The Best Computer Frameworks

Web frameworks help streamline the website development process. Read our guide to learn which of the most popular web frameworks would best fit your needs.
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  • Web frameworks help streamline the website development process.
  • Frameworks provide developers with pre-built app foundations and sections.
  • Web frameworks reduce development time, help structure coding, and improve collaborations.
  • Developers can use frameworks in many coding languages for different kinds of projects.

According to a SlashData 2019 report, by 2030, there could be as many as 45 million developers working worldwide.

FirstSiteGuide reports that since the first websites went live in 1991, more than 1.98 billion sites have been created, many of them using web frameworks.

Web frameworks streamline the website coding process by providing templates for common website features. In this guide, we look at what frameworks can accomplish and why they can be helpful for web developers. We then discuss the 11 most popular web frameworks.

What Is a Web Framework?

Web frameworks are pre-built sections of code that allowcomputer programmersto insert some of the most common components in website and application development quickly. These frameworks may cover:

  • Functions
  • Forms
  • Menus
  • Security

This frees up time for developers to make their creations unique.

While frameworks may take away some of the personalization of development, they allow developers to insert a foundation on which to build and then customize where it matters most. Frameworks can help manage back-end elements like web server communication, mail, authentication, and passwords. Or they may focus on front-end presentation and user interface.

Why Is a Web Framework Needed?

  • Check Circle
    Saves time by taking care of rudimentary tasks and functions
  • Check Circle
    Helps create a direction for developers to follow and stay organized
  • Check Circle
    Standardizes the code format and the approach, allowing multiple people to work from the same foundation

Web Development Bootcamps for You

How Do Front-End vs. Back-End Frameworks Compare?

Front-End vs. Back-End Frameworks
Back-End Frameworks Front-End Frameworks
This is sometimes also referred to as server-side frameworks. This is sometimes also referred to as client-side frameworks.
These frameworks improve and speed up processes in back-end programming tasks. These frameworks improve and speed up processes in front-end programming tasks.
Common languages used include JavaScript (with node.js), Python, PHP, .NET, and Ruby. Common languages used include HTML, CSS, JQuery, and JavaScript (and many extensions based on JavaScript itself).
Common frameworks include AppMaster, Ruby on Rails, Express.js, Flask, Laravel, ASP.NET Core, Spring, Django, and many others. Common frameworks include Solid, BootStrap, React, Ember, Vue.js, Svelte, and Angular.
Used in database management, URL routing, security, site architecture design, server-side business logic implementation, and server handling. Used in UX/UI design, SEO optimization, and performance and scalability enhancement.

Primary benefits include scalability, security, integrations, user authorization, privacy, and database manipulation.

They allow replicable architecture and separation of concern.

Used to provide snippets of pre-written code, templates, and integrable elements, and to better manage user interaction. Provides pre-built site components for elements such as buttons, navigation bars, and panels.

11 Most Popular Web Frameworks

Every year, new frameworks are introduced, and current frameworks fall out of favor. The best option depends on the developer or designer and their particular project needs. The following list examines some of the most popular web frameworks.

Front-End Web Frameworks

Angular

A front-end web framework that specializes in single-page applications, Angular uses HTML and TypeScript. The code's readability also allows for easier, faster testing and code review.

Angular is an open-source web framework. Since Google developed Angular, users have confidence that they will get long-term support and future versions.


jQuery

jQuery helps developers use JavaScript and document object model (DOM) manipulations more easily. The open-source and tested library reduces the amount of code writing needed to manage animations, APIs, and event handling across browsers. This framework can reduce complex operations and functions into single lines of code for leaner and more lightweight development.

jQuery can also help enhance a site's search engine optimization and interactivity. You can incorporate jQuery into websites and applications that use older code to improve and maintain various components without redoing the entire application.


React

React is an open-source front-end web framework that excels in creating mobile and single-page applications. The extensive user interface library features a reliable support system and comprehensive resources, along with a huge component library. Developers can also access powerful third-party developer tools and plugins.

