What are the Top 10 Frameworks for 2021?

Frameworks are quite useful in the sense that they allow developers to build interactive and robust applications. They make it easier to develop applications such as web APIs, web resources and services.

Web applications have been growing in popularity throughout the years but now more than ever. They are becoming much more advanced due to the fact that as the applications evolve, so does the used level of development to create and deploy them.

Nowadays, there’s a need for scalable software that meets complex user and enterprise demands. With seemingly endless choices in terms of software and coding languages, this has resulted in a crowded framework marketplace.

Having trouble deciding on which framework to use? We at Rubicom can help! Below, you’ll find the best frameworks currently available.

 

Framework 1: React

Language: JavaScript-based

Developed and maintained by Facebook, React is technically a frontend library instead of a traditional framework, but it’s constantly used by developers as a framework of sorts. React was the first to use a component-based architecture, which was later adopted by popular frameworks like Vue and Angular. Furthermore, it can be utilized server-side or client-side.

Pros: Highly scalable and able to meet the massive demand, as evidenced by its use from sites like Netflix, Facebook, Airbnb, and Reddit. ReactNative can be used to build apps on iOS and Android.

Cons: React’s architecture is built in JavaScript, an aspect some inexperienced developers may find difficult.

 

Framework 2: Angular

Language: JavaScript/TypeScript

Angular is a popular framework for use in building large-scale, single-page apps that are also easy to maintain. Weather, PayPal, Netflix, and PS3’s YouTube all utilize Angular. Those who are familiar with the MEAN dev stack are well aware of Angular, which is joined by ExpressJS, MongoDB, and NodeJS.

Pros: Angular’s popularity and widespread use mean that there is plenty of developer support available. The Angular site is rife with documentation support, and you’ll find several exhaustive how-to videos on YouTube. Additionally, the Angular framework also supports TypeScript and model view controller architecture.

Cons: Older versions of Angular are not compatible with the newer versions that utilize TypeScript. JavaScript may be hard for newer developers to manipulate well.

 

Framework 3: Django

Language: Python

One of the most known and utilized frameworks out there, mostly used for creating web apps, Django is recognized for its excellent built-in security and “batteries-included” feature. Django is highly intuitive, versatile, and easily scalable. Pinterest, Instagram, and Quora all use it.

Pros: Django’s use of Python language provides the ability for clean and efficient coding, backed by above-average security. The batteries-included set of features is extremely impressive, and the built-in admin interface is universally loved by Django’s massive (and helpful) community of users.

Cons: There really aren’t many. The framework itself is rather rigid on some fronts, and it can also feel a bit bloated if you’re using it for smaller dev projects.

 

Framework 4: Ruby on Rails

Language: Ruby

Ruby on Rails is a model-view-controller (MVC) framework, written by David Heinemeier Hansson and used for web applications. It uses a proprietary language (Ruby) which improves the development timeframe for applications. The “rails” refers to library-like dependencies which improve dev efficiency and time for completion by expanding the abilities of your application. Shopify, Airbnb, and Groupon all use Ruby on Rails.

Pros: Great for beginners, especially those who may not be efficient with JavaScript frameworks. It comes with everything one needs to develop a database-driven web application.

Cons: Ruby apps take a lot of effort to deploy and use with a production environment. There’s also a big learning curve when digging deeper into the framework.

 

Framework 5: Laravel

Language: PHP

Laravel is an MVC framework that utilizes the popular PHP language. It was originally released in 2011 by Taylor Otwell. This framework is excellent for beginners, but savvy developers can still find a lot to appreciate.

Pros: Easy to get started with, and its Laracasts tutorial library is a huge resource, full of videos that cover everything from PHP to other frontend technologies compatible with Laravel. Laravel also comes with API support.

Cons: Not the best framework for larger projects, which might be limiting for advanced users.

 

Framework 6: ASP.net

Language: C#

Developed and released by Microsoft, ASP.NET is a framework designed for creating web applications using .NET for PCs and mobile devices. It’s sleek, minimalistic, and high-performing. Getty Images, Taco Bell, and Stack Overflow all have applications built with ASP.NET.

Pros: Productive, quick, and surprisingly powerful.

Cons: As you might guess and as the name implies, it’s only for .NET apps. The aspect of PC-only is limiting as well.

 

Framework 7: Express

Language: JavaScript

Node.js is surging in popularity these days, so it’s no surprise that Express is as well. Express is a highly versatile framework and it can be used to develop Node.js-based web applications fast. It’s very minimal in its original form but does have several features that can be implemented as plugins. Storify, IBM, and Uber all utilize Express, and it’s even compatible with Kraken, Sails, and Loopback frameworks.

Pros: Express is one of the most flexible and minimal frameworks available, and its plugin system, compatibility with other frameworks, and MEAN stack implementation indicates that it will clearly be a key framework for years to come.

Cons: The loose and unguided architecture of Express may be overwhelming for beginners, as there’s no defined way of using it.

 

Framework 8: Vue

Language: JavaScript

Vue first debuted in 2014, primarily intended as a leaner alternative for Angular users. This progressive framework can be adopted into isolated portions of existing projects without any issue, and the Vue ecosystem can also be used to develop applications on the front end.

Pros: At just 20KB, this is one of the lightest frameworks in existence. It’s versatile enough for advanced users, easy to use for beginners and can be utilized to build templates and components.

Cons: Google and Facebook do not currently support Vue, but this is expected to change in the future, as the framework grows in popularity as a viable Angular.

 

Framework 9: Spring

Language: Java

Spring is an MVC framework used by several large entities, such as Wix and Ticketmaster. It is by far the most popular app development choice for Java. Spring is an advanced framework that includes numerous sister projects which can improve performance and scale rapidly.

Pros: Java experts can utilize Spring to develop elite-level applications that are built to handle massive user bases and traffic.

Cons: Beginner, and even intermediate, developers will face a steep learning curve if they are inexperienced with Java.

 

Framework 10: Ember

Language: JavaScript

This JavaScript framework is a favourite among developers who value robust and scalable application development, paired with improved efficiency. It’s highly productive right out of the box and is being used for some of the most recognized applications in existence, such as Apple Music, LinkedIn, Netflix, and Google.

Pros: Ember has the ability to minimize time-wasting and solutions built with it can be converted into native applications.

Cons: Ember has a sizable learning curve when you first get started, an aspect that’s furthered by the modules that extend the framework.

 

For frontend and backend application development, frameworks remain the tool of choice, which is why there are now so many. Fortunately, the majority of these tools are efficient and intuitive. Therefore, the choice often comes down to personal preferences and the scope of work.

Regardless, it’s best to remain skilled and versatile in order to use multiple frameworks, making continuous learning and experimenting essential to professional growth.

 

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