As the functionalities and features of new web applications increase, the process of creating them becomes complex. Having immense knowledge about web application development surely helps in the process, but there are certain tasks involved that require sheer information along with a lot of practice.

All such tasks can be made easier by using several tools and one of them is the web application framework. This article revolves around web application frameworks, how it helps in web app development, their types, and some of the best web app frameworks present currently.

What is a Web Application Framework?

The web application framework is software that is created to make web application development including web API, services, and resources easier and more effective. This software helps in building, and running web applications and eradicates the manual coding by the web developer. A framework provides dynamic and static templates, allows admins to assign various roles, and supports multiple databases. Cutting it short, it is a program used by developers to create a web application with ease.

Types of Web Application Frameworks:

Back in the day, web applications stored their logic on the backend and were created on servers. Though such web apps still exist, their number is extremely low. In the present time, the app logic has started to switch from server to client. The reason behind this switch is to enhance the communication between the web app and the direct user. With that in mind, there are two different types of web application frameworks; client-side and server-side.

• Client-Side Web Application Framework:
  Client-side web application frameworks are also called frontend frameworks. They majorly work on three technologies; HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. These frameworks are not about business logic but are focused on client interaction. Here the developer can create a better user interface due to its support for JavaScript. This technology allows the developer to build dynamic websites that support almost every web browser along with the interactive animated features that grab the attention of the user.
• Server-Side Web Application Framework:
  The server-side web application framework or backend frameworks help in creating a simpler version of web apps or web pages. Handling database control and management, HTTP requests, and URL mapping are some of the features of this framework. Every server-side web app framework runs on a server which means that every process goes to the server from the client in every stance. The downfall of this process is that request handling could come with unwanted lags and delays. However, unlike the frontend framework, it does not rely solely on plugins.

Why Using a Web Application Framework is Beneficial?

1. Enhanced Efficiency:
   Efficiency plays a crucial role in web app development. Rather than doing all the tasks by yourself, you can use the pre-created functions of these frameworks which will ultimately reduce the overall time you invest in creating the app. Your development team can focus on other significant tasks which will enhance the efficiency of your web app.
2. URL Mapping:
   The internet is all about website ranking. The higher the website ranks on the search engine result pages, the better traffic it will get. URL mapping is one of the primary optimizations for better SERP ranking. Web frameworks come with URL mapping that can index your website based on an appealing name which will push the ranking of your site upwards.
3. Cost-Effective:
   Undeniably, web app development comes at a cost. Some of the industry-leading frameworks are free to use. As they make coding easier and hassle-free, the overall cost of development comes down drastically. When the final cost is lesser, the user can get their hands on the app at a lesser rate as well.

The Architecture of Web Application Framework

Web application frameworks depend on the Model View Controller or MVC architecture. This architecture of the web application framework separates the interface and the app logic, making MVC architecture one of the most widely used in web frameworks. Below are the three essential components of this architecture.

• Model:
  The model communicates with the data-related logic and represents the data that will be transferred between the controller and view. Once it attains the data from the controller, it showcases how the new interface should be displayed to the View. It contains all the data, functions, business logic layers, and guidelines.
• View:
  A view contains all the data that will be displayed to the end-user. Being the frontend of the web application, it showcases the entire data in a graphical format including charts and graphs. This component attains input from the user and shares it with the controller component for further analysis. Afterward, it makes the necessary changes in itself depending on the instructions set by the Model component.
• Controller:
  The controller is the final MVC architectural component and it acts as an intermediate between the other two components of this architecture. The controller receives the input given by the user from the view component, processes the data, and notifies the model component regarding any modifications necessary.

Top 9 Web Application Frameworks 2022:

