In the past, JavaScript operated solely within the user’s browser environment. However, as technology progressed, so did web development practices. Previously, websites were static, providing only information without interactivity. Today, they have transformed into dynamic platforms, featuring numerous elements that engage users. While advancements in front-end development are significant, backend development continues to progress, necessitating the execution of JavaScript beyond the browser context.
Several backend frameworks have been developed to assist JavaScript developers in managing server-side tasks. In this article, we will explore the various JavaScript backend frameworks.
What is a JavaScript backend framework?
The JavaScript backend framework is designed to facilitate the development of backend functionalities, encompassing aspects such as routing, middleware, server setup, database integration, error management, and additional features. This framework is employed to enhance overall performance by accelerating the development process.
Following are the backend frameworks in JavaScript:
- Node.js
- Express.js
- Sails.js
- Gatsby
- Meteor
- NextJS
- Ruby on Rails
- Backbone.js
Node.js
This backend framework was created by the OpenJS Foundation and was initially sanctioned by Ryan Dahl. Its first release occurred fifteen years prior, on May 27, 2009. It is compatible with a wide array of operating systems, including macOS, Linux, Microsoft Windows, FreeBSD, SmartOS, OpenBSD, and others.
Node.js is widely recognized for its rapid performance and high efficiency. It serves as a platform for developing server-side applications using JavaScript. This technology is particularly well-suited for real-time applications that involve communication. Node.js is capable of managing numerous user requests simultaneously.
Express.js
This framework for backend web development was created by TJ Holowaychuk, StrongLoop, among others. Its first release occurred thirteen years ago on November 16, 2010.
It serves the purpose of developing RESTful APIs using Node.js and is regarded as the quintessential server framework for this environment. This framework is an integral component of well-known development stacks like MERN and MEAN. Characterized by its lightweight and efficient nature, it offers functionalities including middleware, routing, and additional features that enable backend development with minimal code.
This framework is lightweight, adaptable, and minimalist, offering a range of functionalities for developing both web and mobile applications. It enables the straightforward and rapid construction of APIs.
Sails.js
This framework for web development follows the MVC (Model-View-Controller) architecture and was created by Mike McNeil along with a team of contributors. Its first release took place twelve years ago, in the year 2012. The framework is specifically tailored for the development of web applications and application programming interfaces (APIs).
It is designed for developing tailored and enterprise-level Node.js applications. This framework features a robust ORM that facilitates data access across any database. It includes templates that enable the initiation of the application backend without requiring any coding. It seamlessly integrates with various front-end technologies, including React, Angular, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, and others. Additionally, it offers straightforward WebSocket integration, ensuring compatibility with every route available in the Sails application.
Gatsby
This is a web application framework that was created by Gatsby, Inc. and first made available in 2015. It provides over 2500 plugins for building static websites; however, its version 4 introduces capabilities for server-side rendering and deferred static generation, enabling the rendering of dynamic websites.
This framework is open-source and designed to be scalable, constructed upon the React framework. It enables developers to create websites that are fast, robust, and secure. By leveraging GraphQL, it offers a consistent approach for handling pages. Additionally, it supplies themes and starter templates that can be employed during the app development process.
MeteorJS
This is a free and open-source JavaScript framework created by Meteor Software. It made its debut twelve years ago on January 20, 2012. Its primary function is to facilitate the development of cross-platform code.
It offers a front-end agnostic capability, enabling the choice of any front-end framework like VueJS, React, Blaze, and others. This feature facilitates the development of applications for both mobile and desktop platforms. Additionally, it supports TypeScript, significantly enhancing productivity for full-stack application development. The platform includes Remote Procedure Call (RPC) APIs, which seamlessly link the back-end and front-end through methods. Moreover, it provides real-time updates and allows for the deployment of applications with a single command via the CLI.
NextJS
This is a web framework that is open-source, created by Vercel in collaboration with the open-source community. It was first endorsed by Guillermo Rauch and made its debut twelve years ago on January 20, 2012.
It includes inherent optimizations like automatic image and script enhancements aimed at improving core web vitals, among other features. It also offers dynamic HTML streaming, which enables immediate transmission of the user interface directly from the server. The framework incorporates route handlers that facilitate the creation of API endpoints, allowing for secure connections with external services. Additionally, it provides middleware that manages incoming requests effectively. This system enables flexible rendering on both the client and server sides. Furthermore, it introduces server actions that execute server-side code by invoking a function. Lastly, it features sophisticated routing and nested layouts that assist in constructing routes based on the file system.
Koa is a contemporary and streamlined web framework crafted by the developers of Express. The primary goal was to design a compact, durable, and more expressive framework to facilitate the creation of web applications and APIs. It offers a range of functionalities that assist in rapidly developing servers.
It delivers a middleware framework and presents a range of functionalities. This makes it an excellent option for developers seeking a versatile and streamlined framework.
Ruby on Rails
This comprehensive web framework operates on both the front-end and back-end, having been launched eighteen years prior, specifically in August 2004. The creator of Ruby on Rails is David Heinemeier Hansson. This framework follows the MVC architecture pattern, providing a standard structure for database interactions and web services.
It employs web standards such as XML or JSON for data exchange, along with CSS, HTML, and JavaScript for user interface design. It offers a complete suite of tools essential for full-stack development. It facilitates tasks such as updating databases, rendering HTML templates, managing live pages through WebSockets, and a variety of additional functionalities.
It offers a dynamic record that allows models to engage with the application database. This dynamic record includes numerous functionalities such as validations, migrations, associations, callbacks, and a query interface.
Backbone.js
This is an open-source web application framework created by Jeremy Ashkenas. Its first release took place thirteen years ago, on October 13, 2010. The framework employs the MVC (Model View Controller) architecture, which is designed to interface with APIs via RESTful JSON.
The primary objective behind the development of Backbone.js was to facilitate the construction of Single-page applications (SPAs). This framework is designed to seamlessly integrate with APIs, as it comes pre-set to synchronize with RESTful APIs. Backbone.js offers a variety of features, including backbone.model, backbone.view, backbone.events, among others.
Conclusion:
In this article, we have explored JavaScript backend frameworks. When selecting the appropriate framework, it is crucial to take into account several factors, including the specific requirements of your project, the performance expectations of the application you aim to develop, the robustness of the community and ecosystem surrounding the framework, its flexibility, capabilities for real-time operations, considerations regarding SEO, security aspects, associated costs and licensing, compatibility with other technologies, as well as the availability of testing tools and documentation. We have examined various frameworks along with their key features, allowing you to choose one that best fits your needs.