Top 10 Most Popular Web Development Frameworks in 2024

The 21st century is often aptly called the digital age. With the rapid advancement in technology, and the growing usage of the internet, web development has moved forward leaps and bounds. As a result, people can now conduct various functions such as, opening a bank account, booking tickets for a vacation or film, shopping for everyday goods or luxury items etc. online. All functions are done on affiliated or related websites.

Web Development is the key for such functionalities and advancements. Web development is primarily based on web development frameworks. These are pre-set configurations that allow developers to work on the website as per their will.

These frameworks include pre-set templates for presenting information, APIs to get the primary resource of data, and a programming environment to curate the flow of information. Moreover, they also provide the foundation to create content management systems.

Why are web development frameworks needed?

Here are a few reasons why a web development framework is useful:

• They accelerate the developmental process and reduce overall cost
• Improve the efficiency of the code and its reusability
• Easy to Debug
• Are highly customizable and flexible
• Maintenance is easy
• Helps in creating well-organized websites and applications

How do web development frameworks help?

Web development frameworks are instrumental in assisting developers in creating websites and related applications. These frameworks come equipped with multiple features and internal modules and programs that debug website applications, create responsive websites and/or applications, etc.

Frontend and Backend Web Frameworks

Web development frameworks are categorized into frontend and backend frameworks, each serving specific purposes. Frontend frameworks like React and Angular are designed to create interactive and dynamic user interfaces, enabling seamless navigation and faster rendering of web pages. On the other hand, backend frameworks like Django and Express.js provide tools and structures for server-side processing and seamless integration with databases, enabling developers to build robust and scalable backend systems for their applications.

Top 10 web development frameworks to know about

Here is the list of top web development framework to know in 2024:

1. Django (Backend)

   Released in 2005, the Django is among the best backend framework for web development. Its primary purpose since its inception has been to create Application Processing Interface features, such as GraphQL.

    

   This framework has various features such as: – 

   • Oversees high volume and load of reactive or adaptive programming
   • Prevents potential website security risks with a variety of measures such as SQL-based injections, cross-site forgery etc. 
   • Allows developers to create SEO-friendly websites and website applications 
   • Developers can create a variety of sites such as social media platforms
     

2. React (Frontend)

   Currently, React, or React.js, is one of the best framework for web development. Its primary focus is to help developers create highly responsive and dynamic singular page or/and website applications.

    

   This framework has features such as: –

   • Reducing the incidence of mistakes during debugging due to unidirectional data flow
   • Allows smooth functioning of data-heavy website applications due to the presence of virtual HTML or DOM elements 
   • Developers can create smart and dynamic applications for smart TVs, mobiles etc.
   • Its various components have the necessary frontend quotes embedded in them 

3. Laravel (Backend)

   Released in 2011, the Laravel backend website development framework application was one that was written in the PHP or Hypertext Preprocessor language. It allows developers to conduct a variety of functions such as creating backend applications for both large and medium to small enterprises and being creative with their website syntax etc. 

   The features this framework has are: –

   • Additional security for the people using the website as any passwords entered are stored after being encrypted by the Bcrypt Hashing Algorithm
   • It has light templates that developers can use to further build websites 
   • Developers need not spend time coding in SQL due to the presence of aspects like the ORM or object-relational mapper software etc. that are embedded in the framework
   • Allows scalability of applications due to its paradigm of the Model View Controller
   • The above features make Laravel one of the preferred backend web development framework applications today. 

4. Angular (Frontend)

   The Angular JS or Angular.js is among the series of javascript frameworks for frontend development, released in 2010 by Google. This development framework allows users and developers to create heavy JavaScript-enabled website applications, along with mobile applications. 

   This development software has features such as: –

   • Allows scalability or adaptability of applications as well as the facility of reusing them as per need
   • Its command module, the Angular CLI, allows developers to create skeletons and build programs efficiently
   • Its various or multiple libraries allow developers to create highly responsive and dynamic applications
   • Supports debugging website applications on browsers like Firefox and Chrome 

5. Rails (Backend)

   Released in 2005, this is a backend web development framework. It employs models such as the DRY or Does not Repeat Yourself, CoC or Convention over Configuration etc. These make it a dynamic backend application and one of the preferred website development framework applications. 

   Predominant usage of this framework is, building highly dynamic web applications and has features such as: –

   • Allows developers to evaluate various aspects of the application by testing each application separately
   • Has an easy syntax or language that governs it, allowing easier creation of programs and objects
   • The presence of various libraries of codes and information allows developers to conduct aspects such as session management etc. 
   • Developers can create high-end libraries on their own, for example, Ajax product-based libraries etc. 

6. Vue JS (Frontend)

   Vue JS or Vue.js was developed and released by tech giant Google in 2014. The aim was to create an alternative for the React and Angular development frameworks, to create dynamic web applications, single page applications etc. 

   This framework may be considered one of the top front web development frameworks. Developers use it today due to its features that are: –

   • Allows dynamic alteration of the data and the UI, meaning developers can alter one with the help of the other
   • The virtual HTML or DOM elements in it help the software to identify which HTML elements need to be replaced or left as is
   • Easy installation due to size etc.
   • Developers need not spend much time on the project due to its pre-set scaffolding or skeleton that allows developers to innovate with their websites as they wish to. 

7. Express JS (Backend)

   Released in 2010, Express.js or Express JS is a backend website development framework. Developers use it for a variety of functions creating online cloud-based frameworks or IoT frameworks, web sockets (that allow websites to stream data in the form of videos or images etc.), building single page applications or SPAs etc. 

