Most Popular Node.js Frameworks for Web Apps and SaaS Applications

When it comes to web apps development every developer has what seems to be unlimited options for developing their web apps including the highly popular node.js frameworks. to Yet, there’s is a catch. To avoid lots of time-consuming and repetitive programming, you need to use prefabricated frameworks. This is where Node.js frameworks come to the rescue and something we continue to invest into. Our primary framework for many of our development projects in Sails.  However, with so many available options, it’s not an easy thing to make the right choice.

To make things a little bit easier for the app and web developers we can classify Node.js into two main groups:

1^st Group – Minimal Node.js Frameworks;

2^nd Group – Full Stack Node.js Framework;

1^st Group

 As you might have expected the minimalistic frameworks come with the most APIs and functions. Their purpose is to provide only basic Node.js features rather than to include additional support features. Listed below are several of the most notable Node.js frameworks:

Express

Express is one of the most popular choices among node.js frameworks. You can use it to develop mobile or web apps regardless of size and complexity. Get out of the box templates or great documentation and topics such as how to use advanced features like the template engine, process manager, security best practices, use of Middleware, etc. Some of well-known Express user’s worth mentioning are Mozilla Persona, Myspace, Yummly, and many others.

KOA

 KOA describes itself as the new web framework that is smaller, more expressive and provides a more reliable foundation for web applications.  The KOA framework was created by the team from Express, but it managed to promote itself as an independent choice for developers and does not bundle any middlewar4e within the core. KOA comes with the much-simplified launching process, including improved server-related functions.

Sails

This Node.js is the web framework of your dreams. Or at least that is how they describe their framework.  With Sails it is easy to build practical, production ready apps using node.js with comprehensive support for modern apps including data-driven APIs with scalable, service-oriented architecture.   Sails framework can be extremely helpful for creation of chat apps, multiplayer games, enterprise-level, and real-time apps.

Total

Although we can classify it as a minimalistic framework type, Total.js is a generous feature packed option for Node.js developers. If your goal is developing large scale web applications, then this is the right framework for you. However, you can also scale it down to fit the smaller apps.

2^nd Group

In looking at the most popular Node.js frameworks these types of frameworks come with additional features including complete template engines, app scaffolding, persistence libraries, web sockets, and other things that may speed up and ease the process of mobile and web app development.

Two most popular full stack frameworks are:

Meteor

 This framework combines the following:

• Client web browser JavaScript frameworks;
• Node.js containers that include Meteor servers inside, and
• Useful static tools, such as CSS fragments and supportive HTML codes;

These components contribute to Meteor’s appealing flexibility and ease of use.

Mean

In this case, we have a specifically designed framework to suit the development of MEAN-based web applications.  In looking at the most popular Node.js frameworks, MEAN helps you integrate all MEAN stack technologies: Node.js, AngularJS, Express.js, and MongoDB. By using it, you can significantly reduce the time required for coding. Its MVC architecture is the best part of this full stack framework. This means that you can develop modular codes, which can be used as tools for creating highly sophisticated mobile or web apps.

Conclusion

Rest assured that the popularity contest is still open when it comes to the most popular Node.js frameworks but the options listed above will all get the job done.  This is undoubtedly one of the most developing fields that is under the spotlights of major IT league players, such as Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, and Twitter. So, keep an eye what’s going on here.