When it comes to choosing the best web app framework for your next project, there are many factors to consider. But one of the most important is how easy the framework is to learn and use. After all, you don’t want to spend months or even years trying to figure out how everything works!
So which web app framework is the easiest to learn? We’ve compiled a list of our best web app framework options below.
Best Web App Framework
A web framework is a platform for building applications.
Frameworks offer a range of pre-built code, snippets, and entire applications.
Frameworks can be used to develop websites, web applications, and application programming interfaces (API).
But why are frameworks necessary?
- They drive traffic.
- They make it easier to develop and maintain apps.
- They provide standardized coding practices and conventions for code structures.
- They systemize the programming process to avoid errors and bugs.
- They take care of all the background details like data binding and configuration so you can focus entirely on your app.
There are two main types of web development frameworks: client-side and server-side.
While client-side frameworks deal with how the website looks, server-side ones ensure its functionality.
Websites have become a key part of doing business in today’s world. They provide businesses with a way to create a prominent online presence that can attract new users. The right web framework can help you develop sophisticated and user-friendly web applications and websites.
There are many different web frameworks available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. To make it easy for you to choose the right web framework for your project, we have compiled a list of some of the most popular web frameworks.
In this blog post, we will be taking a look at the most in-demand web development frameworks in 2022 such as Ruby on Rails, Django, and Meteor.
Before we dive into their features, let’s talk about what a framework is and the difference between a front-end and a back-end one.
With the rise of web application standards, it is illogical to waste time recreating such simple, yet effective, methods. Web developers also have to stay current on trends related to the most popular web framework.
Classification of Framework Architectures
A framework’s architecture defines the relationships between its various components, as well as how those components interact with one another. This determines how an application built on the framework will function. It is important to use a well-understood architecture to avoid potential issues down the line.
Model-View-Controller. Many frameworks for web apps work on Model View Controller (MVC) models. To split data models with business standards from the UI, MVC architecture is preferred. It is a good practice as it usually fosters code reuse, modularized code, and permits various interfaces.
Model-View-View. Model (MVVM) Frameworks, such as KnockoutJS and VueJS use the Model-View-ViewModel or the Model-View-Binder architecture model. In this architecture, the view layer acts as a controller and converts the data objects from the Model layer into manageable components. Since the View layer handles all the user requests directly, the data binding is much more straightforward.
Push-Based vs. Pull-Based. Generally, MVC frameworks observe a push-based architecture, also known as ‘action-based.’ They adopt actions that do the necessary processing and then accordingly ‘push’ the data to a view layer to furnish the outcome. Some examples of frameworks are Spring MVC, Ruby on Rails, Sails.js, Django, and CodeIgniter. Another option to this architecture is ‘pull-based,’ also termed ‘component-based.’ This is a kind of framework that starts with the view layer, which in turn can ‘pull’ outcomes from diverse controllers as required. Some examples of pull-based architectures are JBoss, Tapestry, Lift, Wicket, Micro, and JavaServer Faces. Struts, ZK, Play, and RIFE use both push-based and pull-based application controller calls.
Three-Tier Organization. The three-tier organization applications are well-regulated in three physical tiers: application, database, and client-side. This database is usually a relational database. The application possesses business logic that runs on a server and corresponds with the client utilizing HTTP. The client uses a web browser that runs the HTML code developed by the application layer.
Benefits of Web Development Frameworks
Why do most web developers use frameworks? Because they make creating and supporting websites easier.
Below is a list of the benefits of using a web framework.
Financial Benefits
From the perspective of business, frameworks for website development are more time and cost-effective than custom development.
- Speedy development. Pre-made frameworks can save coders a lot of time when starting a new project. Instead of writing code from scratch, they can simply modify a framework’s template. This allows them to focus on creating specific parts of the program, which can improve the overall quality.
- Reliability and security. Pre-built solutions have been created by a large community of developers and are continuously being improved. This saves you a lot of time and means you avoid the many bugs and errors that frequently occur with bespoke software.
