No matter what type of business you are running, it is always in your best interest to have a website. In today’s world where people google everything and spend most of their time on their phones, businesses need to grab their attention on a web platform.
A website or a web application serves just that purpose and hence is essential for anyone looking to expand or even build their business.
However, making a website or a web application isn’t a piece of cake. Although, the process will become easier with the right web development frameworks and choosing the best web app development agency. So, here are the Top 10 Web Development Frameworks in 2024 for you to choose from.
Before dwelling on the best frameworks, let us have a close look into what a web development framework actually is.
What is a Web Development Framework?
A web development framework is essentially a software platform for developing websites and web applications. These frameworks offer a variety of tools to develop a working website. You can make use of code snippets, utility programs, scripting language, pre-written components, and templates on a framework. They are mostly used in the development of web services and web application programming interfaces.
Web development frameworks can be divided into two groups based on their functionalities. The first one is the client-side that aids the developer to build components of the user interface. The second is the server-side framework which works in the background ensuring that the website runs without a glitch.
There are various advantages that a web development framework. Some of them are:
- It speeds up the process of development and makes it a lot easier.
- Aids in increasing the traffic by ensuring a higher and faster loading capacity.
- Allows you to focus on the front end by taking care of backend processes.
- Created by thousands of developers, it helps in avoiding bugs and creates a stable and reliable platform.
Now that you know what a web development framework is and why you need it, let us dive straight into the Top 10 Web Development Frameworks of 2021.
1. Express
At the top of the list is the most trending framework in the market. Its popularity is a result of its clean and swift interface. Express offers a lot of flexibility and even supports full applications. The USP of the framework is that it gives users core framework functionalities without interfering with the functions of Node.
Many popular companies like Uber, Accenture, and IBM make use of the Express framework which can be credited to its compatibility with other frameworks. However, the platform might not be too beginner-friendly as not everything on the platform is clearly defined.
2. Ruby on Rails
Ruby on Rails, which is popularly known as RoR and Rails, is an old player in the market. Invented almost 15 years ago, it has still managed to remain one of the most trustworthy frameworks. It is an open-source backend web application framework that is based on MVC architectural pattern.
It is written in the Ruby programming language, hence the name is borrowed from it. It is a beginner-friendly framework and even has a Rails community to help the user throughout the process of web development.
3. Laravel
Laravel is one of the newest players on this list. It uses the widely popular language PHP and is a Model View Controller framework. It might not match up to the others in terms of performance but is certainly an excellent platform for beginners.
Laravel has a large number of packages and is backed by API support. On Laracast you will find a large number of tutorial videos in Laravel, PHP, and technologies used in the Laravel Ecosystem.
4. Django
If you like to name drop, you will certainly love the web giants which use Django. Used by major players like Youtube, Spotify, Pinterest, Instagram, Google, and other best Django sites. Django is a Model-View-Template framework.
The framework makes use of Python language and comes with a lot of features. Some popular functionalities include messaging and authentication. It is a highly secure, fast, and versatile framework and is best for the challenging times of today. It follows the DRY pattern as well as Convention Over Configuration pattern.
5. Angular
Previously known as AngularJS, Angular 2+ or simply Angular, is an excellent platform to develop native desktop development and native mobile. It is written or rather rewritten in TypeScript by the Google team and is a frontend open-source framework.
Angular has proved to be a stable, reliable, and high-performing framework. The only disadvantage is the large size of Angular which can affect the speed of the web app. The problem however won’t stay long as the team has been working continuously to reduce the size of the framework.
6. Spring
Another open-source backend framework on the list of the Top 10 Web Development Frameworks in 2021 is Spring. Contrary to Angular, it is a rather lightweight framework and uses Java.
It is considered excellent in terms of size as well as functionality and is very popular due to the use of Java. Websites like Wix and TicketMaster make use of this Web Development Framework.
7. Vue.js
Vue.js is a framework that is gaining more and more popularity every second. The progressive framework is currently the most widely known JavaScript framework. Many amazing features differentiate Vue from other frameworks. A feature worth mentioning is that it lets you adopt any existing project for one portion and it’ll work like a charm.
Vue takes pride in its adaptable architecture (MVVM pattern) and increased flexibility. However, the framework is not supported by big firms like Facebook, but that might change with time.
8. Ember
With a large community to support new users, Ember is as welcoming as it is functional. The framework is famous for constantly updating its features and adding new ones regularly. It was once voted the best Javascript framework and is often used by big firms like Netflix and Microsoft.
The main aim of Ember is to adapt to the developer’s requirements ensuring a high functionality by avoiding any wastage of time in unnecessary activities. It is not only good for websites but aids in developing web solutions for desktop and mobile apps.
9. jQuery
Another framework on the list of the Top 10 Web Development Frameworks in 2021 is jQuery. It is a simple, easy-to-use framework that can feature cross-browser compatibility. A major USP of the framework is its ability to create stunning animations and effects with no additional knowledge or skills.
jQuery is a lightweight framework that provides the developer to select his/her features or tools and work accordingly. It also facilitates the interaction with DOM elements on web pages.
10. Backbone
A framework that not only follows the MV pattern but also implements the MVC design. Backbone, unlike what its name suggests, is a front-end framework that is extremely lightweight. It is considered an excellent framework to create applications, especially Single-Page applications.
Using the Underscore library, you will be exposed to a rather colourful environment that lets you develop client-side applications when added to Marionette and Mustache.
So, these were the Top 10 Web Development Frameworks in 2021 from which you can choose one or more to create your website or app. Before committing to any of the above-mentioned frameworks, carefully analyse your requirements and skills.
As, it might be tempting to use the popular ones, but they’ll only be worth it if they work for you. If you are a beginner, start with tutorial videos to get a better hang of the framework you selected. Now, go and make the next big thing and thank us when you are successful.