Top 12 Best Nodejs Frameworks for Web App Development in 2022

Demand for web applications has escalated over time – an app that is easily accessible through a browser search and needs no download or update/upgrade is what every business longs for in 2022. Web apps are software that runs on web servers outreaching the OS limitations to serve a larger audience pool. From Facebook to Google Analytics., Wistia, HasOffers, etc are some of the successful examples of web apps that are prevalent in 2022 and will go beyond the time.

Paying heed to such a demand for web app development among businesses, web app developers, Android, and iOS developers have started to test different frameworks that offer advanced features and functionalities to fulfill the current user expectations from the technology. As per the user-survey report of Node.js, 4 out of 5 back-end and full-stack developers have rated node.js frameworks to be their first choice when it comes to developing web apps.

There is an authority of node.js based frameworks when it comes to web app development but which one do the professional app developers suggest? While some frameworks give development freedom others support automation. The article holds the list of the top 10 node.js frameworks that are used exponentially in the development of web applications. Also when and where the frameworks will apply to perform the specific tasks during web app development.

What is node.js? 

It is a popular but indeed a wrong notion that node.js is a framework. However, it is a Javascript-based runtime environment that supports the performance and execution of web applications on web browsers. The technology lets web developers write commands using Javascript and do server-side scripting (to provide real-time content to the people who are accessing the app through the browser).

While node.js is a runtime environment built to do server-side scripting, a node.js based framework is more like a toolkit that is integrated into the application to process various functionalities. Several professional mobile app developers have come up with

Types of Node.js frameworks

Just like any other web-app technology, Node.js also offers UI frameworks that support different use cases in the app development cycle. There are three types of frameworks based on Node.js – MVC, Full-Stack MVC, and REST API.

Let’s dive into the introduction and benefits of these frameworks:

1. MVC Node.js Frameworks 

The Model-view Controller frameworks support the robust app designs by segregating the app logistics into three parts – model, view, and controller. Separating the logic will help in maintaining, managing, and scaling the application faster. One of the best examples of the MVC framework is Express.js. 

2. Full Stack MVC Node.js Frameworks 

As the name has it, full-stack MVC frameworks support the development of dynamic and real-time browser applications. The framework supports scaffolding, has a huge UI library, template engines, and a wide array of other developmental capabilities. Moreover, the framework supports both front-end and back-end app development – all under one roof. The framework is a wise choice for highly interactive applications.

With all the in-built capabilities you can rely on the node.js frameworks with building large scale, user-oriented applications like Healthcare applications, travel and tourism portal, banking apps, logistics and transport apps. With the best client-side and server-side communications.

3. REST API and Rest API frameworks  

On a basic level, an API is the set of rules that defines how the application will communicate and access the resources of other applications. While other APIs have strict structures for developers, REST APIs promote more flexibility and freedom for app developers to use external app resources making the best web applications faster. Working with REST API means you do not have to worry about the architectural styles of network applications.

Node.js-based REST API frameworks provide a ready programming interface to build apps that need access from external applications and an internet connection for usage on the user end.

The Most Popular Node.js frameworks of current times 

Advanced businesses need advanced solutions. A lot of functionalities have come up in a few decades making applications the most advanced and standalone service for various purposes. Responsible for some best web apps of recent time, Node.js frameworks have exponentially increased the performance and reduced the consumption of time and resources. Benefitting both the web-app developers and the end clients.

From Netflix to GoDaddy, Uber, LinkedIn, Trello and PayPal – all these are web-app examples based on Node.js frameworks.

When we talk about node.js frameworks, Express.js leads the queue as the most popular and efficient web app framework with 43000 Github stars. Followed by that is Meteor.js specializing in real-time app development serving purposes such as gaming, messaging, online streaming, etc. through robust applications. Meteor.js framework boasts 40,000 Github stars.

Paying heed to the advanced business app development, CTOs are inclined towards the potential frameworks that can develop customized solutions in a limited time frame and ultimately reduce ‘time to market the application.

