Introduction

Over the years, many Javascript developers have developed some of the most extraordinary frameworks to get started with Node.js. We did research and listed some of the best and most efficient Node.js frameworks that offer scale, speed, and high performance during the complete app development process. 

The demand for web app development has increased as more business owners started employing those frameworks to deliver a better user experience. Looking at the rising demands, developers are continually testing various frameworks which offer advanced features to develop the most robust web and mobile apps. According to a survey by Node.js user survey report, 9 out of 10 back-end and full-stack developers rate Node.js framework as their go-to-go choice.

Here in this blog, the CodeStore team is listing some of the most popular Node.js frameworks based on their popularity and usage among developers.

Is Node.js Really a Framework? 

There is a longstanding debate about whether Node.js is a framework. However, Node.js is actually a JavaScript runtime environment – which is a platform to execute JavaScript codes on the server-side and makes it portable. In simple terms, a runtime environment is where developers can run a program. 

Whereas, frameworks are used to develop functions. Many developers have written frameworks for Node.js and some of the most popular frameworks are Express.js, Meteor.js, and others. Moreover, these frameworks help in creating unique capabilities for Node.js apps offering convenience to many software developers.

What are Node.js Frameworks? 

Every web-app technology offers different kinds of frameworks with each one supporting a specific use case in the development lifecycle. Node.js frameworks are mainly of three types MVC, Full-Stack MVC, and REST API frameworks.

MVC Frameworks:-

These frameworks offer a valuable design pattern that splits application logic into three essential parts; model views, and controllers. Separating development concerns makes it extremely simple to maintain and scale the application. Express.js is a classic example of an MVC framework.

Full-stack MVC Framework:-

When building a real-time app, the Full-stack MVC framework offers a great deal with scaffolding, libraries, template engines, and a range of other development capabilities. 

Additionally, they can take care of both the front-end and back-end development of an application.

REST API / REST API Frameworks:- 

Node.js frameworks have a firm reference to build apps faster with a ready and well-known REST API-built experience. This means you don’t have to worry about the architectural styles of the network application.

Nearly all these frameworks provide a ready programming interface, which saves much time in development to build apps requiring an internet connection.

Best Node.js Frameworks

Express.js

Express.js is one of the popular Node.js frameworks as it has a minimalistic approach and seems to be a classic and straightforward framework for coding architecture. It aligns with the high-speed I/O operations and the single-threaded nature of Node making it a default requirement for apps built with the Node.js platform.

A more robust API means a more streamlined form of client-to-server requests and visible user interactions. Using Express, these software engineering principles are well-executed. Above all, Express.js offers some powerful features that take backend development to the next level.

Features of Express.js:- 

• Express.js  framework has many features that speed up Node.js functions and the process with just a few code lines. 
• Multiple operations are executed independently of each other using asynchronous programming. 
• Moreover, A myriad of HTTP helpers makes programs more intelligible, and reusable.
• Better content negotiation helps in better communication between the client and the server providing HTTP headers to URLs, which fetch the exact information for the user/client-side. 
• High test coverage helps in building apps with maximum testability.

When to use Express.js? 

You can develop web apps faster with the framework since it has almost readily available grounds for API generation. You can also ease it for any enterprise-grade or browser-based application because of its robust routing, templating, security features, and error handling provisions.

Express.js is quite suitable for almost any kind of web and mobile application development from small to large scale. For development teams at beginner levels, Express.js is one of the best choices since there is outstanding community support available for this framework.

Meteor.js

Officially launched in 2012, startup software, Meteor.js is an open-source, isomorphic, JavaScript framework that propagates automatic data changes to clients without the developer’s efforts. Most importantly, it is comfortable with variants of device operating systems including Android, iOS for mobile devices, and desktop apps all wrapped in one-language Javascript. 

Meteor.js has comprehensive libraries and testing features to keep up with client-server communication. The framework is known for its smooth running of data between client and server, which most of the apps of high-streaming, real-time functionalities require. 

Meteor.js framework is one of the perfect examples of Node.js framework which can be used to build simple, efficient, and modern web applications. 

Features of Meteor.js:-

• Writing code in modern Javascript, Isomorphic framework.
• Extensive community support, open-source framework.
• Full-stack solution
• Easy integration with other frameworks
• Cross-platform framework, building rapid prototyping with CLI

When to Use Meteor.js? 

If your development team is good to go with JavaScript, Meteor.js is a splendid choice. It is very easy to learn and super fun to do the programming. You can use it to build apps in no time since the framework allows you to use the same code written for web apps or mobile apps. 

With Meteor.js you can also deploy live updates even on the installed apps without disrupting an ongoing user session. 

Nest.js

Nest.js is a progressive Node.js framework that builds dynamic and scalable business apps and offers flexibility with its extensive libraries. This is a perfect example of a backend productivity booster, as the framework preserves compatibility with a subset of Javascript. 

It follows the clean code architecture while maintaining the code complexity of a large application. Moreover, Nest is the best combo of object-oriented and functional reactive programming language. Hence, it potentially doubles the developer’s productivity and application performance while saving valuable time.

Features of Nest.js:-

• Provides CLI  for a modular structure and features.
• FRP to simplify complex graphical user interfaces.
• Shows high compatibility with Angular on the frontend.
• Provides a smooth learning curve.
• Easy-to-use external libraries due to systematic code arrangement.

When to Use Nest.js? 

Nest.js helps in building the most efficient and scalable web apps. Since it is written with TypeScript much like Angular, the framework solves the many problems of Node.js. It organizes the architecture pattern and keeps it very clean and modularized helping developers build more scalable, and easily maintainable applications. 

