is an open-source backend development framework. It works by combining updated technologies ReactJs, GraphQL, JavaScript and many more.
It is comparatively easy to learn as it is primarily based on JavaScript. Gatsby is uniquely identified for its feature of SEO, and it easily ranks your website.
Moving further to number nine, we have Nuxt:
Nuxt is a free open source web development framework that works together with the client-side framework Vue.js. It efficiently manages complex data and gives developers a smooth experience. There is a wide variety in the modules section.
The drawback of using next is that it is not designed for heavy processing, and giving it a load can shut off the processing.
Next on number ten, we have Koa:
Koa is a back-end framework and has a highly expressive and animated user interface. The generator working adds up to a lot of advantages like cleaning up the trash in the codes.
This framework is lightweight, but it is not built to handle heavy traffic and programming, unlike others. The developer community is also limited hence adding to the tensed scenario.
Last but not the least on the list we have is NextJS:
NextJS is also one of the React frameworks built-in JavaScript. It is also amongst one of the best back-end frameworks.
It is provided with inbuilt CSS support hence easing the import of files from JS. It is amongst the first preferences of developers. Though it is easy-to-use and learning, development and management can be a headache task for beginners.
Now starting with the second category of frontend web development frameworks:
Client-side frameworks are listed below:
• Alpine.js
• Angular
• VueJS
• Ember
• Backbone
• React
• Svelte
• Preact
• LitElement
Starting with number one on the list, we have AlpineJS:
AlpineJS is a minimal (footprint) rugged framework that is used in composing JavaScript for HTML. All the JavaScript inline can be written in HTML hence making it easier to write Codes.
It is more suitable to use Alpine.JS in small projects where only one or two components are added, like functionality. With Alpine, it is effortless to interact with any template.
Its management is also helpful and straightforward for beginners.
Number two on the list, we have Angular:
Angular is a google supported front end framework. It is amongst one of the best frameworks that support web development.
Angular makes it simple to write code and modify them. As it is Google supported, the updates are up to date, dependable and secure.
The drawback of using Angular is that it can be very complicated for beginners as it introduces its own rules, which can complicate the whole process.
On number three, we have VueJS:
VueJS is a JavaScript-based programming framework. It is typically used for designing websites and various apps.
VueJS is highly lightweight, weighing about 27KB and can handle heavy processing. In terms of complexity, it is effortless to use as it is based on Java hence beginners friendly.
Number four on the list we have Ember:
Ember is an open-source development framework. Just like VueJS, it is also based on JavaScript. It is also counted amongst the best frontend frameworks because of its smooth working and stable data management.
It usually collaborates with similar data and works on it. Talking of its drawbacks, it can get complicated while working on heavy applications or large projects.
Moving on to number five we have on the list is BackboneJS:
BackboneJS is a frontend web development framework. It is based on JavaScript and is very lightweight. It is now less used among developers, but it has got a strong and powerful functioning.
After the launch of Angular, Backbone.js has lost its importance. Nevertheless, the backbone is a framework of moderate complexity and difficulty. It is neither too tough nor too handy to learn.
On number six, we have React:
React is a free open source front end JavaScript-based library framework. It is used to develop various websites/pages and mobile applications and create advanced user interfaces or UIs. It stands unique for virtual DOM features.
It is very simple to use in terms of complexity and flexibility. It is very heavily used among developers.
Further, on number seven, we have Svelte:
Svelte is an open-source and free front end framework. It is based on JavaScript and is primarily used to work for web applications and make their working faster. It is often less used among developers and programmers.
Talking of cons, Svelte is unsuitable for large projects or organizations as heavy programming makes things complex.
On number eight, we have Preact:
Preact is a JavaScript-based framework. It is very lightweight and is capable of handling large processing. Being just 3KB, it doesn’t require much space hence suitable for professionals.
Preact has a comparatively faster DOM library, thus making reusable components beneficial. Its major drawback is that it has a limited developer community that can waste a lot of time when facing an issue.
Last but not least, on number nine, we have LitElement:
The LitElement web framework is built on easy, faster and lightweight processing. It is a part of the lit library and uses HTML as the core language, also ranks one among the best frameworks for development.
The LitElement framework comes with built-in web development components, which help developers quickly design and is suitable for large organizations.
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