JavaScript frameworks help developers save time and improve productivity during application development. There are a variety of JavaScript application development frameworks for the developers to choose from. Some have existed for years, while some have gained popularity quite recently. Nevertheless, selecting the right framework for your needs is always a challenge.
There is no perfect framework that suits all. This is mainly because these frameworks are designed for a variety of development needs. So, it becomes essential that the developer tests the different options available and identifies the one matching his needs. But, this process is very time-consuming. Thus, a glimpse of the features can help the developers decide the JavaScript framework to use for their next project.
Here is a comparison of the best JavaScript frameworks used by the top JavaScript development companies!
1. React
React needs no introduction! Maintained by Facebook, this extremely popular JavaScript framework gives developers a variety of features that aid in hassle-free application development.
To start with, React has a component-based approach that facilitates clean coding. It also offers the developer the flexibility of writing custom components.
React also allows declarativity, backward compatibility, flexibility, minimalism, etc. It is perfect for cross-platform application development.
Additionally, React is easy to learn, and so, it is convenient for the developers to get accustomed to it. The speed, flexibility, performance, and usability make React the chosen framework of 2020.
Last but not least, React has a vast community to support the developers. What more to say when even popular brands such as BBC, PayPal, and Netflix are using React.
2. Angular
Angular, supported by Google, is an open-source JavaScript framework used for developing dynamic web apps. It is believed to be one of the best JS frameworks for enterprise-level projects. It is not just a JavaScript library; it is a comprehensive framework.
Angular follows MVC architecture. The component-based code is very readable and maintainable. And this modular approach helps developers manage complex projects efficiently without losing track of the project. The component-based architecture of Angular also helps developers in high-quality coding.
The code-reusability in Angular empowers the developers to save time on repetitive codes so that the developer can focus on the complex areas of the application development.
Angular permits two-way data-binding; the developers dont have to worry about synchronization of the components of the application when the data is updated. But, some developers require more control over the code, and for them, Angular also supports one-way data-binding.
Angular is largely used for frontend development. The high level of security and faster load time make Angular a perfect choice for single-page, responsive applications. However, it is very suitable for complex, large scale projects as well.
Angular also has built-in, real-time test modules. And, it also allows easy third-party integrations, so you can continue to add your preferred modules with ease.
Angular has a vast community you can rely upon when you need help. And, Google has assured long-term support for Angular. What more do you want!
3. Webix
This JavaScript UI framework library was developed in 2013 by XB Software company for their internal use at first. The library is not well-known yet, though it has huge potential.
The product includes a set of more than 100 UI controls and additional complex widgets. The latter are 11 fully functional reactive applications with elaborate logic and a back-end layer. Widgets can facilitate the development of applications in various fields, as they can be used for interactive reports, complex calculations, advanced data filtering and workflow control. A collection of templates and ready-made complex widgets significantly simplifies and speeds up the development of the UI layer of any web application.
The library provides a Skin Builder tool and 5 ready-to-use skins which ensure the creation of responsive UX design. The Visual designer serves for business analysis needs and enables quick UI prototyping. Webix Jet is a free opensource microframework for creating single-page applications that work with large volumes of data. Webix easily integrates with other JS frameworks such as Angular, React, Vue.js, and Meteor.
Besides, the library has earned the love of developers thanks to its elegant object-oriented code and detailed documentation. Well-designed and functional Webix widgets form the competitive advantage that ensures the prosperity of such small products, despite the total dominance of older frameworks.
4. Ember
Ember, a JavaScript framework, is based on the MVVM (Model-View-View-Model) architecture. It helps developers build high-quality, single-page, scalable applications.
The most prominent features of Ember include data-binding, code-reuse using components, ease of testing, and templating. All of these help the developers save development time and effort. Owing to the architecture of Ember, the code is also very easy to maintain.
5. Svelte
Svelte is a new entrant in the list of the top JavaScript frameworks. Svelte entered an already competitive market of frameworks with the advantage of writing less code. So, it has huge potential ahead.
Unlike React and Vue, Svelte doesnt use a virtual DOM. This is because Svelte compiles the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript into vanilla JavaScript at build time. In other words, instead of interpreting the application code at runtime, the Svelte framework converts the app into JavaScript at build time. This feature makes Svelte very high performing.
Apart from building an independent app, you can also use Svelte with another framework for building a part of an app. And, with very few dependencies, Svelte is just perfect for small and less-complex application development.
6. Meteor
Meteor is a full-stack JavaScript framework. It supports MVC architecture that helps developers build clean code applications.
Meteor can be used for cross-platform application development. And it empowers the developers to build both the frontend and backend with a common language, i.e., JavaScript.
In Meteor, you can add in-built smart packages to build applications with minimal coding. Developers prefer the Meteor framework also for its Blaze templating engine.
Many use Meteor as it is also suitable for application development when there are time and budget limitations in the project. But, anything that has pros can also have some cons! As Meteor is a full-stack framework, it is difficult to integrate it with your existing project.
Meteor has a strong support community that assists you when you are building complex, real-time applications.
7. Vue
Vue, an open-source JavaScript framework, is mainly popular for building user interfaces (UI) and single-page applications.
Vue is very easy to learn for beginner developers who are conversant with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Vue also has concise and well-structured documentation to help you adjust with the framework, particularly in the early stages. But, the developers requiring support from the community find Vue lacking good community support in the English language.
Vue is suitable for large scale apps. It allows two-way data-binding, so the DOM updates with any change in data. With so many interactive elements, Vue is also perfect for building high-quality, interactive prototypes.
Wrapping Up!
You will find many lists of top JavaScript frameworks on different blogs. This makes it even more confusing for the developers to choose the best JS framework for their project. However, if you are comfortable with a framework, it is not necessary to switch over to another framework, no matter how many options are available.
But, if your framework is not meeting your requirements, do explore the features and choose one.
About Author – Jin Markov is a Content Writer with GoodFirms, a research firm in the USA. He loves learning about the trends in application development while sipping his favorite cup of coffee.