Forem: Declan Lawton

Top 10 Web Development Frameworks in 2020

Declan Lawton — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 13:00:56 +0000

Web development frameworks are libraries that allow developers to build web applications and APIs efficiently and effortlessly.

The web application development domain is already crowded, with more than 25 frameworks available, and new ones keep being published. In such cases, it becomes difficult for businesses to finalize one framework based on their needs. To solve your problem, we have curated the top 10 frameworks for web development in 2020. Let's have a look!

1) Django – Python-based framework for web development

GitHub stars - 47.5K

Django is a Python-based open-source web development framework used for the fast development of APIs and the clean design of web applications. It has become popular among businesses and developers because web apps built using Django are fast, secure and scalable.

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When to choose Django?

Django is one of the most structured frameworks. However, Django is more favorable for web apps that are strong in handling backends. Also, when you have too many visitors/transactions taking place, Django is a good choice. You can choose Django when building inventory management, CRM systems, and social networking sites.

Who uses Django?

According to SimilarTech, 98,402 websites are using the Django framework. It is most popular among Computer and Electronics businesses. Following are the most popular businesses that use Django-

Opera
Pixaby
Prezi
Disqus
Instagram

2) Laravel – Open-source PHP framework

GitHub Stars - 57.9K

Laravel is one of the topmost, PHP-based web development frameworks that follows the MVC (model–view–controller) architectural pattern while building web apps. Web developers prominently use Laravel to develop flawless and powerful functionalities such as authentication, API integrations, handling common vulnerabilities, enabling automation web testing, and caching.

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When to choose Laravel?

Web developers choose the Laravel framework to make web development tasks easy. Laravel has the capabilities to simplify real-time event broadcasting and create a robust background and job processing. So, when you want to build large and robust web apps such as online communities, eCommerce apps, social networking apps, CRM and CMS systems, you must go for Laravel. Well, with Laravel, you can also experience higher performance and scalability in your web apps.

Who uses Laravel?

According to SimilarTech, 1,44,796 websites are using the Laravel framework. On top of websites, Laravel is powerful, accessible, and offers tools to build successful web apps. The most popular sites built with Laravel are,

Koel - a personal audio streaming web app
Flarum - Forum/community
October CMS
Invoice Ninja - open-source online invoicing app
Attendize - open-source ticket selling and event management app

3) Ruby on Rails - Server-side web application framework

GitHub stars - 45.1K

Ruby On Rails is a server-side framework for building web applications written in Ruby programming language. This web development framework provides all the tools and libraries required for building web applications that use databases.

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When to choose Ruby on Rails?

When you want your web developers to build your app by simplifying repetitive and straightforward tasks, choose Rails framework. Ruby on Rails speedify your app development which is why you choose this framework to build Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for startups.

Who uses Ruby on Rails?

As Ruby on Rails framework is perfect for database-backed web applications, here are the popular businesses that use RoR web development framework,

WeTransfer
GitHub
Basecamp
Dribble
Kickstarter

4) Spring - Application framework for Java

GitHub Stars - 35.5K

Spring Framework is another web development framework that acts as a programming and configuration model for Java-based applications built for enterprises. It is used for creating web applications on the Java EE platform.

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When to choose Spring?

In large enterprises, when web applications exist for a long time, run on JDK and app servers, you can choose the Spring framework. Also, when you want to manage dependable transaction management, caching, security, or logging, go for the Spring framework.

Who uses Spring?

According to SimilarTech, 2,935 websites are using the Spring framework. It is most popular among businesses of the News and Media domain.

5) Express - Web application framework for Node.js

GitHub stars - 47.5K

Express is a web development framework for Node.js. Web developers rely on Node.js because it’s light, scalable, and fast in executing the code directly on the browser.

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When to choose Express?

Node.js is powerful in building network-based apps and real-time apps. So, when you want to use existing code in your Node.js-based web development, Express framework is perfect to use. To build real-time streaming, payment gateways, eCommerce and on-demand apps, you need Express framework from Node.js.

