Top 10 Node.JS Frameworks that makes Web App Development effortless

The latest pandemic has mandated the need to establish an online presence. The demand for having a web application is increased to the personalized solution that delivers the best experiences. Hire a team of proficient web developers catering the best web development services that you can consider for next-gen web development. The need for high-performant, scalable, and stable web application development has made developers try new frameworks to meet the requirements. It’s perfectly met by the Node.JS frameworks.

Node.JS has a large community of developers who are actively contributing to making Node.JS better than before. Node.JS is a runtime environment that runs Javascript code on the server side. However, developers need frameworks to create functionalities, which made leading developers to create frameworks for Node.JS. The web development guide will help you have a better insight at the web app development process and the various aspects that need to be looked into.

The reduced development cost, improved developer productivity, enhanced performance, and a range of benefits with Node.JS for web app development intensified Node.JS framework leverage for website development. CTOs are also giving credence to the frameworks that facilitate web app development with minimum resource consumption and time investment. Let’s understand Node.JS frameworks and a brief overview of the best Node frameworks that are in trend.

What are Node.JS frameworks?

Node.js is not a framework but rather it is a JavaScript runtime environment, that is, a platform to execute JavaScript codes on the server-side which makes it portable. Different technologies provide a range of frameworks that makes the web application development journey plain sailing. Node.JS is no exception. Here selecting the right tech stack for a web development project is the key. It offers various frameworks that fall into three major categories- REST API, MVC, and Full-stack MVC.

REST API frameworks of Node.JS enable rapid web development without needing to take care of the app’s architecture due to the in-built REST API.

MVC frameworks follow modular architecture wherein the logic layer is separated from the view layer which makes web app development and maintenance easier.

Full-stack MVC framework introduces a lot of capabilities such as libraries, scaffolding, templating engine, and others required for real-time app’s frontend and backend development.

It is best to hire remote Node.JS developers to build a modern web app using the most feasible Node frameworks for your development requirements.

10 best Node.JS frameworks to consider in 2023

There’s a number of Node frameworks that overwhelm businesses and clients when they are looking for the best NodeJS frameworks for web development. Realizing the need of businesses, the list of the best Node.JS frameworks that are highly used is created to help you.

Express.js

One of the best Node frameworks launched way back in 2010, is known for coding architecture and minimalistic approach. It’s often referred to as the de facto standard for Node.JS development because it meets the minimum Node.JS requirements with seamless sync with single-threaded nature and high-speed I/O operations of the node.

Express has a low learning curve as basic programming skills and a Node.JS environment is enough to get started with Node.JS development. Plus, asynchronous and robust architecture that jives fairly with node allows rookie developers to get started easily. Express provides APIs that streamline client-to-server requests and make user interactions visible. Thereby it helps in improving communication between client and server which results in better user experience delivery. Accenture, IBM, and Twitter are the popular companies that have to get built using Express.

Express can be used for enterprise-grade web app development because of Node.JS features that accelerate website development with less coding. High test coverage ensures bug-free delivery and asynchronous programming guarantee high performance. Security features, routing, templating, error handling, and large community support make it the best for next-gen web development.

When to use Express.JS?

• Rapid web app development
• Browser-based or enterprise-grade website development
• Meet high-performance needs
• Best for rookie developers

Nest.js

Nest framework has comprehensive libraries that enable building scalable, dynamic, and multi-layered enterprise-level web application development efficiently. The ability to maintain clean-code architecture despite large-scale web apps’ complexity improves developers’ productivity as they can build maintainable web apps easily.

The functional reactive programming and object-oriented programming of Nest simplify complex UI engineering. Easy integration with Express and Fastify frameworks and high compatibility with Angular facilitate the best front-end development. The smooth learning curve and an arsenal of tools to improve developers’ productivity enable quality web application development in reduced time.

When to use Nest.JS?

• Dynamic and scalable development
• Graphics-heavy development
• Maintainable large-scale development
• Multi-layered enterprise development

Koa.js

Koa APIs make web services development a lot easier because it has a mechanism to better deal with HTTP middleware using a stack-like method. The framework aces in maintaining different content forms that are shown to the users with the same link. For instance, representing different images format, page translations, content personalization, and others are handled by the framework.