Top 12 Node.js frameworks for Web App Development in 2022 and beyond

Node.js based frameworks like Express, Meteor, Nestjs, Total.js, etc. are the current industry leaders giving some of the online web app hits. This section deals with the 12 best Node.js frameworks that are used by professional mobile app developers to build some cost-effective yet top-notch web apps:

1. Express.js

The best node.js framework, Express.js is at the top of this list for a reason. It is one of the most flexible and effective platforms that gives freedom to app developers to be as innovative as they can with their web app development. The framework has a minimalistic approach substantially reducing time and efforts in making the best web applications. The technology made its debut in 2010 and still leads the queue of the top Node.js frameworks for web app development.

Features of Express.js 

-> No need for you to have deep knowledge of Javascript coding.

-> A Model View Controller Architecture.

-> The basic understanding of the Node.js runtime environment will do.

-> Express supports high-speed Input-Output Operations making it a default potential for all the apps made on the framework.

-> Packed with several Node.js features to enhance app functionality.

-> Needs fewer codes to speed up the process.

-> The power to streamline multiple operations that are executed independently through asynchronous programming.

-> The framework supports high test coverage – helps to develop high-quality and bug-free web applications.

-> A large number of HTTP helpers make programs intelligent and reusable.

-> Establishing uninterrupted and sleek communication between client and server by giving HTTP headers to URLs to fetch exact information from the end-user side.

Express.js Use-Case

While Express.js supports faster web app development with the best API integration, this Node.js framework can be used to make enterprise-level web applications that are highly interactive and serve multiple asynchronous purposes that are entirely different from each other. From small scale to large scale, every size business can use the technology to come up with a stronger application that will increase their sales.

2. Koa.js – Next-Gen Web Development Framework based on Node.js

The advanced framework designed for web app development keeps a stronger foundation for web applications and APIs. With the Koa.js framework, API integration is faster while the framework can efficiently bundle any middleware within the core. The framework promotes transparency and maintains various forms of content that the users could access with a single URL. Koa supports page translation and content personalization with the same URL as in E-Commerce websites.

Features of Koa.js 

-> Highly customizable framework and middleware for highly personalized user experience.

-> A lightweight version of Express.

-> Testing and eliminating errors at the compiler level so that runtime is error-free.

-> Clean cache, supports proxy and content negotiation.

-> One can develop highly customized and exclusive web applications from the scratch.

-> Balances the node inconsistencies and helps to maintain code.

Koa.js Use-Case

With higher customization capability, Koa is well suited for extensive, data-centric and scalable applications. The framework is a go-to choice of web-app developers who are indulged in making high-end and large application projects. Koa.js is believed to be faster and stronger than Express. Come up with the best real-estate application using Koa.js framework.

3. Meteor.js 

A true Javascript-based framework, Meteor.js uses only one language in the core coding to make robust web applications. Meteor.js is a venture by Meteor – a software startup that established its roots in 2012. The framework is programmed to make customary data changes for clients without the efforts of the developers. The framework is best for data-centric applications where data is optimized to show results.

The framework is highly flexible with the variants of different operating systems from Android to iOS and other desktop/tablet OS – all the applications build on one single language i.e Javascript.

Features of Meteor.js

-> Koa.js is packed with a huge array of libraries, plugins and UI testing components.

-> Known for sleek data flow and uninterrupted communication in-between client and server.

-> Real-time data transfer.

-> JS-based isomorphic framework.

-> The framework supporting quick and easy app prototyping.

-> Full-stack web app development solution supporting front-end and back-end development.

-> Quick and easy integration with other frameworks.

Meteor.js Use-Case

Applications are built in no time with the meteor.js framework. Working withmeteor.js is indeed the best choice if a web app developer is well versed with Javascript basics. The framework is well suited for data-centric business applications that promote higher customer interaction and needs to show customized results for every user. With meteor.js you can deploy live updates even on the pre-installed applications.

