There’s no denying that creating interactive and multimedia content using JavaScript is highly popular. In 2021, it marked its ninth consecutive year as the most popular programming language. As the name suggests, this collection of JavaScript code libraries aids programmers in doing common programming tasks. Apps may also benefit from the app’s ability to reuse code components and a universal development environment.
We’ve compiled a list of the most popular front-end JavaScript frameworks for your convenience. Let’s look at each framework’s fundamental features and what they can do for us.
React
One of the most popular open-source JavaScript frameworks, React, was created in 2013 by a Facebook software developer called Jordan Walke. With over 180k ratings on GitHub, the React community is huge. React is used and adored by about 40% of all developers globally. Despite a minor decrease in satisfaction with React in 2020, it remains a popular option for new IT developers. It weighs less, has a more active community, and has a less steep learning curve. An International Hockey Federation (IHF) front-end web project was built using Simform’s lightweight React component framework (FIH).
How it works
React takes advantage of JSX, making it possible for programmers to embed HTML code into JavaScript scripts. You may use the React library with other frameworks like state management, API integrations, and routing.
The in-memory cache used by React’s library creates a virtual DOM. The virtual DOM compares the components’ prior and current states. As a result, the actual DOM only displays components whose states have been modified somehow.
The one-way data binding of the framework facilitates nesting by allowing data to move in just one direction. ComponentDidMount is used to execute code at particular moments in the lifecycle.
Real-life use cases
Facebook, Netflix, Airbnb, Reddit, UberEats, and many more major websites have been built using React.
React’s most popular components
React components may be used to build an appealing user interface using Material UI. Styling components for designing layouts, forms, navigation, and other widgets are abundant with this tool.
React Semantic UI: Semantic UI uses pre-existing functionality by executing simple words. Developers may express their creativity using the interface’s multiple themes.
Toolbox for React Google Material Design guidelines is adhered to by a collection of React components written in SASS. CSS modules are used to import SASS stylesheets into the application. The library’s smooth integration provides flexible and customizable solutions with React webpack.
When to use React?
Single-Page Applications may be built using React thanks to its Virtual DOM features (SPAs). In addition, you may use React to develop big, community-supported apps.
Vue.js
Vue.js is an open-source front-end framework created and maintained by Evan You and his team since it was first released seven years ago. Small-time front-end apps that need to operate on a javascript framework increasingly use Vue.js. The third most popular framework in 2021, according to Github’s study. Almost 700,000 websites have been created using this framework. Vue.js is a full framework that allows you to write code more easily and efficiently. It is also well-known for its smaller file size and quicker download time.
How it works
Vue.js uses the Virtual DOM to update and alter the application’s state.
One-way and two-way data binding are supported in Vue.js. Reactive two-way data binding is the name given to this feature, which means that data in a component class and its template are interchangeable in React.
The ecosystem of Vue.js is vibrant. You may still use Quasar Framework, NativeScript, or Ionic to create hybrid mobile apps even if it lacks their own mobile framework.
Additionally, Vue.js makes use of the JSX library. Vue.js can quickly import and manage custom components thanks to the use of JSX.
As a result, Vue.js has a wide range of CSS transitions and animations available. Transition wrappers, custom classes, JavaScript hooks, and other features are available to Vue.js users.
Real-life use cases
Alibaba, 9gag, Xiaomi, and a slew of other well-known brands have turned to Vue.js to handle all of their front-end needs.
Popular components for Vue.js
There are over 500 contributors to the Element UI Vue.js component library, which is supported by a strong community base. Components like this enable developers and designers alike to build beautiful and engaging user interfaces by focusing on the smallest details.
You can construct reusable components that work nicely with Server-Side Rendering using Vue.js’s unofficial material design framework, Vuetify. With over 23k stars on Github, this project is gaining traction and a thriving community. Approximately 400 contributors to Vuetify have contributed more than 20 plugins.
A UI kit for Vue.js based on the Bootstrap framework is Bootstrap Vue. Bootstrap v4 may be used in responsive, mobile-first apps thanks to Vue.js. A grid framework, various UI components, and various themes are included in the kit.
When to use it?
Vue.js may be used as a framework rather than merely a library since it doesn’t add any complexity to the developing process. Vue.js is a good choice if you want a lightweight design that keeps functionality separate from presentation. It helps in the formation of SPAs and modest projects. Vue.js is your best option if you’re looking for developer-friendly features like tree-sharking, code-splitting, and more.
Angular
An open-source web application framework created by Google is called Angular. Core features including dependency injection, asynchronous compiles, RxJS, and more were added in version 2 of this framework. It has become very popular among programmers. Nearly 60% of respondents to an Ideamotive study said they have experience working with the Angular framework. Simform’s experts used Angular to build FoodTruck Spaces, an online application.
How it works
Angular is an MVC framework in its simplest form. A well-structured application may be created by using this tool.
Data may flow in both directions via the framework. Using the controller, Angular can link the DOM to the model data. You may listen to events and concurrently update data between parent and child components using bi-directional data flow.
In spite of its shortcomings, the framework’s environment is superb. Many pre-built solutions are available to help you build easy and efficient applications. When using Angular, for example, you don’t need to install or configure anything.
Thanks to Angular’s hierarchical dependency injection, all code components may be easily checked and reused.
In many ways, debugging in Angular is easier because of the immediate error detection and useful feedback choices.
Real-life use cases
Google has also utilized Angular to develop several services. Websites such as Forbes and LEGO have also been built using Angular.
Popular Angular components
All you need to get started with Ngx-bootstrap. With this component library for Angular, you can easily include Bootstrap in your project. Angular is used to build the bootstrap components, which results in a faster and more responsive user interface.
Angular Material is a set of reusable UI components inspired by Google’s material design. This library is the best place to start if you’re looking for an extensive collection of user interface design elements.
When to use Angular?
As a full-fledged framework, Angular is appropriate for constructing large-scale corporate applications. Furthermore, since it employs MVC architecture, it enables the smooth incorporation of additional features.