Koa enables writing code with fewer complexities which help in handling errors and makes the web app flawless. The node inconsistencies normalization, a high degree of customization, and cascading middleware enable delivering the hyper-personalized experience to the users. If performance is the need of the application, Koa is a good choice but the steep learning curve makes it difficult to play for novice players.

When to use Koa.JS?

• High performance is the need.
• Require more options for customizations
• Extensive web development with large teams involved

Meteor.js

Launched in 2012, Meteor is an isomorphic, JS-based framework that leverages only one language for Node.JS web app development. It helps developers to disseminate data changes to clients automatically, and effortlessly. The seamless data transfer between client and server makes the framework an ideal solution for real-time streaming service applications. Also, a comprehensive set of libraries and testing features lend a hand in maintaining pace with client-server communications.

Besides, building apps for desktop and mobile OS-variants is feasible with JS language that makes Meteor a cross-platform framework. Easy integrations, extensive community support, and enhanced interactions make it good for real-time web application development with a short deadline and budget. The ability to deploy updates on the users’ applications without interrupting their ongoing session makes Meteor outshine.

When to use Meteor.JS?

• Accelerated, cross-platform development.
• Deploy live updates
• Real-time web app development
• Integration with other frameworks is required

Socket.io

Real-time web app development requires updating requests and responses in real time for the best results, which is configured using the Socket framework. For instance, WhatsApp like a real-time chat application requires continuous updates wherein background processes run ceaselessly to keep the chat up-to-date.

The framework is well-known for enabling bidirectional communication between client and server. Also, the real-time analytics functionality is enabled with less code. If you are looking for a multiplayer game app, video conferencing app, and chat room application development, Socket works great by pushing data from the servers even if it’s not requested by the client.
The support for multiplexing, auto-reconnection, and error detection is phenomenal which made thousands of companies use the Socket framework.

When to use Socket.io?

• WhatsApp-like real-time chat app development
• Enable real-time analytics functionality
• Zoom-like Video conferencing app development

Total.js

Initially, if the businesses are looking for a framework that delivers a CMS-like experience and the backend is as powerful as Node.JS apps, the Total.js framework is the right fit. The open-source framework is available in three variations- CMS, Eshop, and HelpDesk to widen the app’s capability. For instance, you can leverage REST service, integrate IoT technology, and others which reduces maintenance costs.

Accelerated development facilitated by Total framework helps businesses to meet their web app development project needs with a steep deadline. Flexibility to seamlessly integrate with the frontend framework make the Total framework- an ideal solution for visual interface programming, and custom development.

When to use Total.JS?

• Visual interface for IoT apps
• Custom web apps development
• Ecommerce development
• Real-time collaboration app development
• Cloud services

Sail.js

The architecture, database compatibility, and integration with JS frameworks makes the Sail framework best support data-oriented development. The code writing policies reduce the number of lines of code to write and enable seamless integration with npm modules. Also, the same API can be used by different team members which saves web application development time and effort.

When high-end custom chat app development or scaling Node.JS web app is your business need, sail framework helps you with the same using reusable middleware functions and smooth data flow. With Socket and Express, the best Node.JS web app can be built.

When to use Sail.JS?

• Custom chat app development
• Easy integration with games and social media apps

Hapi.js

When security is the core need of the web application, the Hapi.js framework will make you happy forever. The open-source framework is well known for building secure, scalable, and stable web app development with minimal overhead. The rich set of plugins enables enhancing the web app at speed.

Default authentication and data validation, secure defaults, compatibility with a range of databases, and compatibility with proxy apps are the plus points of the Hapi framework that developers search for the most.

When to use Hapi.JS?

• Social media development
• Secure and scalable development
• Real-time app development

Feather.js

The JS-based framework is essentially a Node.JS microservice framework with real-time functionality that has made transformed the web application development landscape. Feather framework just like its name makes the developers feel light with straightforward decoding and without getting entangled in the complexities of RESTful APIs.

