Backend frameworks are libraries of backend (server-side) programming languages that enable the construction of the backend structure of a site.
They offer ready-made solutions to build a dynamic app or website. They provide developers with an advantage by eliminating the need to build and configure everything from scratch.
This way, developers can thus focus on the more important features they want to implement and quickly get things done.
Although they all serve the same purpose, most backend frameworks are written in multiple languages and offer different features. The choice of language and whether a particular framework can support the features you’re trying to implement will decide your choice of framework.
Top 5 Backend Frameworks for Web Development
1. Node.js
Although there are several JavaScript frameworks, Node.js dominates the industry. The framework even has its IDE or runtime environment. This IDE is one of the main reasons why it is highly popular among developers.
Also, the Node.js backend framework is efficient and helps in developing high-end applications for website development. It is asynchronous, single-threaded and non-blocking. That is why it is considered as the best backend language for real-time applications.
Node.js is a JavaScript-based solution, so most backend developers are familiar with the language. So, if you are planning to hire Node.js developers, it will not be too time-consuming or too difficult.
When switching to the backend framework, developers can leverage all the benefits of JavaScript development. Apart from that, due to the presence of a dynamic community of developers, Node.js is considered one of the best backend programming languages. Additionally, the active developer community constantly contributes towards the development of the language.
2. Python
According to the TIOBE index for July 2021, Python is the third most popular programming language among developers. Python has experienced tremendous growth (around 18–19%) in the last 5 years. In another statistical analysis by PYPL, Python ranks first in the list.
Python is one of the most popular backend frameworks on several other well-known platforms like GitHub and Stack Overflow. Also, Python’s compatibility with trending technologies like ML and AI makes it a preferred option among developers working on advanced applications. This is why there are now several Python development services that offer advanced solutions in application development.
Python has been the most popular backend framework in almost every industry vertical. The main reason behind this popularity is a relatively simple syntax that makes it easy to learn, read and use. Consequently, the programming language is now widely used for software development, web development, and various trending technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, etc. Python also offers remarkable features like rich library support, simpler integration with other languages, GUI support, automatic garbage collection etc.
The popular Python backend frameworks that help make things more convenient and efficient are Flask, Pyramid, Django etc.
3. Kotlin
Kotlin is a backend framework for the Java Virtual Machine, which is also known as JVM. As it has official Google support, Kotlin is now highly preferred for Android development.
Kotlin enhances readability while giving you the provision to write less code. Less coding means fewer errors and consequently enables developers to focus on other critical tasks. As the preference for website performance increases, Kotlin backend framework will occupy an important position in the coming years.
One interesting fact about Kotlin is that it came from the industry and not academia. Due to this, it is a more straightforward tool when compared to Java in solving the challenges and problems faced by the programmers. For instance, the Kotlin backend framework helps developers in avoiding null pointer exceptions.
Kotlin will have a considerable impact on future backend developments since it is fully compatible with Java. Additionally, developers gain access to huge libraries that would let them write concise code.
As companies look to regain from the setbacks of 2020, Kotlin can be a great resource. It aids in faster development and is comparatively very cost-efficient. Also, it is a universal backend framework. Therefore, transferring from one platform to another can become very easy.
As we have mentioned above, Kotlin has a very easy learning curve. The language is less prone to errors and enables developers to find errors fast. It is also a very secure backend framework. Kotlin developers are embedded in semantic principles. These principles avert common errors that often happen during program executions.
4. Ruby on Rails
RoR or Ruby on Rails is a popular website framework for backend development written in the Ruby language which is available under the MIT license.
Backed by a vast and friendly community of developers, RoR is an ideal framework that involves everything that a developer needs to create advanced apps.
Since its release in 2004, thousands of apps have been created using the framework, including Airbnb, GitHub, and Hulu, among several others.
Some prominent features of the RoR backend framework include:
Ruby on Rails emphasizes the principles of No Repetition (DRY) and the Configuration Convention (CoC)
RoR implements the MVC architecture or the Model-View-Controller architecture
RoR backend framework simplifies the process of modifying an existing code
RoR community collaborates diligently to identify and fix new vulnerabilities
Here are some of the pros of this backend development:
The codes written in RoR are crisp, clear and consistent
RoR backend framework is one of the most time-efficient programming languages available.
Comes with a large community of developers
Hence, if developers face problems, they have a large group for support
Developers can reuse code to a greater extent which in turn reduces the time required for a web application.
This backend framework works in Model-View-Control-Format. This means that it is easier to separate the business logic from other application parts.
The encoding process in RoR is self-describing and easily comprehensible. Therefore, new developers do not need extra documentation to begin a new project.
Developers can create a prototype of the future website at a faster rate.
RoR is also considered as a predictable and stable backend framework for web applications.
It is easier for developers to add new features based on new requirements, due to its predictable nature. Also, the framework is ideal for long-term projects and can be used in different types of commercial industries.
5. JAVA
There are some who believe that JAVA is losing its charm. However, if we look at different statistics every year, we can see that JAVA ends up with an excellent ranking.
This just goes on to show that some backend frameworks still work well and are in high demand in the world of technology.
To put it in perspective, there are around 8 million JAVA developers worldwide. This proves the demand and popularity of the programming language.
It is an object-oriented backend framework that features a highly celebrated Write Once Run Anywhere (WORA) feature. This allows JAVA codes to run on other platforms that support JAVA, without recompiling.
The language offers several remarkable features for backend development like Dynamic Typing, Light-weight Scripting language, Object-Oriented programming support, Client-side Validation, Large community support and much more.
The language is a widely used backend framework in Android development along with desktop applications, web applications, scientific applications etc. Java’s remarkable features like high demand in the tech world, popular frameworks (like Spring & Hibernate), automatic memory allocation and garbage collection, multithreading, platform independence ensure that JAVA gives you valuable business opportunities for years to come.
Source; Medium - Bridge Global
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