Best Frameworks for Web Development in 2024
Learn why a framework is the best option to build your business website.
What is a framework in web development?
No matter the industry, all businesses in different capacities use web development for their online platforms, especially in the current digital-driven age. Of course, with all the strategies and tools to build web apps, it may be hard to find one that fits your specific business needs and goals.
Many big and small companies use frameworks for web development, making it one of the most popular approaches in recent years. But, what are these frameworks? And how do they compare against other methods like CMS? We’ll answer these questions and also explore the benefits of web dev frameworks for businesses.
Web application frameworks, or web frameworks, are collections of pre-existing libraries, tools, and best practices that aid in the creation of online applications as a whole. It provides a disciplined approach to code organization and manages several common operations, which improves development efficiency and makes it easier to maintain.
Because it streamlines the web development process, creating websites and online applications becomes much easier. Also, since it provides a uniform approach to development, a framework may help ensure that the end product is scalable, reliable, and maintainable.
Types of web frameworks
In many cases, there are two types of web frameworks used. It is usual practice to use both frontend and backend frameworks when developing websites. By integrating several frameworks, developers can develop a more complete product that meets the needs of their users on both the client and server sides. Here’s a little bit about these two sides:
Frontend Frameworks
Frontend frameworks deal with the user experience (UX) and the user interface (UI). They make it easier to build the visual parts of a website or app, making sure it looks good and works well for people who use it.
Frontend frameworks offer consistent design, and styles that work on a variety of devices, and often include pre-built bits that make development faster. They might not have full integration with server-side features, so you’ll need to work with backend tools to build the whole thing. These frameworks are ideal for designing interactive and compelling user interfaces. Then, you have backend frameworks.
Backend Frameworks
Backend frameworks take care of server-side development, database management, server processes, and the general logic of a program. They make sure that data is processed, stored, and retrieved. Backend frameworks offer strong server-side features, safety measures, and effective data handling. They often come with tools for building APIs and working with databases. But setting it up might be harder, and learning it might take longer than with front-end frameworks.
Web development on framework vs CMS
Why use frameworks? This is a question that many developers ask themselves and it can be hard for coders to choose between using a Framework or a Content Management System (CMS) when they build websites. To help you make the best decision for your business, we’re going to compare them side by side.
| Criteria | Framework | CMS |
| Customization | Frameworks give you more freedom than anything else. Developers have complete access to the code, which lets them change everything. Frameworks like Django and Ruby on Rails are popular because they are flexible and can grow with your needs. | CMS has easy-to-use tools that make managing content quick and easy, but they may limit the ways you can customize the content. WordPress, with its simple dashboard, simplifies content management but imposes challenges on intricate database designs. |
| Maintenance and Upgrades | Needs regular upkeep, but gives you full power over changes. Ruby on Rails (Ruby) has a strong standard for managing and updating apps, which makes it easy for coders to handle changes. | Most of the time, changes are done automatically, which makes maintenance easier. WordPress changes its main features automatically, but site owners need to be careful that their plugins work with the new version. |
| Database Structure | When coders use frameworks, they can make and use any kind of database layout that fits the needs of the project. This level of control is especially helpful for programs that use a lot of complex data links. For example, Django lets employees make their own database models that fit their needs. | CMS may make the database layer easier to use, but developers may not be able to control how it is structured fully. WordPress simplifies database exchanges to make managing content easier. However, this means that you lose some customization options. |
| Security | Gives coders a lot of power over security methods so they can use the safest ways to code. Security holes can be covered promptly with manual intervention. For example, the Express.js (Node.js system) gives coders the tools they need to add security features and fix bugs. | Some platforms may be hard to keep secure because they are so famous and widely used. Because WordPress is such a popular CMS, it may face more security risks. This shows how important it is to keep security up to date and use regular changes. |
CMS may work fine for personal or small-scale operations, but when it comes to bigger enterprises that deal with issues of security, scalability, and customization, frameworks are usually a much better pick.
The most common web framework features in 2024
Web frameworks continue to grow every year, coming with new features that simplify and secure web development. Here are just some of the most standard features you can expect in 2024:
- More Speed & Cross-platform Compatibility. Performance improvement is a top priority for modern frameworks, which makes sure that websites load quickly and work well. Caching and code-splitting are two features that make the user experience better. Also, in 2024, web platforms will focus on making sure that websites work well on every device. This feature minimizes the chances of compatibility issues, making the user experience consistent for people who utilize different browsers.
- Security. With a greater focus on cybersecurity, frameworks come with built-in security features. Some of these are defenses against common online flaws, safe ways to log in, and tools to help professionals write safe code.
- Testing and Debugging. Frameworks come with tools that make testing and debugging easy. This makes it quick for coders to find problems and fix them. This speeds up the development process and makes sure that the end result is reliable.
- Developer Community. A solid developer community and full documentation remain essential components. They offer a lot of resources, such as lessons, debugging tips, and tools. This encourages cooperation and makes it easier for coders to learn and use the framework.
What do you need to think about in 2024 before developing the framework?
Here we are, far into the year 2024, and the world of web development is still changing. Before choosing a framework for website development, you should think about several key factors, regardless of your business or industry:
Project Scope & Details
Before choosing a framework, you should carefully look over what your project needs. An easy-to-use framework might be enough for a simple blog or portfolio. For more complicated apps with lots of features, though, choose a solid framework that can be expanded and changed to fit your needs.