It supports all frontend and backend development technologies in the Node.JS environment to facilitate the development of production-ready apps and full-stack web app.

When to use Feather.JS?

• Building production-ready apps
• REST APIs development
• Real-time app development
• Engineer full-stack web app

Loopback.js

Loopback framework seamlessly integrates with various APIs and other Node.JS frameworks. That’s why it’s leveraged at scale for creating REST APIs in reduced time. Structured code also lends a hand in app module maintenance and rapid web app development. The flexibility it provides in connecting with an array of browsers, databases, devices, and services is impressive.

When end-to-end API development or API request handling is your business need, Loopback can help with multiple database support, clear and modular codes, extensibility, third-party stack, and authentication mechanism.

When to use Loopback.JS?

• Creating REST APIs
• Rapid app development
• Real-time networking applications
• Extensible and secure app development

Which Node.JS framework should you choose for the next development project?

In the advancing web development era, businesses look for modern technologies and frameworks to meet ends. Using these frameworks makes it easy for Node.JS developers to integrate the best web development trends to the business solution. That’s where the 10 best Node frameworks help them get to build a stable, secure, and scalable solution. Deciding the best pick in the list of Node.JS frameworks is implausible because every project is unique that differentiates the resources requirements.

First, document your project requirements and then compare them with Node framework offerings to identify the best fit. Still, struggling with Node.JS framework selection for web development? Talk with an expert at Prismetric to help you conduct a discovery workshop to precisely find out project needs and accordingly choose the right Node.JS framework that fulfills web development project needs. Also, All the best!

FAQs on Node Frameworks

What are Node.JS frameworks?

Node.JS frameworks are the platforms that are built on top of the Node.JS library having some functions and libraries that make web app development a breeze.

Why to use a Node.js framework?

Using a Node.js framework can help streamline the development process, provide a consistent structure, and improve application performance and scalability.

What are the most popular Node frameworks?

Some of the most popular Node.js frameworks include Express.js, Nest.js, Hapi.js, Koa.js, Meteor.js, Socket.io, Total.js, Sail.js, Feather.js, and Loopback.js among others. All the Node frameworks are bifurcated into three different concepts namely: MVC, Full-stack, and REST API.

Which Node.JS framework is best?

All Node frameworks are best in distinct aspects thereby meeting the different needs of the web project. Scrutinize the project requirements that help you with the right Node.JS framework selection.

How do I choose a Node.js framework for my project?

When choosing a Node framework, consider factors such as project requirements, developer skill level, community support, and available resources. Alternatively, you can also consult with tech experts to help you make a decision.

Can I use a Node.js framework to build APIs?

Yes, Node.js frameworks such as Express.js and Hapi are popular for building APIs due to their lightweight nature and ease of use.

Can I use a Node.js framework to build real-time applications?

Yes, frameworks such as Socket.io and Meteor are well-suited for building real-time applications that require live updates and interactions.

Are there any Node.js frameworks that specialize in e-commerce applications?

Yes, there are several Node frameworks that specialize in e-commerce applications, such as Reaction Commerce and Saleor.

Can I use a Node framework to build mobile applications?

Yes, Node.js frameworks such as React Native and NativeScript can be used to build mobile applications using JavaScript.

Are Node.js frameworks suitable for building enterprise-level applications?

Yes, Node.js frameworks are increasingly being adopted by large organizations for building enterprise-level applications due to their scalability and performance.

How do I find developers with experience in a specific Node.js framework?

You can find developers with experience in a specific Node.js framework by searching online communities and job boards, or by partnering with a specialized development agency. Alternatively you can avail remote Node developers for hire from us.

Is react a Node.JS framework?

No, React is not a Node.js framework. React is a JavaScript library for building user interfaces, primarily on the client side.

Is Express.js is a node framework?

Yes, Express.js is a Node.js web application framework. It is one of the most popular Node.js frameworks used for building single-page, multi-page, or hybrid web application and APIs.