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3 Best Node.js Frameworks: Which One to Choose

3 Best Node.js Frameworks: Which One to Choose

When it comes to web application development, Node.js remains one of the most popular technologies. In fact, according to the 2023 StackOverflow survey, the majority of developers (42.65%) surveyed said they used Node.js, making it the most used backend JavaScript runtime environment.  
 
Being cross-platform, open-source and single-threaded, Node.js offers unique tools for web application development. Let’s review three Node.js-based frameworks and hear what Nikita Shevtsiv, Senior Software Engineer at EPAM, thinks about the applicability of Node.js tools on projects.

Express.js

Express.js, also called Express, is a minimalist fast Node.js backend framework. The software is open-source and is released under the MIT license.

Advantages

If you want to develop web applications, Express.js is a suitable Node.js web application framework that offers many advantages in terms of implementation, cost and user experience.

  • Express.js API integration makes developing web applications easy and fast.
  • Developers can better organize client-server requests with a more reliable application user interface (UI).
  • Express.js is easy to use and learn. Developers with basic knowledge of the Node web framework environment can handle this framework efficiently.
  • The framework is open source, which allows companies and startups to reduce development costs.

Disadvantages

  • Even though Express.js is popular, the framework has drawbacks that can affect the development of your web application.
  • Security is inadequate. Express.js does not dictate how security is implemented and will depend on how the application was coded. To put it simply, it is up to the developer to manage the degree of security they need, depending on the application being developed.
  • Error messages are generally not very useful. Express.js doesn't always indicate when or where a bug appears, so developers often must find a debugging solution by themselves.

Meteor.js

Meteor is a well-defined Node backend framework for JavaScript. It functions as an open-source database integrated into a framework and is sufficient to automate client modifications without the involvement of developers.

Advantages 
 
The Meteor.js framework allows professionals to easily develop web, desktop and cross-platform applications in JavaScript. Some advantages of using Meteor.js:

  • Meteor developers can create a single cross-platform source code that is compatible with Android, iOS, web and desktop computers.
  • The framework is open-source, which means businesses can save money on application development.
  • There is a considerable community of Meteor.js users. This makes it easy for developers to find tutorials and help.

Disadvantages 

Some disadvantages of using Meteor.js. include:

  • No reactive joins. If developers want to select data from different collections and join it on some particular property, they must invoke the external packages trickery (and even then, it's not as robust and functional as a standard SQL join).
  • No native server-side rendering. Meteor.js does not implement server-side rendering by default. If you do not take care of it on your own or you use plugins, your application will likely not be accessible to SEO crawlers.

Koa.js

Koa.js is another open-source Node.js backend framework, created by the same group who made Express.js. 

Advantages

Some advantages of using this Node.js web development framework include the following:

  • Web application development is faster, as Koa.js is a lightweight and flexible framework. This technology allows developers to build web applications quickly and easily.
  • Smart error management. Koa.js features make it easy to find errors during the development phase. allowing developers to create web applications with minimal problems or crashes occurring.

Disadvantages

Some of the disadvantages of using Koa.js include:

  • Koa may not be the best choice if you are unwilling to experiment with the more recent JavaScript ES6 syntax. This framework is not suitable if your application requires an earlier version of JavaScript.
  • The Koa.js community is relatively small, so it can sometimes be difficult for developers to find help or instructional information to improve a web application.

On Node.js applicability

One of EPAM's experts in JavaScript development, Senior Software Engineer Nikita Shevtsiv, has shared his take on Node.js development: 
 
“Node.js is best for small projects. Node.js with Express offers a lightweight and easy-to-use framework that allows us to quickly create prototypes. Node.js is well-suited for projects that require handling a large number of concurrent requests. Its asynchronous nature allows efficient resource usage and improves application performance.

For large-scale projects, ASP.NET Core works better. It provides high performance due to its compilation of machine code and optimized memory usage. Large projects require reliable support and quality documentation. Microsoft provides extensive documentation and professional support for ASP.NET Core, making it a safe choice for large enterprise applications.”

Nikita Shevtsiv, Senior Software Engineer, EPAM

Conclusion

You can deal with any inherent problem of using Node.js by choosing your framework wisely. 

For instance, Express.js serves as a reliable Node.js framework for enterprise and browser-based applications. If you're focusing on mobile application development, Meteor.js would be your ideal choice, and Koa.js stands out as an excellent option if your goal is to minimize callbacks.

If you are passionate about Node.js programming, EPAM is the workplace for you. Check out our job openings at https://www.epam.com/careers to join our global team and work on exciting and challenging projects.