Web Development is made possible because of frameworks. There are two kinds of frameworks in the web development industry that the developers require to use for making any applications or websites. Some frameworks are called as frontend, which is visible from the client’s side. On the other hand, some frameworks are called backend because they work behind the scene (from the server’s side) to make interactive web applications.
In this article, we are going to discuss some of the most trending and best backend frameworks in 2020. Note that, among these 6 backend frameworks we are going to talk about below are chosen based on the popularity and features.
However, if you ask us, which of these are the easiest web framework, we would say that it depends on your level of expertise and knowledge on the programming languages the frameworks originate from. Well, talking no more, let’s dive into the best backend frameworks now.
Django
If you are looking for a python based web development framework, you should consider Django. It is a free and open-source framework created in 2003 and named after Django Reinhardt, a famous guitarist.
When it comes to API development within a short time and designing backend web apps of high quality, Django is is the name that comes to the mind of the developers. One reason why it has got the favor of the developers is that it requires very little coding.
This python-based framework decreases the hassles of the developers to a great extent and as a result, this is used by many top applications of the world. Companies like NASA, Pinterest, and Instagram use this framework for the flexibility and scalability it offers along with libraries and enriched task modules.
However, if you are looking for the best frontend framework for Django, we would recommend you go for either ReactJS or VueJS 2.
Since its beginning, Django is going under constant development and improvements. From a small and simple project to a big and complex one, Django is ideal to build any kind of application. Here are some of the key benefits of using Django framework:
- Applications made by the Django framework are secured from attacks by third parties.
- It is easy to customize.
- It offers a large and always extending community along with documentation.
- Minimal use of third party plugins required.
- Developers can add new hardware during any phase as it supports scalability.
- When it comes to identifying XML and JSON files, Django helps a lot.
Flask
If Django seems too heavy for you and you are looking for a lightweight backend framework, Flask is there to help. Being a python based backend framework, this framework is very lightweight. You do not require to Django to use for small projects as that is made for complex and bigger projects. In that case, Flask is the best backend framework to choose from.
When it comes to support, you will have good support for Dispatching of RESTful requests. securing cookies and unit testing as well. Creating customized and scalable apps was never so easy as it is with the Flask framework. Let’s have a look at some of the features of the Flask backend framework:
- Flexible and lightweight
- Ideal for smaller projects
- Very well compatible with Google App Engine
- Debuggers and built-in servers for development purposes.
- The minimalist approach lets the developers have complete control of the applications at the developmental phase.
- Detailed and good documentation
- Helps to build quick prototypes
Laravel
Laravel is one of the most popular web frameworks with the Model-View-Controller pattern. It is based on PHP which is considered as the best backend language by many programmers. Though Laravel is not an ideal choice for massive projects, it works fine for simple and small projects.
With a simplified production process and good syntax, Laravel provides out of the box API support. WordPress, a well-affordable, super dynamic and the most popular CMS (in terms of market share) of the present time is associated with this backend framework.
The robust ecosystem and database migration system of its own has contributed to its success within a short period. Let’s see some of the core features Laravel has to offer:
- Well documented.
- Features CLI.
- Fast routing, robust, and simple engine.
- Simplified the task of ques, routing, and authentication.
- To manipulate database queries, it offers a migration system of its own.
- Minimizes work stress required for web application projects.
Ruby on Rails
Ruby on Rails is first introduced in 2004. It is an open-source and free to use backend framework meant for web development. Having more than 826,000 active websites on this framework, this is ideal for beginners and one of the most liked frameworks by developers. It has pre-defined solutions that help the developers when it comes to repetitive tasks they face in the development process. It is used on some of the most renowned applications like Airbnb, GitHub, Shopify, Hulu, etc.
From making cloud-based applications to social networking platforms, this framework can be used for a range of web platforms you can imagine.
If you require resources, tutorials, and screencasts to learn Ruby on Rails like a pro, you will find the RoR community friendly and dedicated to helping you. The community will help you to be an expert on Ruby on Rails within a short time. Here are some of the unique features this backend framework comes with:
- It saves the time of developers by offering great libraries and a wide variety of tools.
- CoC (Convention over Configuration) approach ensures better flexibility in complex development tasks.
- DRY approach for helping you make apps that are lightweight and smooth to use.
- To keep the developed applications bug-free, it offers error logs in detail.
- Helps to create and develop search-engine friendly URLs.
- Hassle-free handling of data and simple coding are made possible by the integrated libraries it offers.
Node.JS
JavaScript is not restricted to offering front-end frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue. It has also come with some amazing backend frameworks. Node.JS is the most growing JavaScript backend framework out there.
Running with Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine, it features a non-blocking and event-driven I/O model. That’s why you would find it lightweight when you use it for the backend development of apps.
Its efficiency is further increased with its ecosystem named NPM. NPM is so far the largest ecosystem when it comes to open source libraries. As there are some drawbacks of PHP frameworks, Node.JS is growing to achieve a greater market share in days to come.
On top of all these, if you need any tools, libraries, or components while you use this backend framework, you can get help from the Node community.
Spring
Spring is one of the most popular backend frameworks based on Java. If you are skilled at Java Language, Spring is the framework you must try. This framework was initially introduced for building J2EE apps. It features a strict architecture of its own.
Many renowned companies like Wix, Billuguard, and TicketMaster make use of this framework for their websites.
With its sister projects, developers can work to boost the performance of this framework which ultimately helps the website owners. However, though it is great for the one who has expertise in Java, the learning curve of this framework might seem too steep for many, especially for those developers who do not possess a good knowledge of Java language.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best backend framework for you is not very easy. You need to study about these frameworks to find the one that you would love to use. We hope that this article on best backend frameworks will help you choose the right backend frameworks from you once you analyze the features and benefits they offer you.