1. Django:
   Based on the language Python, Django uses the convention over configuration. Being one of the most renowned backend web app development frameworks, Django comes with several techniques and tools that help the developers in building a secure website. Django apps are not just secure but are fast, reliable, and versatile as well. The built-in admin interface in this framework allows the user to manage users, models, and group permissions. Moreover, this administration interface eradicates the need for having a separate database admin. Django was first introduced in 2005 and since then it is used by several organizations like Instagram, Zapier, and Pinterest. Being in the industry for over a decade, Django has successfully created a vast community that is ready to help each other. While using this framework, there is a high possibility that the user may have an issue that has been resolved by someone from the community.
2. Ruby on Rails:
   Ruby on Rails is a tool based on the Ruby programming language. The tool is an open-source web development framework that comes with an assortment of code libraries that ensure that the user gets a robust solution for their repetitive tasks. Even though it is based on Ruby, it collaborates with other languages including HTML, JavaScript, and CSS for web app development. The tool is specifically designed for agile development support that boosts flexibility and productivity while web app development.Based on earlier discussed MVC architecture, there is a huge number of developers familiar with this architecture, making it a developer-friendly tool. The RSpec is an inbuilt testing setup in this tool that is simple to learn and is proven to be effective in testing necessary functions of the web application. One of the best things about Ruby on Rails is its automated deployment. No matter what the change you want to deploy, it will be applied to the production by adding a single line. However, there is a notable boot speed issue with this tool. Several developers have reported the slow boot speed of Ruby on Rails, but it varies with the number of dependencies on the framework. Though not a significant limitation, Multithreading in this framework can lead to issues with overall performance if the requests are not handled correctly.
3. Express:
   Express is another open-source backend framework popular for is a flexible framework for web app development on Node.js. This framework is designed for hybrid, multi-page, and single-page applications. Express is based on a JavaScript programming language for backend website and mobile app development. The comprehensive documentation that comes with Express provides tutorials and resources, making it easier for every developer to get the most out of this framework. Moreover, the vast community support combined with excellent routing makes this a great framework. However, it does not offer any security to the developer. Due to this reason, the developer has to put special focus on the security of their web application.
4. Angular:
   Developed by Google, Angular is an open-source JavaScript framework based on JavaScript. Though Angular can be used to create any application type, it is highly effective in creating single-page applications. Angular uses a document object model which is efficient in updating HTML pages. When it comes to testing, this framework comes with the Jasmine testing framework which can be used to write numerous types of test cases for effective web app testing. Furthermore, the two-way data binding feature available in Angular ensures that any change you make in the web page elements is reflected on the desired user interface elements of the web app as well.As Angular comes with a lot of unique and useful features, it might not be the framework suitable for beginners. Anyone willing to develop a web application using this framework needs to invest a lot of time in learning it. Moreover, the dynamic applications are known to be a bit slow and laggy as they have a large size.
5. CodeIgniter:
   CodeIgniter is a renowned PHP framework created by EllisLab. Specifically made for creating dynamic websites, the MVC architecture of this framework is effective in building web apps with utmost performance and high scalability. Model-view controller-based system, form and data validation, session management, image manipulation library, and query builder database support are some of the valuable features of CodeIgniter. The integrated safety modules including CSP and sensitive escaping provide extended security from XSS and CSRF attacks. Starting with CodeIgniter is uncomplicated as well. The developer only has to connect the framework with their database and they are good to go.Codes have to put special focus on maintaining or updating the code as this framework lacks support for modular separation of code. Even though CodeIgniter provides several libraries to support custom web app development, the libraries provided are not as comprehensive as other PHP frameworks present in the industry.
6. ASP.NET:
   Microsoft is one of the leaders in the tech industry and they also have a framework for web-based applications called ASP.NET. The framework is an open-source cross-platform framework that can be used to create services and web applications with .NET. ASP.NET supports Linux, Docker, Windows, and macOS for better usability. The authentication system of this framework comes with template pages, libraries, and a database that can help in enhancing security. Users also have the option to use external authentication like Twitter, and Google to log in as well.ASP.NET expands the functionalities of .NET which means that you not only get features of this framework, but you have access to the entire .NET ecosystem for your web app development. However, this framework does not support several content management systems or coding platforms like Java, making coding a bit complex for the users.
7. Laravel:
   Another open-source PHP framework, Laravel follows the MVC architecture which uses the prevailing components of several frameworks in building a web application. Due to this functionality, Laravel reduces the overall development time drastically.
   Laravel’s own Eloquent object-relational mapping makes database abstraction easier. Its ORM is compatible with SQL, MySQL, SQLite, and Postgres server. With Laravel, you can create real-time apps powered by WebSockets with PHP, Node.js, and serverless solutions. Every framework gets version updates frequently. Laravel also releases version upgrades but it is known to come with some troubles for certain users. Apart from that, weak composer and slow development are some other issues with this web app framework as well.
8. Meteor:
   Meteor is capable of building reliable and scalable desktop, mobile, and web applications based on JavaScript. Being in the industry for over a decade, this web app framework is used by legions of industry leaders for their web applications. One essential factor about Meteor is that a developer can create an app for almost every device including Android, iOS, and web without shedding a sweat. The large community created by this framework ensures that you can rely on it for any issue you might face. The pre-built packages offered by Meteor are surely great for web app development. However, relying too much on the same can lead to conflicts within developers.
9. PLAY:
   If you want a framework that can help in building web applications with Scala and Java, then Play is the one for you. Play is an easy to use developer-friendly framework where you only need a web browser and a text editor to begin web app creation. Akin to several other frameworks, this one also follows MVC architecture along with hot code reloading, and convention over configuration. The Play uses an asynchronous model built on Akka that helps in making the web application scalable. Due to extensive features, Play might require hours of learning and practice before you can build the web app. As a developer, you may have to go through vast documentation too. However, the learning curve is worth all the efforts as Play is one of the best frameworks in the long run. In simpler terms, Play could be time-consuming for you, if you want a framework for the short term whereas it is highly effective in the long-term usage.

Conclusion

Web application developers should have a clear idea of the different aspects of the technology. Even though a web application framework is not mandatory for developing a web application, having the right framework will make the entire process easy and less troublesome. With several frameworks following the MVC architecture, using these frameworks will indirectly give you the advantages of this architecture in your web applications.

However, assistance from a professional development team is always advised. ThinkSys Inc has a team of experienced developers who will provide you with the guidance you need in determining the right web application framework. Our team will study and understand your requirements to pick the framework that suits your needs for the best web app development experience.

Talk to Our Experts to Choose Right Framework For Your Web Apps

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