10+ Best and Popular NodeJS Frameworks

For organizing the development process, development frameworks help developers by providing ready-made structures. These structures are for their code base, can implement reusable elements, and enhance product speed. This is a common method to developers of using web frameworks for the front end with JavaScript.

But for the backend, somewhat this one is not common however developers can use it to get help. Developers can apply frameworks to a client and server-side alike while working on web development projects because it’s extremely effective and beneficial. However, Node.js is a popular technology that has an effective community of developers steadily developing and recommending new frameworks.

What Is Node.js?

In 2009 Node.js was created as a JavaScript runtime environment. Basically, Node.js is a platform for executing JavaScript code outside the browser, most often on servers, and making it portable. This runtime environment is for developers who want to run a program.

Mostly this platform is employed to build back-end services because of its tremendous speed and scalability. Many famous big organizations used Node.js such as PayPal, Netflix, Uber, and more.

How to Choose the Best Node.js Framework?

For choosing the best Node JS framework for your project, all you have to do is deliberately notice the determining factors. On the other hand, to select the fitting Node.js one has to be experienced enough to select the perfect and right framework. Yet there are some rules that are gonna work superbly for all products.

Node.js framework gives a prescribed arrangement for a codebase. In this process, this framework chooses the features of the product, the data processing, and manages to compute. It isn’t like other frameworks that box you one method and are not so outspoken. Here, you will get libraries, reusable code frameworks, and packages.

Node.js supports declarative programming that describes the platform saved by a feature and its solution. The frameworks that support metadata describing the parameters and middleware of Node.js handlers should be preferred. On the other hand, Cluster management of the Node.js framework is outstanding in that it provides organizing, previewing, editing, and managing clusters, as well as sorting them by their characteristics.

Also, the Node.js framework has Middleware support is software that supports developers to increase their application’s performance, security, etc. As it’s not a framework, however, it can be integrated. Middleware serves to optimize your application functionality and to deliver a better experience. 

Following we are going to review the best Node.js frameworks. Here we will describe the advantages, uses of some of the best frameworks. So without dragging the topic any further, let’s get started.  

Express.js

Express.js aka Express holds the top position of the most popular framework for Node.js. This framework helps to reuse code to prepare data in web applications, collect user sessions, handle cookie files, and control the payload.  This framework links  Node.js API frameworks with browser-specific APIs that aren’t usually approved by the runtime environment. By joining the backend code to the browser, one can collect specific files straight in the browser. Express.js has simple route handling with URLs and HTTP protocol. Also, this framework promotes middleware, providing developers with the installation of essential tools for speed, acknowledgment, and performance enhancement.

Moreover, Express.js maintains versatile template engines and operates excellently with both static and dynamic content. This popular Node.js framework has a rich open-source ecosystem and can quickly blend with SQL and NoSQL databases. Some of the big renowned companies like Twitter, BlaBlaCar, Accenture, and Uber use this amazing node.js framework. If there weren’t any framework, node.js will want you to revise a lot of repetitive methods from scratch. That’s why this Node.js framework is an excellent choice for dynamic content. Not only does it immediately answer users’ demands, but Exress.js aka Express uploads text, images, videos, and other content on the page. 

Koa.js

Koa.js is a dominant Node.js framework that manages phenomena building various web services, aka APIs. Koa is super fun and straightforward to produce these APIs as it can efficiently deal with HTTP middleware with a stack-like method.  This framework promotes interoperability, robustness, and offers writing middleware much more pleasant.  Also, This framework is customizable & Futuristic is referred to as a lightweight version of Express that handles errors particularly.

This node.js framework comes with cascading middleware and normalizes node disagreements clean and helps in maintaining code. Moreover, Koa.js flushes cache supports proxy and content negotiation. This outstanding framework offers more options for customization such as allowing building apps from scratch. Besides, Koa has normalized Node flaws constructively.

Here one can control multiple forms of the content served to the users with the corresponding URL like translating a page, personalizing content in eCommerce websites, producing different formats for images, and much more with this framework. On the other hand, koa has the same features as Express. Here you can have the flexibility of Express with more ease and some complexities while rewriting code. Moreover, this decreases the range of flaws over the whole mass of the application.

Nest.js

Nest.js is a progressive Node.js framework that builds effective and scalable enterprise-grade applications and submits total flexibility with its wide range of libraries. This framework is one of the ideal models of a backend productivity booster. Nest.js is an excellent choice for developing multilayered enterprise applications that have an extensive library to choose from. Also, this framework has an amazing feature that is it conserves unity with a subset of Javascript.