4. Socket.io 

As the real-time user-centric applications are connected to each other with the feature of simultaneously updating responses and requests, we need Socket.io to configure the functionality.  Socket.io is a JS-based library that plays an important role in developing real-time applications and establishing to and fro communication between the client and server ends.

Features of Socket.io

-> The library framework is best suited for real-time applications that support huge data transmission every day.

-> Best for messaging apps that ruin on live updates and need to refresh the background process to update messages.

-> Reliable framework for the transfer of information and messages.

-> Multiplexing support

-> Auto-reconnection

-> Similar APIs for client-side and server-side coding.

Socket.io Use-Case

The best framework for real-time applications like messaging apps, online streaming apps, multiplayer gaming apps, conference apps, VC portals, etc. Zoom is one such example of a Socket.io use case.

5. Nest.js 

The best ever node.js framework for large and medium scale business applications. Nest.js is used to build some dynamic and highly productive web apps that will effectively serve the purpose of millions who are using the app at the same time. It has a comprehensive UI library and promotes flexibility. Meant to double the back-end productivity of any business, Nest.js is the highly recommended choice for enterprise-level applications.

As the framework is compatible with the subset of Javascript (i.e. Typescript), it has the clean-code architecture maintaining the feature and function complexity of large-scale enterprise applications.

Features of Nest.js 

-> The best ever combination of object-oriented and Functional Reactive Programming (FRP).

-> The framework is easy to learn and implement.

-> Compatibility with Angular.Js for front-end optimization.

-> Easily accessible external libraries for systematic and effective coding.

-> FRP to simplify complex GUI

Nest.js Use-Case

Best suited for scalable and highly productive web apps that require a huge UI library and serves multiple purposes simultaneously. A large-scale enterprise app needs high-level management, optimization, and maintenance – go with Nest.js to achieve the same. On-demand Taxi booking applications are the best use case example of the Nest.js framework.

6. Sails.js 

Following the MVC architectural pattern from frameworks like Ruby on Rails, Sails.js gives customized solutions for data-oriented web app development. The framework is compatible with all the databases and is highly flexible with the integration of other Javascript frameworks. So you can easily put your bets on sails.js for developing high-end customized applications.

Features of Sails.js

-> It is a front-end agnostic backend platform. While the framework uses Express for HTTP requests and Socket.io for WebSockets.

-> Supports auto-generating REST APIs.

-> Reusable security protocols.

-> Object Relational Mapping for framework and database compatibility.

-> Sails.js uses Express for HTTP requests and Socket.io for WebSockets.

Sails.js Use-Case

Its compatibility with Socket.io makes the framework tailor-made for developing gaming applications or social media applications. Due to its other in-built capabilities, Sails.js is highly used in enterprise-level applications.

7. Total.js 

One of the best node.js frameworks, Total.js is the whole-sole framework that gives a CMS-like experience and is powered with every crucial component that you need to make a Node. js-based web application. There are various versions of the Total.js framework like CMS, Helpdesk and Eshop. The variants in your business application will increase the scope of IoT integration, REST services and super-fast applications – substantially lowering the cost and bringing stability to your services.

Features of Total.js

-> Accurate real-time tracking

-> Auto discover projects

-> Highly compatible with various front-end frameworks.

-> Speedy development and lower maintenance costs.

Total.js Use-Case

The framework is well suited for customized app development, visual programming interfaces for IoT, developing e-commerce applications, cloud services and real-time applications. If you have less time to market your application, Total.js will certainly help you develop the app faster. You can come up with grocery and e-commerce applications with total.js as its codebase.

8. Hapi.js

A simple and most secure open-source framework for web app development. As the data security aspect is strong here, Hapi.js is known to develop proxy servers, REST APIs and high-end desktop applications. The framework owns a large set of built-in plugins, so one needs not to worry about integrating middlewares.

