Introduction
One of the common questions that we often come across is “What's the right JavaScript framework that we should use for a web application?” Given the number of choices we have today, we certainly cannot say that this is the right choice, of course. However, using the right tool for the right job gives the best results. If you are thinking about something that says “One size fits all,” then let me tell you that it is never going to work. Because people across the globe are too diverse for the concept “One size fits all”.
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So, when it comes to JavaScript frameworks, there is no doubt in saying that AngularJS is one of the best and of course I have seen companies both small and large using both the versions. Having said that, this article is not focused on Angular at all. And yes, there are other options as well to consider and Vue.js is the one that I recommend to most of my clients.
Now coming back to the point, I said “Right tool for the right job,” so what should you pick? angularjs, Vue.js, ReactJS, or any other JavaScript framework? Since there are too many options available, the odds are high for people to pick the wrong tool. So, here are my general thoughts on picking the
JavaScript framework for your next web application. However, I won't be recommending any particular JavaScript framework but instead, I will be mentioning some important points that you should remember and ask yourself while making the choice.
Do your customers care?
When someone argues on using one particular framework over the other, I always think, “ My dad doesn't care what framework I utilize to build the app." Neither do your users. Customers always want something that solves their problem easily and they do not really mind what framework the company used for building the application to make the app function so effortlessly. (Of course, other than a very few people who have the technical knowledge and are interested in technical stuff).
So make sure that whatever framework you are using to build your application is supposed to solve a specific problem for your customers or for you for that matter. Eliminate all the personal biases about each and every framework that you have earlier had and think about it from the customer's point of view.
As web developers, we always think about it from the technical point of view and get caught up debating over “Who is right?”. But the one thing that we need to keep in mind is that the application should do what it is supposed to do and our customers are happy or not by using it. In the end, we're all trying to add business value and keep our customers happy. So as long as the particular framework can be utilized to build an excellent engaging and interactive application, then it really doesn't matter which specific Framework you are using assuming it needs your business requirements and performance.
How easy would it be to maintain the application?
In all our careers, we certainly would have chosen some frameworks and during the application maintenance stage regretted and realized how essential it is to develop applications that are easy to maintain. Choosing a framework which you feel comfortable maintaining is very very very important (I can’t emphasize enough). And this includes how simple it will be to welcome new people on board who can hit the ground running with the picked JavaScript framework.
The below are some of the important questions which are related to maintenance of the application,
- Do your app developers utilize compiler or a scripted language all the time? Sometimes, it is not as easy as picking a framework - you will have to choose the language also. Even if it does look a bit obvious, but there are other options to consider. So there is nothing wrong with being a bit careful while choosing the language which will be utilized along with the framework. Developers who always use a compiler might incline towards Typescript but on the other hand, JavaScript developers who have absolutely zero experience utilizing a compiler may feel a little more comfortable utilizing ES5 or ES2015.
- What would be the deployment process for the framework?
- Can framework offer ways to organize code and features?
- Can your framework offer a comprehensive style guide which developers can easily follow the application maintenance?
If you are already used to using a framework then choosing another JavaScript framework wouldn't be that difficult as you already are familiar with keeping things as consistent as possible between the client and server. But if you want a collage of libraries to have an excellent flexibility to include different features as required, then you certainly need more than one library. However, the below are the 4 JavaScript frameworks that I have worked with or looked into.
Angular
I personally am a huge fan of Angular. It offers a dynamic set of features out of the box which is all integrated. In addition, it offers AOT (Ahead-of-time) compilation for production build as well as Command-line Interface. This particular framework is run by an excellent team of developers at the Google and also has a powerful open source community.
React
React is the user interface library which has numerous extra features that can be added to your application. React provides excellent performance and is extremely simple to get started. Powerful open source community and a team of experienced developers at Facebook assist in running the project. In addition to that, React provides Command-line interface to help get started.
Vue.js
This is a Progressive framework. With the help of extra scripts, developers can create both large and small applications utilizing Vue. Not only is this framework lightweight but also extremely fast and takes no time to get started using. It is an open source project that is growing swiftly. It has a command line interface to help developers get started with their first project.
Ember
This Framework is extremely useful for creating single page client-side web apps. It also has a command-line interface that offers a certain project structure and the comprehensive set of development tools which includes an add-on system. This framework is a free and open-source.
Are smartphone users your target audiences?
If you are targeting smartphone users then you need to double check how well the framework you have chosen will support mobile development. Also, check if you have to develop all of the mobile controls which are touch-optimized. The more effective questions you ask, the clearer idea you will get about choosing your framework.
Final thoughts
Each framework acts differently and it is essential to be unbiased while choosing a framework for your web app. Considering the variety of options that are available, I feel that you need to experiment with each framework before making the final choice. Talk to someone who has already developed apps using that particular framework and take their point of view also into consideration. First, develop a prototype and see how well the app runs. You will know yourself.
Summary
Well, the aforementioned are only some of the questions. There are many other questions and guidelines which can help you in making the right choice. However, all frameworks have their pros and cons and all of them can be utilized to create both small and large applications. So unless you see for yourself, you cannot be sure which framework would be the perfect one for your application.