Who uses Express?

Industry leaders use the Express framework from Node.js to build their successful web apps-

PayPal
Netflix
Uber
LinkedIn
eBay

6) Angular – A popular framework for web development

GitHub Stars - 58.5K

Angular is a JavaScript-based web framework developed by Google and a community of developers. This web development framework became popular as it makes front-end development super easy and quick. Code reusability is one of its topmost features.

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When to choose Angular?

The Angular framework comes with scalability and high-performance. It is used for building the front-end of web applications and is primarily used for building single-page web applications. When you want to create some interactive social sites, choose Angular web development framework.

Who uses Angular?

Angular is one of the most popular frameworks for web development. Google uses Angular for,

Google Search
YouTube
Google Translate

7) React.js - JavaScript library for building UI

GitHub Stars - 145K

React.js is a JavaScript library created by the developers at Facebook. Web developers can build beautiful UI of your single-page web apps using React. Using React with Angular is possible in the MVC template.

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When to choose React.js?

You can choose React.js framework when you want to keep on changing data in your large web applications without reloading the entire app. You can use React.js to build web apps that support native approach across all the platforms.

Who uses React.js?

In comparison, React is even more popular than Angular. Globally known organizations use React.js for their web apps,

Dropbox
Reddit
Whatsapp
Asana
Flipboard

8) Vue.js - JavaScript framework for building user interfaces

GitHub Stars - 158K

Vue.js is a JavaScript-based framework for building a user interface for web applications. The most significant advantage of using Vue.js is the smaller size. The size of Vue.js is only 18–21 kilobytes which means fewer lines of code and faster loading at the user side.

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When to choose Vue.js?

You can choose Vue.js when you want to build progressive web apps (PWAs) or web apps that have to be smaller in size, such as single-page web apps quickly. Even if you want to develop front-end apps with powerful UI, Vue.js is recommended.

Who uses Vue.js?

Like other web development frameworks, Vue.js is used among various organizations. Apps built with Vue.js are,

TaskList
ProjectHelios
FullStack

9) jQuery – A JavaScript library

GitHub Stars - 53K

jQuery is a lightweight JavaScript library for event handling and CSS animation. Businesses and developers use jQuery to implement easy-to-use APs across multiple browsers.

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When to choose jQuery?

When you want to create a small web app and maintain it easily for years, jQuery is your solution. Earlier, businesses needed to use Flash which was not supported by most of the browsers. But now, you can choose jQuery to add animation to web apps and give amazing-looking effects without affecting the loading speed.

Who uses jQuery?

Some well-known organizations use jQuery-

Gitlab
Ahrefs
HubSpot

10) Flask - Micro web framework written in Python

GitHub Stars - 49.2K

Flask is a python-based web framework that doesn’t use any particular libraries or tools. It doesn’t integrate any third-party libraries, but it supports extensions that can add required additional functionality to your website such as form validation, and upload handling and authentication.

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When to choose Flask?

Django and Flask both are Python-based frameworks for web development. You should choose Flask when you want to develop simple web apps that use NoSQL databases.

Who uses Flask?

Around 760 companies use Flask framework, but the top names are,

Netflix
AdRoll
Keen IO

Finalize the framework for web development via a simple process

The majority of the top web application development frameworks are built using programming languages such as PHP and JavaScript. However, there are few popular frameworks developed in Ruby on Rails and Python.

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But, before you choose the framework, consider the following criteria-

The framework you choose should have the support of a large developer community.

It should also receive regular features and security updates
The right web development framework has the capabilities to build flawless and functionally-rich web applications. Here is a small process to choose the right framework for your next web application project-

Document your business requirements, functional and non-functional app requirements
Discuss with your web app development agency (if you don’t have one, talk to our experts)
Choose a framework that closely matches your needs
Get the right advice from the right experts

Reaching out to Moweb is a one-click process. Our experts will brainstorm on your idea, consider your market condition, competition, user-base, and all the other factors before helping you choose the ‘perfect’ web development framework. Talk to us now.

