The Best JavaScript Frameworks
What is JavaScript
The popularity of JavaScript is undeniable. JS (short for JavaScript) is a language for coding that is used to make websites and apps dynamic, bringing movement and interactivity. JS controls appearance and functionality such as photo slideshows, animations, and interactive components.
JavaScript frameworks are collections of code libraries that give developers access to pre-made code for frequent programming features. So instead of coding a slideshow from scratch, a developer can apply a framework code that is prewritten and will create the slideshow functionality in seconds rather than hours. This frees up time to work on the custom aspects of a website or app.
JS Libraries vs JS Frameworks
A JS library such as JQuery works by plugging a library code into a site to complete a certain function such as a slideshow or animation. The code retrieves the desired feature from a library and displays it on the website or app. Think of it as an old-fashioned library system. A request is placed for a reference book (code in our case) at the central librarian's desk. The librarian goes and finds the book (the code) from a central database and brings it back to our developer. The code lives in the library.
JS frameworks go a step further than a JS library. A framework doesn’t provide individual code solutions. It offers an entire structure to help organize the site where the framework is being used. This structure is page templates with spaces for code from the framework’s libraries. The frameworks retrieve these codes on their own, without the developer signaling them. Frameworks offer the advantage of providing built-in organization and an efficient workflow.
The downside of using a framework is that it constrains the developer. JS code will need to conform to the framework, thereby limiting creativity in appearance and functionality.
Top JavaScript Frameworks
So which frameworks are most used by developers? Developers tend to use React, Vue.js, or Deno. Deno is new in the JavaScript Rising Stars for 2020. Let’s explore JS Rising Stars findings of its top 3 frameworks.
- Vue
Vue is a framework that has gained popularity in recent years. It is approachable, versatile, and “performant” according to its website. Vue is indeed accessible with a nice easy learning style that is easy for newer developers to master. It also allows developers to write pages in HTML and doesn’t require a framework language. Vue scales between a library and a full-fledged framework.
- Deno
Deno was created by Ryan Dahl of Node.js fame. It is considered a sequel to Node, capitalizing on its years of experience, and Deno fixes many of Node's quirks. Its features include that code can be written in regular JavaScript— there’s no additional language to learn. Deno incorporates most standards from the web, making it easy to use. It has a built-in test runner and debugger.
- React
React is another developer favorite and heavily used framework. It easily creates user interfaces that are interactive and efficient. React can be used as little or as much as needed and also has a highly supportive developer community. It allows the developer to design simple views for each state and then React will update and render the right components as the data changes. React’s declarative views make the code more predictable and easier to debug.
Best JavaScript Framework to Learn for Jobs
If you’re new to development and wondering which frameworks to learn, the above three are a good bet. According to an article in Medium, the single best framework to learn to land a job is React. React is mentioned in 47.6% of the listings which discuss a common front-end framework.
Nearshoring Software Development
Another notable trend in software development is the shift toward remote working. Working remotely is likely here to stay. The popularized concept has broadened the scope for businesses hiring developers, as firms are no longer geographically constrained to find talent. Practices such as nearshoring are also growing as means to find talented developers for projects at a lesser cost to the business. The nearshore firm handles all the human resources of hiring and training, and the US business reaps the benefits of full or partial teams of developers to bring to life its projects.
Pixel506 is one such firm that specializes in software development from its base in Costa Rica. Our developers are up to date on the latest trends and JS frameworks, and are highly educated and experienced. We build custom software solutions for clients in the US, saving them time and money with our expertise and accessibility.
Key Takeaways
- JavaScript is a language for coding that is used to make websites and apps dynamic, bringing movement and interactivity.
- JavaScript frameworks are collections of code libraries that give developers access to pre-made code for frequent programming features.
- JS libraries are different from JS frameworks. Libraries call certain code to do specific things in a website. Frameworks offer an entire structure to help organize the site where the framework is being used. This is a more holistic approach.
- Vue, Deno, and React are three of the JavaScript frameworks that are most popular among the developer community.
About Pixel506
If you're looking for a nearshore software development service or a technical staff augmentation service, Pixel506 can help. We are located in Costa Rica but also have Pixelians (team members) based in Peru, Nicaragua, and Colombia. With such a large talent pool to choose from, we can establish an effective nearshore product development team that fits your needs exactly. We help businesses gain a competitive advantage and exceed business goals through user experience strategies, data, and innovative solutions. Founded in 2009, we have over a decade of experience helping big, medium, and small companies succeed in the digital world. Contact us today to see how we can help―we look forward to getting to know you and your business over a digital cup of coffee.
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