Technical Benefits
- Reduced errors. Frameworks allow you to implement quality code into your projects. This is possible because the community helps ensure the components are up to standards. Additionally, following their methodology allows you to follow best engineering practices and avoid common pitfalls.
- Simplified maintenance. Applications developed using frameworks are much more easily maintained and modified. Any programmer can understand how the application is structured, and any change can be made to it.
- Better performance. The framework-based approach allows developers to build faster, more functional websites. This is especially crucial for e-commerce sites, which need to be able to handle high volumes of traffic.
Large projects often have complex architectures and dependencies, so using frameworks is especially helpful for these types of tasks. There are only two situations that warrant the use of natively supported programming:
- The project does not require complex development
- The project requires intensive low-level optimization
In all other cases, framework-based development saves time and results in higher quality.
Top 10 Most Popular Web Frameworks
A framework for building and maintaining a website has become increasingly necessary. With several options available, it’s tough to decide which one to use.
Here we have listed some of the best libraries, along with some of their features, that are used today to make the development process easier.
Ruby on Rails
Developed by David Heinemeier Hansson and first released in 2005, Ruby on Rail (RoR) is a web framework for building web applications. It is ten times faster than other frameworks.
It is the best back-end framework as it includes everything you need to create a data-driven web application.
Ruby on Rails has been used by many popular websites and apps such as GitHub, Airbnb, Groupon, Shopify, and Hulu.
Laravel
The beauty of using PHP is its simplicity. The creator of this language, Taylor Otwell, created it back in 2011.
Laravel is a framework that is similar to many other modern web development platforms. It’s built on an MVC architecture, and it uses the popular programming language, PHP.
Laravel is a great choice for those looking for an API-supporting PHP framework with a good number of packages to expand its reach. If you’re looking for helpful tutorials on Laravel, PHP, and frontend technologies in the Laravel ecosystem, Laracasts is an excellent website to check out.
There are a lot of great frameworks out there, but one of the best is Laravel. It’s used for websites such as Neighbourhood, Travel, Deltanet, and Lender.
Django
One of the more reliable back-end web-development frameworks is Django. It’s known for using ‘convention over configuration,’ as well as the DRY design principle.
Django is a reliable backend web development framework that provides developers with tools and techniques for building secure websites. The security features in the Django framework are some of the best in the industry, making it an ideal choice for web development projects.
Django is the perfect framework for developers who are working with fast-moving deadlines and challenging requirements. The Django applications are scalable, fast, versatile, and secure. This makes it an ideal choice for large companies like Pinterest, Disqus, YouTube, Spotify, and Instagram.
ASP.NET
ASP.NET Core is a powerful web development framework that helps you create dynamic web applications for PC and mobile devices. Microsoft invented it to let programmers build vibrant websites, applications, and services.
ASP.NET is well-known for its speed and power. It is a lightweight, high-performance, and open-source platform.
Some well-known companies that use ASP.NET are Taco Bell, Getty Images, and Stack Overflow.
Express
Express is an excellent backend framework for website and mobile development due to its flexibility and customizability for Node js development projects. Its use of Java makes it a popular choice among developers worldwide for its ease of use in building web applications.
Express is a versatile framework that can be used for developing websites and mobile applications. It is based on Java, which is one of the most popular programming languages. This makes it a preferred choice for many developers all over the world.
Furthermore, the Express framework is easy to learn and even easier to implement.
Express is a web development framework that enables developers to create robust and scalable web applications. It is one of the significant components of the mean software bundle. Companies using Express for their projects are MuleSoft, Accenture, Myntra, Uber, and Myspace.
Spring
The Spring framework is a great choice for web developers looking to create simple, flexible, and fast applications.
This back-end architecture, though it does not mandate any strict coding guidelines, has gained traction in the developer community, thanks to the addition of the EJB specification.