Community Support
Look into the community that’s around the framework. A strong coder group makes sure that help, documents, and updates are always available. This joint space is very important for fixing bugs and keeping up with the latest web development news.
Security Protocols
Check out the framework’s safety measures. As online threats change, it’s more important than ever to make sure your web service is secure. Pick a system that gives employees the tools they need to put in place strong security measures, like encrypting data and protecting against common security holes.
Room for Optimization
Think about how the structure works in terms of performance. Look at load times, how well they work, and how resources are used. A well-optimized framework guarantees a responsive and user-friendly website, which leads to a positive user experience.
Scalability
Think about how your project can grow and what it will need in the future. You should choose a platform that can expand with your app, adjusting to new technologies and more users. Future-proofing makes sure that the money you spend on web development will continue to be useful and last.
What you can build with web frameworks (and what you don’t want to)
Web frameworks open the door to a wide range of opportunities, allowing developers to come up with diverse online experiences. Let’s look at what these powerful tools can help you build and what they might not be best for.
- USE it for real-time apps. It is possible to make real-time apps with web frameworks, like live chat, teamwork tools, remote work platforms, and interactive game platforms.
- USE it for dynamic sites & web apps. Web frameworks stand out when it comes to crafting dynamic websites and interactive web apps. Frameworks give you the structure and tools you need to build a popular blog, an intriguing e-commerce site, or a social media site.
- USE it for backend services or APIs. Frameworks are great for making core services and APIs that work well. Connecting different parts of a website, making data sharing easier, and letting third-party services work with ease.
- DON’T use it for static websites. Web frameworks might add extra work to projects that don’t need dynamic content or interactive elements. Basic HTML and CSS can be used to quickly make static pages that don’t do much. A small company’s website with static content and little need for intricate functions may not benefit from a web framework.
- DON’T use it for single-page sites. The extra work that a web framework adds may not be worth it for easy, one-page websites with few functions. An easier way to do things might be to directly code HTML and use lightweight tools. A personal portfolio website with a few components and minimal interactivity might not need the tools offered by a full-blown web framework.
Functional and security benefits of frameworks for your business in 2024
Regardless of the industry, web development frameworks can change the game for any business. Most of these benefits revolve around two key elements: Function (efficiency & scalability) and Security (monitoring and updates).
Efficiency & Scalability
Frameworks give you an organized base, which speeds up the growth process. Businesses can make apps more quickly by using standard tools and pre-built parts. This shortens the time it takes for goods and services to reach customers. Frameworks are scalable, which means they can grow and change with the business. Frameworks make the setting flexible so the system can adapt to the business’s changing needs, whether that means adding new features or handling more traffic.
For example, a store that uses a framework can quickly build and expand an e-commerce platform by using reuse sections for things like user authentication, payment handling, and shopping cart functions.
Regular Security Monitoring & Updates
Frameworks come with built-in security features and follow best practices. This consistency makes sure that developers follow safe code guidelines, which lowers the chance of bugs that could let hackers access private company data. Frameworks often have active groups that keep them up to date with fixes and updates. Businesses can stay ahead of new security risks and keep a strong defense against possible cyberattacks with this ongoing support.
When a financial institution uses a framework, it gets uniform security practices that help it follow industry rules and keep private customer information safe.
What business value can the development and use of frameworks provide in 2024?
Each business or industry may use web development frameworks a bit differently, meaning that these frameworks bring something different to every company. But, overall, there are some undeniable benefits for all businesses:
Rapid Time-to-Market
Frameworks speed up the development process, which helps companies quickly release new products and services to customers. This quick turn-around is especially helpful in fields where keeping ahead of the competition is important. For instance, a tech company that uses frameworks can quickly make and release a new mobile app, which gives them an edge in the app field.
Lean Scalability
Frameworks are a cost-effective way to make things bigger. As a company grows, the flexible structure of frameworks lets it grow without having to pay huge development costs. For example, frameworks let an e-commerce business easily expand its online platform during busy times, making sure that customers have a smooth shopping experience without having to pay a lot more.
Compliance & Security
Frameworks have security features built in, which makes customers and partners trust them. This is especially important in fields that deal with private information, like healthcare or banking, where trust is crucial. For example, a healthcare company that uses frameworks makes sure that patient platforms are built safely, protecting private medical data and following data security rules.
Brand Loyalty
Frameworks help make the user experience smooth and fast. This is very important in customer-facing fields like shopping or entertainment, where customer happiness has a direct effect on company loyalty. For instance, a hotel company that uses frameworks can create an easy-to-use booking system that gives guests a good online experience and makes them more loyal to the brand.
What insights can our team provide on the best frameworks?
A lot of businesses in different industries may use frameworks for website development, but only those succeed that have a clear path to execution and understand the pitfalls ahead. That requires experience, not just with the industry, but with web development frameworks for those industries.
Our team at TRIARE has a long track record in using frameworks for web development in different industries. Drawing on such experience, we have a deep insight into your project’s specific challenges and limitations, ongoing costs, your target audience needs, and the importance of scalability.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. This is an in-depth look into the benefits of frameworks for development in 2024. With the right action plan, you can develop a responsive, cross-platform app that can capture more visitors and keep adjusting to their needs. We at TRIARE can help you develop and implement that plan to perfection. We’re also just a phone call away.
