Using a framework speeds up the development process by avoiding repetitive code writing, ensuring best practices, and code consistency. In this post, we share with you the list of the most commonly used Node.js frameworks.
But first, what is Node.js?
Node.js is a JavaScript runtime environment based on Google Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine. Unlike other JavaScript environments that run on the client side in a web browser, Node.js is used to execute JavaScript code on the server side.
In simple terms, it gives developers the ability to build scalable and high-performance network applications. It employs a non-blocking, event-driven I/O model, meaning it can efficiently handle multiple requests without blocking the main execution thread. This makes it particularly well-suited for real-time web applications, data streaming applications, application servers, and other network applications that require fast and efficient bidirectional communication.
5 reasons to choose Node.js
- Speed. It’s quite fast compared to similar technologies.
- Adaptability. It’s designed for the web but also useful for console applications, desktop applications, robotics, and the Internet of Things. There are few projects where Node.js cannot be employed.
- Asynchronicity. It allows handling multiple web requests.
- Real-time communication capabilities.
- Integration with different technology stacks. For example, the famous MERN stack composed of MongoDB, Node.js, Express.js (a Node.js back-end framework), and React.js on the front end. This creates a 100% JavaScript stack and streamlines costs with a full-stack developer.
When to consider avoiding It
Here are some situations in which choosing other technologies over Node.js may be more appropriate:
- CPU-Intensive high-performance applications: It’s not the best choice for applications that require a significant amount of CPU-intensive processing, such as intensive graphics manipulation or complex scientific data processing. In these cases, languages like C++, Java, or Python, optimized for CPU performance, may be more suitable.
- Language-specific requirements: If your project has specific language-related requirements, such as the need to use a library or framework only compatible with another language, it might be more appropriate to use that language instead of Node.js. For instance, if you require a specialized machine learning library only available in Python, choosing Python over Node.js may be preferable.
- Monolithic applications: If you’re developing a traditional monolithic application in which all components are tightly coupled and run within a single process, other technologies like Java or .NET may better suit your needs.
Ultimately, whether to use or avoid Node.js depends on the specific needs and requirements of your project, as well as the knowledge and preferences of the development team. It’s important to carefully evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of Node.js in relation to the particular project needs before making a decision.
These are the most used Node.js frameworks:
Express.js
Express.js is a lightweight and flexible web framework for Node.js that makes it easy to create web applications and APIs quickly and effortlessly. It’s one of the most popular and widely used frameworks in the Node.js ecosystem.
Express.js provides an abstraction layer for handling routes, request and response management, and middleware handling. It simplifies common web development tasks such as routing, session management, cookie handling, and form processing.
It is used for:
- Developing RESTful APIs, enabling communication between different systems and web applications.
- Creating complete web applications, from small single-page applications (SPAs) to more complex enterprise applications.
- Web servers for hosting and serving static web pages, multimedia files, and other resources.
- Microservices, which are independent, autonomous services that communicate with each other to form a scalable and modular application architecture.
- Rapid prototyping and proof of concept development.
- Real-time applications like live chats, notification systems, and online games.
Hapi.js, one of the most used Node.js frameworks
Hapi.js is a web application development framework for Node.js. It is designed to make the creation of scalable, secure, and high-performance HTTP servers and APIs easier. It focuses on providing a modular structure and architecture that enables developers to build complex applications more easily.
Solid and comprehensive, with numerous available libraries, it is used for:
- Developing RESTful APIs that facilitate communication between systems and web applications.
- Creating complete web servers for both small and complex enterprise applications.
- Microservices, which are independent, autonomous services that communicate with each other to form a scalable and modular application architecture.
- Real-time applications, such as live chats, notification systems, and online games, using technologies like WebSockets.
- Streaming applications that require real-time data transmission.
- Secure application development, thanks to built-in security features such as protection against common security attacks and data validation.
Nest.js
Nest.js is a more modern framework that uses TypeScript and is influenced by Angular. Designed for contemporary development and optimized for clean architecture and code, it is component-based and has a rapidly growing community.
It is useful for:
- Developing efficient and structured web servers and HTTP APIs.
- Real-time applications like live chats, notification systems, and real-time collaboration, with integration options for technologies like WebSockets or GraphQL subscriptions.
- Microservices. Nest.js provides a modularized structure that eases the creation and maintenance of independent microservices.
- Complex enterprise applications that require a well-structured, modular architecture. Its focus on separation of concerns and scalability facilitates the development of complex applications with sustainable maintenance and extensibility.
AdonisJS, another of the most used Node.js frameworks
Ideal for developers familiar with Django, Rails, Laravel, etc., AdonisJS offers a wide array of features that allow you to focus solely on developing your project and save time by avoiding the installation of specific libraries.
AdonisJS is a web application development framework for Node.js used to create robust and scalable web applications. It is based on the Model-View-Controller (MVC) design pattern and provides a structured development approach for rapid and efficient development.
It’s suitable for:
- Developing complete web applications, from small applications to more complex enterprise-level applications.
- Developing RESTful APIs. It allows the definition of routes, controllers, and models to handle HTTP requests and corresponding responses.
- Real-time applications, including live chats, real-time dashboards, and collaborative applications.
- Database-backed applications, as it includes an Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) tool called Lucid for simplified database interaction.
Our recent Node.js projects
Among several completed projects, at MyTaskPanel Consulting, we have used Node.js for:
- A platform for bars and restaurants (Horefy), offering online payments and orders, as well as digital menus. We worked with Node.js, Express.js as the framework, MySql as the database, and React.js as the frontend framework, with libraries like Redux-saga.
- Maintenance of a maritime geolocation platform (Global Candace). Sails.js was used as the framework, and React.js was used on the frontend.
That wraps up our list of the most commonly used Node.js frameworks. If you have resolved your queries and are considering your project, we invite you to get in touch with us. At MyTaskPanel Consulting, we have expert professionals who can assist you.