Features of Hapi.js

-> Technology for scalable applications

-> Secure ecosystem

-> Testing and bug fixing is easier and faster with hapi.js

-> Best compatibility with MySQL, MongoDB and other databases.

-> Compatibility with Rest APIs and HTTPS proxy apps.

-> Default caching, authentication and input validation.

Hapi.js Use-Case

Hapi.js is the best in class framework technology for developing highly scalable, real-time and secure applications. One can easily rely on hapi.js for social media and messaging applications. The technology is trusted with building proxies and API servers.

9. Feather.js 

One of the top 12 best node.js technologies, Feather.js is the robust framework for backend development. It provides flexibility to code on Node.js as well as React Native to come up with some innovative and highly responsive web applications. Rely on this framework with Android App Development and iOS App Development as well.

Responsible for some simple yet affluent interfaces, Feather.js decodes the programming into straightforward and intelligent source coding so that developers do not have to deal with the complexities of RESTful APIs.

Features of Feather.js

-> It is easier to implement, connect and communicate features of web applications.

-> A lightweight framework

-> Reusable functionalities

-> A wide array of default plugins for authentication and authorization.

-> Automatic RESTful APIs.

-> The framework supports both Javascript and Typescript

Feather.js Use-Case

It is one of the best node.js frameworks used to build real-time applications, REST APIs and productive applications. Feather.js comes to the role when one needs to simplify the complex interfaces for building user-friendly business applications.

10. Loopback.js 

Known for its robust connectivity with other node.js frameworks, Loopback.js helps the developer make innovative applications in no time. It is easier to integrate several different API services into the application and the framework works best with developing the best APIs in the less development time frame.

Features of Loopback.js

-> Flexible with a wide range of devices, browsers, and databases.

-> The best ever documentation to support even the mauve developers to work with the technology.

-> Built-in client-side API explorer.

-> Used for extensive applications.

-> Front-end and back-end development

-> Data storage, third-party access and user management.

Loopback.js Use-Case

Web apps like GoDaddy, Sapient and Wizerg have already trusted the framework as a potential resource to serve their huge clientele. Loopback.js is one of the best node.js frameworks for extensive server-side apps.

11. Adonis.js 

An MVC architecture based on structural patterns of Laravel, Adonis.js is one of the streamlined node.js frameworks that help developers build an organized application with the hierarchical composition of features and functionalities. Adonis.js substantially reduces the time of app development by supporting essential development details.

Features of Adonis.js

-> Framework substantially enhances development speed and thus time to market the app reduces.

-> Websocket support.

-> Full-stack app development.

-> Easier validation for user input

-> Supports writing custom functional test scripts.

-> The framework provides protection against external threats like cross-site forgery.

Adonis.js Use-Case

The framework is best-suited to build web applications and services faster that can return JSON responses from the controller. You can come up with some high-end interactive applications with robust security in very little time.

12. Derby.js 

One of the best full-stack node.js frameworks, Derby.js is meant to create real-time business applications. Derby.js supports running the same source code on Node.js and the browser, which saves time for writing separate codes for client and server ends. The high-end framework allows offline usage and also has a simplified scripting facility to write multi-user applications.

Features of Derby.js

-> Racer engine support.

-> Operational transformation and data synchronization.

-> Provides developers with offline usage.

-> Code customizations.

-> Computes client-side views on the server.

Derby.js Use-Case

Derby.js is the best node.js framework for developing web apps for messaging. Working with the framework you can be assured of real-time data synchronization and quick content loading.

Conclusion  

Node.js can be relied on with making any type of business application you want. What matters the most is knowing the potential and in-built functionalities of the best node.js frameworks and implementing the right technology to achieve your online business goals. With constantly updating technology and an even wider pool of resources, picking the right resource to channelize your business web app development becomes the must.

Talk about your business needs with Vervelogic – a professional web app development and digital marketing firm for comprehensive web app development implementing the latest technology.