Nest.js holds to the clean-code architecture while supporting the code complexity of large-scale applications.  Additionally, This node.js framework grants a unique alliance with sister frameworks like Fastify and Express. Nest.js comes with CLI for modular construction & characteristics with a smooth learning curve.  Moreover, This framework has FRP that basically explains complicated graphical user interfaces. With high compatibility and Angular on the frontend, Nest.js offers easy-to-use external libraries due to systematic code arrangement.

It comes with the most excellent combo of object-oriented and functional reactive programming aka FRP. Therefore, it likely grows developers’ richness and utilization achievement while preserving worthy time. Nest.js is best for building dynamic and scalable web applications. Also, this node.js framework combines the architecture design and preserves it fresh and modularized that helping developers construct extra scalable, and effortlessly maintainable applications.

Hapi.js

Hapi is a stalwart and bold open-source best node JS framework for developing JSON API. This node.js has established various application programming interface (API) servers, websites, and HTTP proxy applications.   Hapi comes with multiple major features that make this node.js the most favored framework. The features are logging, error styling, input validation, implementing caching,configuration-based functionality, and the well-developed plugin system. Some large-scale websites like PayPal, Disney use Hapi cause of this node.js builds useful applications and gives technology solutions.

This open-source framework is a commercially available server for web applications. Though it is reliable and rich in its security aspects, you don’t have to bother about using unofficial middleware.  Apparently, there are plenty of features like Hapi has Scalable applications, secure defaults, a rich ecosystem, and many more. This node.js can fix any bug easily and the procedure is super fast.

Also, Hapi can compatible with MySQL, MongoDB, and other databases and with Rest APIs & HTTPS proxy apps too. Moreover, Hapi offers default caching, authentication, and input validation. Now, let’s get to know when to use this amazing node.js framework. However, this node.js  runs like a talisman in developing more secure and scalable applications, developers frequently apply it to create proxies and API servers. 

Total.js

Total.js is the only modern and modular Node.js framework that provides a CMS-like experience. This unique framework comes with almost everything you need in a Node.js environment. Total is a not-so-old Node.js  framework and it supports The MVC architecture. This open-source framework allows most versatility to developers. It’s a full-fledged framework that is compatible with client-side frameworks like Angular.js, Polymer, Backbone.js, and Bootstrap.

Total.js provides awesome display and durability and comes with various versions like Eshop, CMS, and HelpDesk. This extensible and asynchronous node.js framework’s variations can help you in many ways. The applications you are going to develop have extensive opportunities in the future for Internet-of-things integrations, REST service, and super-fast applications with low maintenance costs and stable service. Total.js is acknowledged for its reliable real-time tracking in current apps. 

The features of this framework are uncountable means all of the features are here for satisfying your requirement. This node.js framework can fix any bug rapidly and support the fixing system easily. Total.js supports RESTful routing, video streaming, themes, workers, sitemap, and WebSocket. Also, models, modules, packages, and isomorphic code are approved by this amazing node.js framework. Here, you can do image processing via GM or IM and also can localize with diff tool and CSV export. The quick development & below maintenance cost is also available here. You can use this node.js framework for finishing your work before the deadline.

Sail.js

Sails.js is a popular Node.js framework that blends splendidly with JS frameworks and databases. Frameworks like Ruby on Rails animate this framework and, it mimics the classic MVC pattern to develop one-page apps, REST APIs, and real-time apps. This framework allows building applications with less writing of code by using code generators. Also, Sails grants support for modernized, data-oriented development.

Moreover, this node.js framework fits with all databases and is adjustable in integrating Javascript frameworks. therefore, Sails is the most perfect framework to develop high-end customized applications. The particular code writing plan supports decreasing the quantity of lacked code helping combination with npm modules by being more supple and wide.  This node.js is a lightweight framework that utilizes Express for HTTP requests and Socket.io for WebSockets. With sail, you could customize chat applications.

Also, this framework is suitable for gaming and social media apps cause it has the best compatibility with Socket.io. This amazing node.js framework is used for custom, enterprise-scale Node.js applications.

Meteor.js

Meteor.js is an ideal node.js Javascript web framework that uses only one language. This open-source framework officially launched in 2012 It delivers computerized data modifications to clients without the developer’s struggles.  Also, Meteor is an isomorphic node.js framework suitable for alternatives of device-operating systems including Android, iOS for mobile devices, and desktop applications all enveloped in one language- Javascript.

This node.js framework comes with extensive libraries and testing points to keep updated with client-server communication. The smooth running of data between client and server is the prominent feature of this framework. For producing manageable, productive, and advanced web applications this node.js framework is best for you. The codes of Meteor are written in modern JavaScript and Isomorphic framework.

