Introduction

Any discussion of web development would be incomplete without including JavaScript. Also, these days, it’s nearly hard to have a discussion about JavaScript without also bringing up the topic of Node.js.

The quick rise of Node.js is due to its ability to bridge the gap between client-side scripting and server-side scripting. In response to the growing Node.js craze among developers, new Node.js frameworks are constantly being created.

Nowadays, there are so many frameworks to choose from for developers. This article will cover all of the Top Node.JS frameworks, their features, pros, cons, and use cases, as well as the reasons why you should opt to choose a Node.js development company to help you.

But before that, let’s understand what a NodeJS Framework is.

What are Node.JS Frameworks?

Ryan Dahl embedded Chrome’s V8 engine, which is one of the fastest JavaScript engines available, into C++, and named it Node. We are all aware that every browser has its own JavaScript engine available in them, which helps in translating the JavaScript into machine-readable code. Node.js is supported by the JavaScript runtime environment. This helps explain why JavaScript code performs differently between browsers.

Node.js and its frameworks are designed to make a specific development use case easier to implement.

MVC Framework

As we all know, MVC stands for Model View Controller. It provides library functions that can be included in JavaScript, allowing developers to focus on their core layer while having a range of options available. With the aid of MVC, developers may simply eliminate layers and build a structure for the codebase. As a result, maintaining and scaling the application is simple. Thanks to MVC’s capacity to separate development issues.

Full-Stack MVC Framework

This is where NodeJS shines the brightest, as it acquired popularity as a result of its ability to manage both the front-end and the back-end of a website or application. Full-stack MVC frameworks include scaffolding, template engines, WebSockets, and persistent libraries, enabling the development of real-time, scalable web applications.

A RESTful API (Representational State Transfer) Framework

In web service development, RESTful APIs are a prominent communication architecture style and method. REST technology is generally preferred over other comparable technologies. This is because REST uses less bandwidth, making it more suitable for internet efficiency. And because of that, you are able to create apps faster with the help of the ready-to-use RestAPI.

Best Node.JS Frameworks

Frameworks for Node.js allow software architects to develop applications with better efficiency and simplicity. Top Node.js frameworks include the following, which are the best in the business:

1. Express.JS

Express.js is one of the best, as well as the most popular Node.js framework. Express is a Node.js web application framework that provides a plethora of functionality for developing web and mobile applications. It is used to develop online applications that are single-page, multi-page, or hybrid in nature.

It is a key component of the MEAN stack. It is ideal for developing simple applications that simultaneously process several requests. It provides developers with the freedom to experiment with their own strategies, as it is not built around predetermined components. There is an easy connection with third-party database technologies such as MongoDB, MySQL, Sentry, Datadog, etc. If you are still unsure about how to do it, hire a Node.JS developer.

Npm:- npmjs.com/package/express

Features:

• It includes templating engines, which generate HTML templates on the server and use them to generate dynamic content for web pages.
• With the help of this framework, you are easily able to locate the bug.
• It may configure middleware, enabling developers to respond to HTTP requests.
• We can create both single-page and multi-page web apps using Express.

Pros:

• Easy learning curve.
• Easy route handling.
• Support multi-template engine.
• Flexible and adjustable.

Cons:

• The issue with callbacks.
• Difficult to understand code.

When to use Express.JS?

Express is a Node.js framework that is ideal for any enterprise-level or web-based application due to its sophisticated routing, configuration, security, and debugging techniques, among other features. Express.js only requires JavaScript, which makes it simple for programmers and developers to create online apps and APIs.

2. Socket.io

Socket.io was founded in the year 2010. It was built in order to promote real-time communication through open connections, a rather wonderful idea at the time.

Socket.io enables the communication between a client and a server in both directions. When Socket.io is included in a client’s browser, and the Socket.io package is included in a server’s browser, bidirectional interactions are enabled. It is one of the best Node.JS frameworks and is very popular amongst developers because it provides accurate results and speeds up the process.

Npm:- npmjs.com/package/socket.io

Features:

• It continues to monitor modifications and add features.
• There are similar APIs for both client-side and server-side development.
• The integration of the chat application proves to be the greatest obstacle, but with the help of this tool, developers may simply overcome it.
• Fallback to polling if WebSockets are not supported.

Pros:

• Real-time data analytics.
• No internet dependency.
• Acknowledgment callbacks per event.
• Messages are encoded as named JSON and/or binary events.
• Large community.
• Event-based communication.

Cons:

• Weird encodings.
• Unnecessary binary overhead.
• Callback centric nature of Socket.io is a real downside.

When to use Socket.io?

When designing real-time applications, such as group chat rooms, video conferencing, and multiplayer gaming, among other things. Additionally, you can do so if you want the server to push data to the client without calling the client. In addition, you can create applications that require WebSocket development.

3. Meteor.JS

As a full-stack framework for developing web applications or mobile applications, Meteor is a great choice. It is one of the top Node.js frameworks because it supports cross-platform development; this framework can be used on iOS, Android, and the web. As a front-end framework and database system, MeteorJS is well-suited to being combined with other well-known technologies such as React, Vue, Angular, and MongoDB.

Meteor’s syntax is more similar to JavaScript compared to other Node.js frameworks, making it easier for JavaScript developers to grasp and learn. Using Meteor.js for back-end development is preferred by many developers since it enables developers to write a whole website in JavaScript, and this makes it one of the best Node.js frameworks.

Npm: npmjs.com/package/meteor

Features:

• Meteor.js is a cross-platform framework that enables rapid prototyping via the CLI.
• It includes numerous libraries a developer can utilize to create dynamic web apps.
• Smart packages: you can connect many features with a single command.

Pros:

• Convenience.
• Reactive UI.
• Simple deployment.
• Extensibility.
• Popularity.
• High learning curve.

Cons:

• No reactive joins.
• Lack of control mechanism over the order of loading files.

When to use Meteor.JS?

Meteor.JS is a framework for developing JavaScript applications that are comprehensive in their capabilities. If you enjoy building websites with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, you can put your skills to use by developing apps for your computer or mobile device. In addition, you can utilize Meteor to distribute live updates to installed applications without interfering with the user’s session.

Continue Reading: Best Node.Js Frameworks

How to Choose Best Node.JS Frameworks?

The future of the Node.JS frameworks is difficult to make any prediction about because of the instability in this business. It’s been gradually replacing old and outdated frameworks with more modern alternatives, but it’s important never to be afraid to switch between different types of frameworks. New developers need to be aware that they may have to shift between different types of frameworks as time goes on.

As I mentioned earlier, choose a framework based on features and not on popularity. Choose the framework that seems to have the most potential for meeting project needs and that is well-suited for integration with other technologies you are already familiar with. We suggest choosing a Node.js framework that has an intuitive learning curve and is well-suited for integration with other well-known technologies.

Conclusion

Each framework outlined above has characteristics that differentiate it from others. Like Express.JS, It can be used for any enterprise application that requires cross-browser compatibility, and it supports both small and large-scale websites. Meteor.JS is good if you have a development team that is good with JavaScript. It has a smooth learning curve. Hapi can be used if you want the utmost security, and Koa should be used for developing complex, extensive apps with speed and efficiency.

If you are still unsure about which of these Node.JS frameworks would be the best fit for you, do not hesitate to get in touch with our Node.JS developers. As a leading Node.js development company, we have experience in working with various Node.JS frameworks to satisfy our customers’ needs.