Flutter Vs React Native: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know [INFOGRAPHIC]

Declan Lawton — Sat, 14 Mar 2020 07:30:51 +0000

The space of technology is ever-evolving since the demands are many. And the increase in demand has led to multiple new technologies to come into existence. Today the world of app development is flourishing at a higher speed, and the credit goes to the unbelievably robust technology advancements. Every business prefers to provide the best experience to the users. And no doubt this purpose is well-served by the mobile application technology. However, on looking closer, you may find that there is a big group of technical advancements in the market.

For any business, it is hard to make a smart move with these new tech stacks. The innovative technological spectrum has brought two sensational technologies; React Native & Flutter.

These two technologies are scaling higher on the performance factors and both the platforms have their own benefits.

But hold on, as these both the technologies are super-efficient, it is making a daunting task for the business owners to select the best.

Is it troubling you???

You don’t need to be worried anymore since with this post, we have tried to cover each and every aspect of the Flutter & React technology. We are sure by the end of the post you would be able to make the informed decision.

Let’s start learning more about these two trending technologies, and explore what they have kept hidden in their Pandora box.

Flutter VS React Native

To start with it can easily be stated that in the current market trend these two platforms are the giant players.

Every big brand & enterprise is embracing these two technologies in their business model. Indeed, both platforms have a lot more to offer to your app and can help you scale higher.

So let’s begin…

A Word About Flutter

In simple words, Flutter is a portable UI toolkit. It contains a complete set of widgets and tools. It lets the developers build cross-platform apps. It uses a single codebase to build apps for Android, iOS & web. Also, it is a free and open-source, based on Dart – a fast, object-oriented programming language.

The incredible set of the widget in Flutter allows apps to have a great look and feel.

Now let’s take a quick look at the advantages and the disadvantages owned by the Flutter platform.

Flutter Pros

1) Hot Reload
No doubt Flutter has a different development approach. It brings dynamic & faster app development. Developers can make changes in the codebase and can see them immediately reflecting on the app. With this feature, the developer can fix bugs, or update instantly.

2) One Codebase for Multiple Platforms
The development of the Flutter app is easier, compared to any other. Flutter allows developers to write just one codebase for multiple platforms such as Android, iOS & web. And this code works efficiently on other platforms as well. It saves time and money in the development process.

3) Needs 50% Less Testing
Testing a Flutter app is a very easy process. Since the application testing works on both the platforms, it reduces app testing efforts by 50%. In this run, developers only need to invest their time in testing on one Platform and on the other, it works itself.

4) Builds Apps Faster
As the Flutter app development needs to be done on one specific platform, it helps a lot. Developers can build faster apps with scaling performance. It can deliver 60fps- frames per second seamlessly.

5) Custom Widgets
Flutter has many ready-made widgets. It doesn’t need to upgrade to support old devices. Also, widgets from Flutter can be combined to create layouts, and also developers can select any level of customization.

6) MVP Perfect
MVP for a mobile app is a necessary aspect. It helps in building only the required features & functionalities within the app. Flutter is the best choice to build an MVP for the app. It works well when there is less time for development.

Flutter Cons

1) Simple Libraries & Support
Flutter makes it a convenient choice for app developers to utilize multiple libraries during the development process. But the inclusion of libraries in the Flutter doesn’t have the support of every existing library. However, some of the libraries are needed to be customized by the developers to be used further.

2) Regular Support
The regular support is much needed to handle the challenges in the development process. Flutter doesn’t support CI platforms like Travis. That’s why developers need to use a custom script to build, test, and deploy. This can disturb the flow of development.

3) Risky Platform
Google is the main working mechanism behind Flutter. However, Flutter is open source, but without Google’s support, there can’t be any future for Flutter. Therefore, it makes Flutter a risky platform that can’t survive without Google’s support.

4) Size of App
The size of a mobile app is the main concern, which disturbs the developers. As no one wants to download an app that consumes a bigger space on the phone. And this is where Flutter has a demerit. Flutter apps are bigger than their native counterparts.