Also, it’s a cross-platform framework, developing speedy prototyping with CLI comes with huge collect control handle community support. This is an open-source framework that offers a full-stack solution. Those who have a great development team Meteor can be the best choice for them. You can learn this framework easily and it’s entertaining also. If you want to build apps in no time, this open-source framework will help you to use the same code written for a web or mobile app. Moreover, Meteor creates real-time applications with the built-in core.

Adonis.js

Adonis is a node.js framework based on a structural pattern for microservices development. This framework comes with a hardcore MVC structure where it breaks specific functionalities up into various parts. The edge template engine is very smooth to use and this node.js template uses this engine. Also, by concentrating on the fundamental development features this beautiful node.js template decreases development time.

Moreover, Adonis gives web socket out-of-the-box support and increases the development speed and productivity. Adonis comes with built-in modules for mailing, data validation, authentication, and Redis. The developers can quickly learn the coding structure and the command-based interface. Also,  this beautiful framework has an established structure for developers to obtain all the components.

This established structure comes with a folder structure. Additionally, this node.js framework provides assistance for lifecycle dependency management and IOC for DI(Dependency Injection). Adonis has the fluency to reproduce custom functional test scripts and comfort for Lucid Object Relational Mapping. Also, it gives safeguard facing perils like cross-site forgery protection. Basically, this node.js framework is perfect for developing faster web applications and web services. Adonis will help you create fast, interactive with higher security web applications.

Feathers.js

Feathers.js is for backend development to streamline the method of modern web and mobile apps. This node.js microservices framework implements versatility with Node.js, ReactNative, and multiple databases.  Feather demonstrates the advantage in decoding the development in an intelligent upfront manner.

This can ease the developers in bypassing the complexities linked to RESTful APIs. This framework comes with real-time functionality created to analyze the modern web-app and mobile app evolution. The programs that decode by this framework are straightforward and intelligent manner. Basically, this beautiful framework allows developers to make web apps with the implementation, connecting, and communicating features.

Moreover, Feather is super lightweight and has default plugins for authentication and authorization. As Feather maintains both Javascript and Typescript, this framework supports all frontend technologies, and the database-agnostic runs excellently with the Node.js environment.

Also, in a day this platform can give you all your production-ready apps, real-time apps, and REST APIs. Moreover, a full-stack web app using services and hooks can be produced by this platform and you can do it your own. Lastly, you can analyze those complex applications and also can diminish the development time by using Feather.

Socket.io

Socket.io is a famous platform for building web services that can be run in the browser. This platform was created in 2010 by Guillermo Rauch.  This platform basically is a Javascript library that provides real-time, bidirectional, and event-based communication. Many big and famous companies use this framework including Microsoft, Bepro, Bargo, and IBM. The whole framework is written in node.js and for communication, it uses HTML5’s WebSockets.

The library of this JavaScript-based framework is used for clients and servers and can improve applications with specifications for WebSocket improvement. Moreover, Socket.io gives real-time analytics in fewer lines of code. On the other hand, this platform has error detection and auto-correction features.

Socket.io comes with both a client-side library and a server-side library. Real-time applications like Chat room applications, video conferencing apps, multiplayer games, and others are developed by this framework.

LoopBack

LoopBack is another famous node.js framework that offers better connectivity with any Node.js framework. This dynamic framework comes with an easy-to-use CLI and can interrogate with many different API services. This is one of the most used node.js frameworks and is best at building REST APIs with the least developing time.

Loopback offers several features such as the more reliable connection among various devices and browsers, works on its property, and method of android, iOS, and angular software development kits for planning applications. The flexibility of this framework provides connects with a wide range of devices, browsers, databases, and services. For maintaining app modules and development speed, LoopBack has structured code.

The better documentation of this Node.js permits novice developers to work with it. Big companies like Sapient, GoDaddy, Wizerg, and other tech companies have already taken the benefits of Loopback.  Also, this framework is highly extensible and has clean and modular codes. Moreover, Loopback comes with data storage, third-party access, and user management. This framework gives fully-functional support for networked apps. 

Node.js frameworks make developing apps effortlessly with their limitless skills at developing web and mobile apps development. To learn these new node.js frameworks can be amazing and here you need a lot of research before starting. Above all the node.js frameworks that we mentioned are the most popular among developers. And all of these frameworks come with different features. Choose your favorite or desired one and let us know the reason which one you like and why. If you have any more frameworks to share comment below.