Top 10 Node js Frameworks for Web & Mobile App Development

The rise of Node.js in the software development industry has been nothing but phenomenal. Web Developers and upstarts have adopted the technology in no time and have already built incredible products by using Node.js. From collecting form data to generating dynamic page content, Node.js has streamlined everything for the developers. For the uninitiated, let us first discuss some basic pointers about Node.js. 

Node.js – From soup to nuts.

Using asynchronous programming, Node.js simplifies a lot of tasks for backend development. Being an open-source, cross-platform, runtime environment, it is free and runs on most of the popular platforms. 

To understand the reason behind the popularity of Node.js, let us consider the example of how PHP and ASP handle a file request. When a task is sent to the file system, these frameworks will wait for the file system to open and read the file. Following this, it will return the content to the client and then get ready for the next request. 

In the case of Node.js, however, the system immediately gets ready for the next request as it does not have to wait for the file system to open it. As and when the file is opened and read, the server will return with content to the client. Because node.js runs in a single-threaded, non-blocking environment, it is very memory efficient and hence popular among the developers. 

The main reason behind the success of node.js in the realm of the modern mobile app development industry is the availability of numerous frameworks, too.

Top 10 Node js Frameworks for Web & Mobile App Development 

1. Hapi.js

Hapi.js is one of the most popular node.js frameworks that is used to create the JSON API. It is regarded as a very robust and handy framework by a massive majority of developers who work with node.js. 

Originally created by Eran Hammer at Walmart, Hapi.js was first used to manage the high volume traffic on black Friday one fine year. Hapi.js is used by many developers to create API servers, websites, and HTTP proxy applications that are crucial for the success of any products around.

2. Meteor.js

Using meteor, developers are able to build applications in tandem with various frontend frameworks such as Angular, React, and even blaze. Known for integrating frontend with backend in a streamlined manner, meteor can need no configuration tools that provide code splitting and dynamic reports for managing projects in a better manner. 

3. Derby.js

Derby is an open-source framework with real-time collaboration capabilities that allows remote teams to work better and build faster. Being a full-stack framework, it is used to build modern real-time web applications. 

Not only this, Derby.js is compatible with any database type. Being highly modular in structure, derby.js comes handy in other sophisticated tasks such as server rendering and quick data binding as well. A number of developers are now trying to build fast-loading realtime web-apps that are flexible as well as extensible.

4. Express.js

Express.js is a highly flexible and minimal node.js framework that is designed by TJ Holowaychuk. Express is highly popular among the developers, especially for those who are looking to create single-page, multiple-page, and even hybrid applications that are very stable and robust when deployed and launched. 

Not known for any incredible mapping engine, express still takes the cake because of regular and frequent updates by the community and contributors from across the world. Because of its quick setup and pure JavaScript environment of Node, Express is valued by product managers for agile development as well as rapid prototyping. 

5. Total.js

Total.js is another one of the emerging node.js frameworks that is being adopted by developers across the world. Not only does it help you to build web and mobile applications, it is also used by developers that have an added dimension requirement for Internet of Things capabilities. 

The best thing about this node.js framework is the fact that it is compatible with most front-end frameworks and MVC architecture as well. Being comparatively new in the ecosystem, total.js has still managed to gain popularity because of its asynchronous and extensibility features. With total.js, a number of UI components are also offered. This makes it even more popular among the developers. 

6. Sails.js

Being an MVC based framework, Sails is inspired by ruby on rails and fulfills almost every requirement for mobile and web app developers in the modern age of robust and stable applications. With detailed blueprints and thorough installation guides, sails.js has been getting popular for creating REST API by developers across the world. 

Another great aspect of Sails.js is that it is highly compatible with almost all the database options such as MySQL, MongoDB, and even Redis. This makes it even easier for sails.js to get traction in the community. 

7. Koa.js

Being tagged as one of the most forward next-gen node.js frameworks, Koa.js has done really well to get popular among the developer community. Being developed by the same team that is behind the creation of express.js, Koa is a more flexible and modular framework that is used by developers to build lighter but faster applications. 

The steep learning curve because of its simplicity makes it even more popular for developers to build MVPs and prototypes. Because of its modularity, customization is even easier when you are using Koa.js. 

8. Adonis.js

For developers who are very big on micro-services, adonis.js is a blessing in disguise if they are well-equipped to work with node.js. Inspired by Lavarel, it uses a lot of its principles such as dependency injection and service providers within the node.js framework. 

Not only this, but the clean codes in Adonis.js also lead to efficiency and fewer escalations, hence very popular for API development by the node.js developers across the world. 

9. Nest.js

Nest is another popular node.js framework for having a very modular structure and organized codes that are used widely for creating server-side applications. Because of its offering external libraries and enhanced architecture for creating modular applications, a lot of developers are now trying to figure out a way on how to make the most out of nest.js.

10. Socket.io

Socket.io is used by a number of node.js developers for creating highly robust and scalable web socket applications. These include chatbots, score tickers, and multiple dashboard APIs. 

Because of the easy socket management that it offers, developers trust it with creating binary streaming and even gives them the ability to customize URLs for web sockets. 

So, these were the top 10 Node.js frameworks for web and mobile app development. Are you a Node.js developer or in the process of becoming one? Let us know your experience with these frameworks. 

Should you need help in navigating Node.js for your products and need experts to help you out, feel free to get in touch with Cumulations. Our pool of expert Node.js developers / ReactJs Developers is always here to help you!

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