Hmm, now let’s move towards the next popular technology React Native, and let’s discuss what it has got within its mechanism.

A Word About React Native

React Native is an open-source mobile app framework that utilizes JavaScript. It is an effective framework for building cross-platform apps. Apps can be built on both the platforms, using a single codebase.

Also, clear the doubt that ReactNative apps are not mobile web apps. With React Native developers can use the iOS & Android’s UI building blocks.

How about gaining some information about the merits & demerits this very technology holds? Let’ find out together…

React Native Pros

1) Fast Refresh Feature
React Native brings live reloading & hot reloading features together into a single new feature; “Fast Refresh”. This very feature fully supports modern React and doesn’t work on the invasive code transformations. Hence it is very reliable through every possible corner.

2) One Codebase for Two Major Platforms
For an app to save time and money on the development process, is a much-needed aspect. React lets the one single codebase to be written and let the app to work on both the platforms. This helps in saving time and money and works efficiently on both platforms.

3) React Utilizes JavaScript
JavaScript is the best programming language among developers across the globe. You get to experience JavaScript with React Native. As a developer, you get to make statically-typed programming languages and let the app run seamlessly.

4) A Mature Platform
React Native is no more in a nascent stage. React Native was released 5 years ago and meanwhile it has gone through massive change. This has let the developers focus on fixing the issues in a better manner along with helping the efficient app to come into existence.

5) Vast React Native community
The developer community from React Native is quite large. The team of experts keeps on sharing new technology updates. This has allowed developers to learn technology quickly. Also, it helps in sharing new information related to Flutter.

6) Very Easy to Learn
React Native is easy to learn. Developers can use the same libraries, tools, and patterns. The mechanism of the React platform is not at all tough. It does not require any sort of special training to be given to the developers and they can use it.

7) React Reduces Testing Efforts
Every app requires the testing process. This helps in making the app work without any glitch on the app platform. React apps work efficiently on both the platforms, and this makes the need for the testing to be done on one of the platforms only. It reduces the demand for testing efforts and helps in bringing efficient products.

React Native Cons

1) It Is Not Thoroughly Real Native
The performance and the quality excellence Native apps have, are commendable. But in the React Native, the UI experience & performance are not at all similar. They are not just alike in the React native, and there are certain differences.

2) Fewer Components
Despite being popular and mature, React Native still lacks in some components. Only basic components are supported by React Native. And others which are existing are underdeveloped. This will make developers use fewer components.

3) Many Abandoned Packages
React Native has a massive number of libraries. These libraries are of low quality or can be abandoned as well. Therefore, within the development process, developers find many abandoned packages, which are not used at all.

4) Fragile UI
React Native is built on native components, wherein the updates can cause certain changes in the Native Components API. And these changes if not handled well can affect the complete mechanism of the mobile app and disturb the flow.

5) React Apps Are Bigger Than Native
Every app written on React Native runs on the JavaScript code. But Android doesn’t hold this functionality. Android needs to include a library supporting JavaScript code. It leads to the apps to be bigger than the native Android apps.

This is the quick summary of the pros and cons and the information related to Flutter & React.

Here is the visual comparison of Flutter Vs React Native

Still, one question that is hot enough comes, that

Which Technology Is the Best?

On an honest note, both the technologies are supreme in their own space. If you will analyze then you can see that React Native is very popular owing to the multiple aspects. And one of the biggest advantages it gives to the businesses is to control the cost factor and reduced delivery time.

On the other hand, Flutter possesses an almost similar set of benefits and ensures that your app gets build in no time, with the amazing features. Therefore, it might be difficult to give a vote to one specific technology. It is not the diplomatic answer but suggests the fact.

Both of these technologies have incredible values intact within them. And if used as per the business requirements, either of them can do wonders.

To wrap up, it can be said that it should not be about Flutter VS React Native, but should always be Flutter & React. So it is highly recommended to use any of these technologies. It must depend upon the requirements of your business and further implement the best of technology in your business.