Node.js is an event-driven I/O infrastructure for the JavaScript engine V8 used at UNIX-like platforms. This is a programming environment that enables building heavy-weight complicated applications by means of a lightweight elegant engine. Node.js is an open-source cross-platform tool that allows developers to create both web applications and server ones on the go using JavaScript alone irrespective of operating systems. One of the main capabilities of Node.js is to support and control one or another type of framework.
Frameworks belong to the development tools that help programmers scale up their projects while the development process becomes simpler and faster. Thanks to frameworks a lot of repeating operations can be automated. Node.js web frameworks offer well-stocked libraries with frequently used elements to make programming procedures fewer. Read why Rect developers need Node.js. Once Node.js was a very convenient programming environment a lot of frameworks have been appearing in it since day one. The choice between them depends on your priorities. But in general Node.js frameworks have the following advantages:
- Low learning threshold;
- Significant potential for scaling up;
- A high degree of compatibility;
- Easily shareable components.
To provide you with a brief Node.js framework comparison we are giving some basic info about the most popular frameworks for today.
1. Express.js
Express.js is a lightweight minimalistic web framework that offers a wide range of HTTP utilities for the creation of all types of applications. It simplifies website development very much. Since Express.js provides excellent performance in real-time, many developers use it as a tool for live chats and streaming apps. Among the other Node.js web frameworks Express.js is known as the one having its own way of evolution. Instead of being based on Rails, this framework traces its ancestry to another Ruby framework Sinatra.
The Node.js community has created a huge number of modules access to which is provided by Express.js. It is especially appropriate for customer support services to be created for any kind of website. Thus, with the help of Express.js efficient channels for communication with customers can be easily developed. Besides, simple integration with databases is possible for Express. This tool is rightfully considered one of the most popular Node.js web frameworks. This is attested by more than 51K stars at GitHub.
2. Meteor.js
When it comes to mobile apps Meteor.js appears as a well-balanced platform for JavaScript development. Besides, real-time web apps can be created with Meteor as well. This is an MVC (Model-View-Controller) open-source framework that enables you to use the same code for both back-end and front-end types of development. Data instead of HTML code migrates between the server and the client. Meteor.js is a cross-platform tool that makes any hypothetical Meteor-vs-Express competition meaningless in such an aspect.
The large Meteor.js community has arranged a well-structured data exchange within the framework enabling numerous developers to find and control their documents with ease. Meteor.js facilitates the development process since users receive updates in a real-time mode. This framework occupies respectable second place on GitHub with more than 42K stars from the users.
3. Socket.io
Socket.io is a JavaScript library for real-time web apps that consists of two parts: a client library that is run in a browser and a server library for Node.js. Socket.io provides two-way communication between the servers and the clients in real-time. Users perceive real-time applications as the ones running at the present moment. Messengers, push notifications, collaborative applications, and online games all belong to this category.
The socket technology is widely applicable to the development under various Node.js web frameworks. Socket.io is very popular among such digital giants as, for example, Microsoft, Yahoo, Trello, Zendesk, etc. Being really powerful as such this framework is dependent on NPM (Node Package Manager). But the users can get supported easily since the community of Socket.io is large. GitHub users appreciate Socket.io very much by marking it with more than 51K stars.
4. Koa.js
Koa.js is a light-weight environment that is focused on API and web applications. The Koa creators conceived this framework as a next-gen futuristic tool that should be faster than Express.io. Module methods are widely used with Koa.js. But the main advantage of this framework is the ability to “forgive mistakes”. In other words, developers can find and fix bugs right within the coding process.
Some users consider Koa.js one of the toughest tools for learning. But in spite of that, they claim the framework is worth your time and effort. Numerous adjustment options add popularity to Koa.js. as well. More than 30K stars on GitHub put Koa.js in the Top 5 of Node.js web frameworks.
5. NestJS
NestJS framework is created for the development of server-side applications mostly. It provides an opportunity to enter the world of cutting-edge approaches such as DDD, Event sourcing, and microservice architecture. All available components are packed in an easily graspable manner. That’s why each developer can choose whether to use the entire platform or just some particular components. Even though NestJS is written in TypeScipt completely this framework supports JavaScript as well. It has everything necessary for efficient enterprise-grade back-end development. Besides, it provides simple testing. In popularity among GitHub users, NestJS stays behind only two Node.js web frameworks (Express and Meteor) with more than 32K stars.
6. Sails.js
Sails.js is appropriate for the creation of various real-time applications. This framework can connect different databases via ORM. Developers find Sails.js very convenient since numerous ready-to-use templates filled up with code are available in it. This tool helps you save time through automation of your routine. iOS, Android, React as well as many other popular technologies are compatible with Sails.js.
The framework meets the requirements for up-to-date applications such as interfaces with the scalable service-centric architecture. Chats, real-time dashboards, and multiplayer games can be created with Sails.js. GitHub users rate this Node.js web framework with more than 23K stars.
7. Hapi.js
The simple and secure Hapi.js framework has quite a self-explanatory motto on the official website: your code, your way. Numerous available plugins and tools for efficient collaboration of developers facilitate teamwork under Hapi.js. The rich out-of-the-box functionality is, probably, what this platform is famous for among the other Node.js web frameworks.
Developers can use and re-use various elements while the general teamwork performance remains stable. Such a web giant as Yahoo uses this framework for a proper service operation. About 13K stars on GitHub confirm the popularity of Hapi.js among developers.
Conclusion
We have made the above Node.js framework comparison for a couple of reasons. On the one hand, Node.js web frameworks constitute a compulsory time-saving toolkit that should be possessed by any self-respecting development company. Like any other advanced technology, Node.js frameworks enhance the market competitiveness of the developers. This is crucial in the present software-driven era. Besides, both the open-source ever-evolving nature and large contributor communities prevent the frameworks from getting obsolete.
On the other hand, any framework is always about efficiency. The given Node.js web frameworks make the development process cost-effective. While ordering application development potential customers should be aware of what can make their products’ deployment faster and cheaper. Contact us today to determine which Node.js framework from our development arsenal can fit your project best.