React allows developers to save time in various ways, including using reusable code and virtual DOM. This system tests proposed changes and determines the most effective way to apply them ahead of time, getting rid of possible mistakes and performance downgrades.


Ruby on Rails

Known for its back-end capabilities, Ruby on Rails is an open-source full-stack framework that works well for both startups and large companies. By providing access to a huge variety of plugins and third-party libraries, Ruby on Rails can greatly reduce development time.

Web developers can benefit from an active Ruby on Rails community that collaborates to debug and patch issues. The community also identifies performance problems and code inefficiencies.

Ruby on Rails enables easy modifications and scalability, which makes it a good choice for long-term projects. It also features default security settings to help you secure your web application.


Vue.js

A popular front-end web framework, Vue.js shines because of its compact size and fast download and loading times. Great for new programmers, this framework works with common editors and browser plugins and requires only a working knowledge of some primary programming languages.

Vue.js offers access to a comprehensive resource library and integrates with other frameworks and JavaScript applications. This flexible framework allows developers to use HTML templates, CSS, and JSX. This framework also stores code efficiently through single-file components and reduces code writing times.

Back-End Web Frameworks

ASP.NET Core

Developed by Microsoft, ASP.NET Core accommodates many programming languages and can help developers produce various applications. The framework features cross-platform compatibility, allowing collaborating developers to use different operating systems for the same project.

Using ASP.NET Core can lead to far less code writing since forms, submission, and authentication are covered in the framework. This can keep the development cleaner, more manageable, and more secure in the long run.


Django

Django is an open-source back-end web framework for use with Python. Since Django has been built with Python—a good beginner programming language—new and experienced web developers alike can pick up this framework quickly.

Django contains everything that most developers need to create their applications, including security, which it performs automatically. Django can run on different platforms and accommodate the addition of many components without interference.


Express

A minimal back-end framework for the Node.js runtime environment, Express uses shorter lines of code to make for simpler development. Express is open-source and uses JavaScript. Express can create APIs and single- and multi-page applications in a straightforward and organized way.

Express's development tools are intuitive and easy to use for newer or inexperienced developers. While developers can customize their applications, the framework includes many pre-built functions and engine templates for faster use.


Laravel

Laravel is a PHP framework that allows for rapid application development on projects of all sizes and types. This framework helps developers create more manageable and simpler code structures without losing functionality.

The framework offers powerful app testing and customization features and can reduce time spent fixing coding errors. Laravel also comes with built-in security that includes password storage and encryption.


Node.js

Node.js is an open-source server environment that uses JavaScript to create dynamic page content on various platforms. Ideal for multi-user communication apps, such as social media, multiplayer games, and chat apps, this framework can manage many connections at once.

Node.js allows for two-way communication and offers push capabilities. With an easier learning curve than other frameworks, developers can spend less time on development overall.


Spring

An open-source framework using Java, Spring is highly scalable and excels in enterprise application development.

Spring's modular approach separates an application's different functions into self-contained and more manageable pieces. For bigger challenges, Spring can integrate with other frameworks to improve problem-solving abilities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Web Frameworks

What is the best framework for back-end development?

The best framework depends on the user, but many developers choose Django as a powerful, easy-to-use back-end framework. Django features diverse and accessible libraries and offers great components, such as authentication and analytics. Django uses Python, a powerful, popular, and easy-to-read programming language.

What is the best full-stack web framework?

Many frameworks allow developers to integrate other frameworks to simulate a full-stack experience, but Ruby on Rails offers a complete full-stack framework. The framework's main strength is its rapid progress from design to development. Users can manage the database, front end, back end, and administration through this one framework.

What is the best web framework for mobile app development?

Mobile app developers can choose from several frameworks, but React is a powerful solution. The accessible and vast user interface libraries and simpler coding requirements can save time. And the cross-platform compatibility, quicker load times, and responsiveness ensure that end users will be happy with the final product.


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