The Java EE Platform is the foundation for developing applications, but additional functionality can be added through add-ons.
The creators of Spring primarily use it to create high-performing and resilient apps. Companies like Deleokorea, Intuit, Zalando, MIT, and Zillow all use this framework.
Angular
Angular is an excellent front-end web development framework for developers. Its TypeScript-based, open-source architecture makes it easy to build large, complex web applications.
You can create complex, highly functional web apps using AngularJS.
Angular development teams are experienced in creating responsive frontends and client-side apps with Angular. It is designed for startups, entrepreneurs, enterprises, and NGOs. Some of its clients include Upwork, Lego, PayPal, and Netflix.
Ember
The Ember.js JavaScript framework is based on MVVM architecture. It utilizes general design patterns as well as advanced techniques.
Ember.js is not only considered the best web framework but also supports building mobile and desktop applications. A noteworthy example of an Ember desktop application is Apple Music, which is an attribute of the iTunes desktop app.
Ember is a great web framework for developers who are looking for a constantly expanding community and frequent releases of new features. Companies such as Heroku, Microsoft, Netflix, and Google all utilize Ember regularly.
Meteor
MeteorJS is a great framework for creating real-time web and mobile apps quickly. It supports instant prototyping, which means you can create a working prototype of your app in no time. Plus, it yields cross-platform code, so you can easily deploy your app to iOS, Android, desktops, and browsers.
Meteor’s Galaxy cloud platform makes scaling, deployment, and monitoring exceptionally simple.
According to Builtwith, there are currently 19,913 websites using Meteor. Some of the more popular ones are WishPool, HaggleMate, and Telescope.
Vue
Vue.js is a great choice for building dynamic user interfaces and single-page applications. It’s lightweight and performant, making it a great option for developers who want to create fast, responsive web applications.
Vue is a flexible framework that allows you to integrate multiple third-party solutions, as well as employ both one-way and two-way data binding. This makes it an ideal choice for developing sophisticated web applications.
The Vue.js framework is extremely versatile and can be easily applied to amplify existing applications. Many well-known companies such as Gitlab, Behance, Grammarly, and 9GAG use this framework for their projects.
These different frameworks are each used for different purposes. It’s important to figure out which fits your needs best.
For creating small, light, and easy-to-deploy apps, we recommend looking into the Vue framework. For more complex, interactive, and data-heavy web applications, the React library is a better option.
React Native is a great option for developing highly performative mobile apps.
If you’re building an app for both iOS and Android, then you should consider using a hybrid app framework like Meteor. If you want your development team to be productive and work on tight schedules, then go with Rails.
The Angular framework is a complete solution for building robust applications using JavaScript.
Alternatively, you can use the Django framework to develop complex websites and apps using Python.
Django and Angular’s support for server-side rendering is a major plus. If you’re more comfortable working with Java, then the Spring framework is ideal for developing rich and testable apps.
Using Node.js, we recommend using the express framework for creating APIs for web applications.
If you want to create fast and responsive websites or applications, then you might want to consider using the ASP.Net framework.
On the other hand, if your site or app needs a database, then you might want to use PHP with Laravel.
What Are the Most Used Web Frameworks?
According to Statista, in 2020 the top three most used web frameworks among developers worldwide were jQuery, React, and Angular. The list continues with ASP.NET, Express, ASP.NET Core, and Vue.
What Web Framework Is the Easiest to Learn?
Web frameworks are designed to make web development as painless and streamlined as possible. Some require minimal effort to learn, while others are more complex.
Currently, the easiest-to-understand frameworks are jQuery, Backbone, and Vue.
What Is the Best Front-end Framework?
The most popular front-end framework according to the Developer Survey 2020 is jQuery. React and Angular come in second and third place respectively.
But these are just statistics and there are many, many other front-end frameworks to choose from.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best web app framework to use for your next project, we highly recommend checking out any of the ones on our list. They are all easy to learn and use, so you’ll be up and running in no time!