Derby.js

Derby.js is a full-stack web application development framework based on Node.js technology. This uses the MVC architecture with an easy-to-write code nomenclature. The framework is an excellent choice for creating real-time apps because it allows the same code to run on Node.js and the browser. So, you don’t need to worry about writing separate code for the view part.

This framework also supports offline usage for developers with a simplified scripting facility to write multi-user apps. Derby.js reduces the delay in delivery of the content through client-side view rendering on the server. This makes the app SEO-Friendly and enhances the user experience.

Features of Derby.js:-

• Racer Engine Support
• Easy Code customization
• Renders Client-Side Views on the Server. 
• Operational Transformation for Data Synchronization
• Support for Offline Usage and Conflict Resolution
• Codesharing across Client-side and Sever-side

When to Use Derby.js? 

Derby.js is best for developing real-time apps as it offers real-time data synchronizations and faster content loading, making it the best choice for messaging app development.

Koa.js

Koa is another dominant Node.js framework, which is very helpful for creating various APIs. With Koa, building these APIs becomes super easy and since it can efficiently deal with HTTP middleware with a stack-line method. 

Further, this also normalizes the flaws in Node constructively. You can maintain various forms of the content represented to the users with the same URL like translating a page, personalizing content in eCommerce websites, having various formats for images, and much more with this framework.

There are some other advantages of using Koa and those are quite similar to Express. You can still enjoy flexibility like Express with more freedom and fewer complexities while writing the code. This simply minimizes the scope of errors across the entire stack of the application.

Features of koa.js:- 

• Koa.js is a customizable and futuristic framework and is also referred to as the light version of Express.js.
• Efficiently cleans cache supports proxy and content negotiation.
• Handles the errors exceptionally.
• Moreover, Koa.js has more options for customization and allows building apps from scratch.
• It also has cascading middleware which personalizes user experience.
• Helps in normalizing node inconsistencies clean and helps in maintaining code.

When to Use Koa.js?

When performance is a critical demand from your web application, Koa is what you need. Perfect for developing huge applications, the framework can build extensive apps with an experienced team of developers. Under certain circumstances, Koa has proven to be faster as compared to Express. 

Sails.js

Sails.js resembles the MVC architecture pattern from frameworks like Ruby on Rails and provides support for modernized, data-oriented development. It is compatible with all databases and flexible in integrating JavaScript frameworks. 

Hence, it’s the most suitable framework to build high-end customized apps. Its specific code writing policies help in reducing the amount of required code allowing integration with npm modules by being more flexible and open. Moreover, Sail.js is a frontend-agnostic-backend platform. However, this lightweight framework uses Express for HTTP requests and Socket.io for WebSockets.

Features of Sails.js:- 

• Auto-generate REST APIs.
• Frontend agnostic
• Provides Object Relational Mapping (ORM) for framework compatibility with databases.
• Reusable security policies.
• Integration of Express for HTTP requests and Socket.io for WebSockets.

When to Use Sails.js? 

Sails.js has excellent compatibility with Socket.io making it one of the most suitable integrations for gaming and social media applications. It is preferably used for custom, enterprise-scale Node.js applications.

It can also help in developing production-ready applications in weeks and resembles the Ruby on Rails MVC architecture pattern. However, developers might not prefer it for developing small apps. This is because Sails has some flexibility limitations when it comes to high-end customization like Express.js.

Hapi.js

Hapi.js is a commercially available server and open-source framework for web apps. It is known for developing proxy servers, REST APIs, and other desktop apps. Moreover, this framework is reliable and rich in its security aspects. Hapi.js has a lavish set of built-in plugins, so you don’t need to worry about using unofficial middlewares.

Features of Hapi.js:-

• Scalable Applications
• Secure Defaults
• Rich Ecosystem
• Minimal Overhead
• Compatible with Rest APIs and HTTPS proxy apps
• Faster and Easy Bug Fixing
• Easily compatible with MySQL, MongoDB, and other Databases.

When to Use Hapi.js?

Hapi.js works like a charm in developing the most secure, scalable, real-time, and social media apps. Developers mostly use it to build proxies and API servers.

Total.js 

Total.js is the only one that offers a CMS-like experience and has pretty much everything you need min a Node.js environment. Above all, It’s a fully-fledged open-source framework granting maximum flexibility to developers.

The framework is available in different versions, such as Eshop, CMS, and HelpDesk. With the help of these variants, your application has wider scope in the future for IoT integrations, REST services, and super-fast apps with low maintenance costs and stable services. One more thing Total.js is accurate in real-time tracking while integrated into modern applications.

Features of Total.js:-

• Efficient Real-time Tracking
• API Testing
• Auto-Discover Projects
• Flexible with Various Other Front-end Frameworks
• Speedy Development and Low Maintenance Cost
• Auto-Discovery Projects

When to Use Total.js:- 

Total.js is a complete framework for customized development, visual programming interfaces in the IoT, eCommerce web development, cloud services, and real-time collaboration among other smart devices. If you need to develop applications within a steep deadline, Then Total.js is the right choice for you and can help you in a speedy development process and also prevents monetary loss. 

Concluding Words

With their immense capabilities at advancing web and mobile applications development, Node.js frameworks make the app development process more easy and efficient. Moreover, with continually evolving technologies, the complete development process is becoming more and more efficient and is helping lots of businesses in developing the best ever mobile and web apps for their business.

CodeStore Technologies is a leading mobile and web app development company, helping many small and medium businesses in shaping their business. Above all, we help them by providing robust web and mobile apps which can take their business to new heights. 

Moreover, being a popular Node.js app development company, our main focus always revolves around helping customers in developing their dream apps using the power of this technology stack.

If you have any questions or you have any requirements then feel free to send them at [email protected].