   This backend development framework has features as below: –

   • Ability to route or direct server or client-based requests depending on the need
   • Possessing an efficient management system that manages all aspects of running the website, such as client-based requests etc. 
   • Allows users and developers to create web development templates as per their needs 
   • Allows developers to identify their mistakes due to the real-time debugging features it possesses. 

8. Ember JS (Frontend)

   Ember JS or Ember.js was released in 2011. It is responsible for two of the defining aspects of web pages, other than their frameworks, namely CSS and HTML. Together they are responsible for the colors, textures, and textual parts of a website. This makes it one of the top front web development frameworks in operation today. In other words, it is one of the frameworks that contribute to the ‘face’ of the website, which draws customers. 

    The Ember.js framework also has other features such as: –

   • Possess a range of full-stack (both backend and frontend) processes and software such as a router (that redirects or appropriately directs URLs), a pipeline that manages assets and services etc.
   • Depending upon the needs of the application in question, this framework changes the requisite development model, which makes it dynamic 
   • Allows for easy debugging of applications created using Ember with the help of the Ember inspector.
     

9. ASP.NET (Backend)

   Released in 2002, the ASP.NET backend website development framework is also one of the oldest website development or backend website development software in the market today.  It deals with a variety of crucial functions, such as authentication, captcha-based functions, website login-based functions, etc. It thus essentially acts as a backend gatekeeper for the data of the company.

   The framework also has multiple features, such as: –

   • Ensures faster implementation on the client’s side due to its combination of MVC and the Web’s API
   • Developers can create applications faster due to the presence of various tools such as Visual Studio Code, JetBrains Rider etc. 
   • The presence of Razor pages allows developers to create server-side applications faster
   • Multi-platform support in the form of Linux, Windows and macOS etc. 

10. JQuery (Frontend)

    The jQuery frontend framework has been around since 2006. It released a JavaScript-based library that allowed for a dynamic approach to web development. Owing to its variety of features, such as being SEO-friendly and certain features that prevent developers from having to code much, it is one of the preferred frontend web development frameworks today.

     The features include: –

    • Having multiple plugins that allow developers to expand the functionality of a website in the form of data-based grids, XSLT and XML tools, Ajax-based helpers etc.
    • Allowing for seamless integration between JavaScript-enabled environments and itself due to its utility-based functions
    •  Ability to multiply DOM or HTML elements on the go, increasing the functionality of developers
    • Allows developers to perform several actions on websites, such as adding a JavaScript programming code class, ability to start website animations etc. 

Advantages of Using Web Development Frameworks

Web development frameworks have revolutionized the way websites and web applications are built, offering numerous advantages that enhance the development process for businesses and developers alike.

Economic Benefits

One of the primary economic benefits of using web development frameworks is the significant reduction in development time and effort. These frameworks come with pre-built modules and templates, enabling developers to streamline their workflow and save costs on repetitive tasks. Additionally, the efficient code organization and built-in functionalities lead to better scalability and easier maintenance, translating to long-term cost savings for businesses. Read about Full Stack Development with Cloud for Web and Mobile and Full Stack Developers and The Future in Store for Them.

Technical Benefits

From a technical standpoint, web development frameworks offer a structured approach to development, making it easier to organize and maintain codebases. The frameworks also come with built-in security features, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities and ensuring a more robust and secure application. Moreover, many web frameworks follow industry best practices, which encourages developers to write high-quality code and fosters collaboration among team members. Explore more on Guide to Top Tech Roles and Career Opportunities After a Full Stack Development Course.

Which frameworks to learn? When are they used?

Here are the list of most important web development frameworks to learn in 2023:

1. Django (Backend) – Developers use Django for APIs or Application Processing Interfaces, CRM or Customer Relationship Management Systems, web-enabled iOS, and Android applications etc. 
2. React (Frontend) – Used by developers to create highly responsive and dynamic applications that support content-specific website reloads or refreshes.
3. Laravel (Backend) –Developers use Laravel to create applications dealing with authentication, user logins, routing etc. 
4. Angular (Frontend) – Used by developers to create highly adaptive and responsive web applications used by tech giants PayPal, IBM, Google etc.
5. Rails (Backend) – Developers use Rails for CMS or Customer Management Systems, marketing websites etc. 
6. Vue JS (Frontend) – Used by developers to create web and device applications that are used in devices operated by companies like Nintendo etc. 
7. Express JS (Backend) – Developers use Express JS for communicative and responsive websites such as streaming websites such as Amazon Prime, Netflix etc., along with cloud-based systems such as IoT frameworks etc. 
8. Ember JS (Frontend) – Used by developers to create applications used by companies such as Twitch, Travis CI, Netflix, TED etc.
9. ASP.NET (Backend) – Developers use ASP.NET for applications such as web sockets that support functions such as streaming images and videos on websites such as YouTube, DailyMotion etc.
10. JQuery (Frontend) – Used by developers to create animations, plugins etc. for websites and related applications, etc. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, leveraging web development frameworks offers a competitive edge in today’s digital landscape. The economic benefits of reduced development costs and time, along with the technical advantages of high-quality, secure code, make these frameworks essential tools for modern web development. By adopting the most popular web frameworks available, businesses and developers can streamline their development processes, create exceptional user experiences, and stay ahead in an ever-evolving online world.

Thus, the above mentioned frameworks are the top ten web development frameworks currently in demand due to their various features. In summary, web development frameworks refer to applications that allow developers to create websites and related applications by providing a framework or skeleton for the same.

Interested in learning more about web development frameworks? Check out the full stack development program by Hero Vired for hands-on learning.