Best JavaScript Frameworks of 2023

Best JavaScript Frameworks – JavaScript is known as a programming language for building interactive and intuitive websites. Luckily, building websites with JavaScript has become easier since the introduction of JavaScript frameworks.

With a JavaScript framework, you can use existing code frameworks, thereby shortening the process and time to build great websites.

So, to make it easier for you to choose the right JS framework, we’ve summarized the 12 best JavaScript frameworks to try. We will also explain the advantages and disadvantages. But before that, let’s first understand what a JavaScript framework is, come on!

What are JavaScript Frameworks?

The JavaScript framework is a framework for developing websites, web apps, and applications with the JavaScript programming language. By using a JavaScript framework, you don’t need to write JavaScript code from scratch because you can use the website framework or the basic code that has been provided.

Next, you just have to develop the framework into a complete website.

The JavaScript framework is open-source, meaning you can access and develop it further according to your needs. Apart from being free, there are currently many JavaScript framework options available, you know.

What JavaScript frameworks can you choose? Come on, let’s go to the next discussion.

Best JavaScript Frameworks of 2022

There are several JavaScript frameworks that developers often use. Anything?

1. AngularJS

AngularJS is a framework developed by Google and is most popular among developers. This JavaScript framework was first released in 2009 with the JavaScript programming language. Then, in 2014 AngularJS has a new version built with the TypeScript language.

There are 3 main parts which are important components, namely:

• ng-app – AngularJS directives and links to HTML.
• ng-model – The data directive from the AngularJS app to the input HTML control.
• ng-bind – Data directive from AngularJS app to HTML tag.

AngularJS Features:

• Directives – Makes it easy to set up the JavaScript DOM, so it can produce more dynamic HTML formatted content.
• Hierarchical Injections – Makes it easy to manage code for testing and reuse
• Two-way Data Binding – Easy synchronization between models and views.
• Scope – The object that holds the Model data contains the Method or intermediary between the Controller and the View.
• Controller – Controls data and workflow in the program being built, and contains a collection of JavaScript functions made in AngularJS.
• Services – Objects that can be used in an application to generate XMLHttpRequests.
• Filters – Sort code items or functions.
• Directives – Used to create tags in HTML.
• Template – View of the program that is being created based on the Controller and Model.
• Routing – The process of switching or switching views.
• Model View Whatever – The MVC design pattern divides the work process because it has its responsibilities. So, the method is closer to being MVVM (Model-View-ViewModel).
• Deep Linking – Allows developers to encode applications in URLs, bookmark, and restore the last state of the URL.
• Dependency Injection – Developers can write components or code independently of one another, making it easier to test and develop programs.

With these complete features, it’s no wonder brands like Forbes use this JavaScript framework.

Advantages of AngularJS:

• AngularJS with TypeScript has the concept of Object Oriented Programming or object-based, so the process becomes flexible and much easier to manage.
• Can be used to build complex programs such as large-scale websites, native apps, high-performance PWAs, to RIA (Rich Internet App).
• Division of work scheme MVC (Model, View, Controller), where JavaScript is the control and HTML is View. So that,
• Any code changes will be immediately visible.
• Common components, such as cards, toolbars, navbars, and containers, can be built once but can be used multiple times.
• The number and structure of the lines of code to build the app are very neat.
• Has a wide user community.
• Can do trials directly.
• Compatible with all browsers, except Explorer.
• There is RxJs or reactive JavaScript, a tool that can accommodate any kind of asynchronousness. So, the code can run even though the application is still making requests to the server.
• Allows managing Single Page Applications easily.

Disadvantages of AngularJS:

• The rules for writing code are quite complicated, so it’s a bit difficult for beginners.
• The resulting application structure tends to be more complicated, so it can reduce application performance.
• Less SEO Friendly.
• The size of the framework is large, namely 566 KB.
• Requires authentication from the server to maintain application security.
• JavaScript and the browser must always be connected, if JavaScript is disabled with the web browser, then the code that has been made cannot work.
• Developers should be familiar with the TypeScript programming language.

2. React JS

React JS is a component-based JavaScript framework used to develop dynamic interfaces (UI) or visuals. When you create an application with React, each page is a component that can be divided into small components.

So you can develop views (UI) in more detail per component.  That’s why React is perfect for developing interactive program interfaces, as seen in the Netflix app and website.

React Features:

• Virtual DOM – Used to save various code changes.
• Libraries Integration – Can be connected and used together with various JavaScript-based libraries.
• JSX (JavaScript XML ) – A JavaScript syntax extension for easy modification of the DOM with HTML code.
• Declarative – Creates an interactive UI, so processes
• React Native (React custom renderer) – Allows code to be used in two apps at the same time, i.e. Android and iOS with only one block code.
• Flux – Application architecture that controls the flow of data to components through a single point of control, namely the operator.
• React Views – To see the results of the program being built.

Advantages of React:

• Using Virtual DOM which is faster than regular DOM.
• The Virtual DOM will be updated when writing code because it can be saved to memory.
• Structured and simple components.
• Using a language that is almost similar to HTML and CSS.
• Uses one-way data binding and Flux, making it easier to control code and debug.
• Debugging can be done only on the problematic component.
• Can be tested easily.
• SEO Friendly.
• Has a great community.

Disadvantages of React:

• More focus on appearance.
• Documentation changes due to frequent updates.
• JSX is more difficult for beginners to learn.

3. Vue.js

Vue JS is a progressive JavaScript framework for building interactive interfaces.  For example, 9gag allows its users to upload threads and interact with other users.

This JS framework is developed under the MIT License, and you can modify and use this framework for websites with commercial or personal needs.

Vue.js Features:

• Virtual DOM (Document Object Model).
• Components – To create and customize various HTML elements.
• Computed Properties – To see the changes in the display.
• Directives – To perform various actions on the front end.
• Data Binding – To provide a value or value to the HTML attribute.
• Lightweight – To make programs simpler and faster.
• Routing – As an intermediary between pages.
• Templates – Connect the DOM with Vue.js instance data.
• Watcher – Handles data changes to keep code simple.

Advantages of Vue.js:

• Complete and detailed documentation.
• Lightweight, small size 18 KB.
• Short, structured, and simple code writing, making it easier for beginners.
• There are many plugins available, such as to improve UX, compress images, and so on.
• Easy to integrate with other JavaScript-based applications.
• Many themes have complete components and features.
• Flexible, can use HTML and CSS with one template many times.
• Can create single-page applications with one HTML file.

Disadvantages of Vue.js:

• The Vue.js community isn’t that big yet.
• Unstable components.
• Updates are too fast which often causes device compatibility issues.

4. Ember.js

Ember.js is a JavaScript framework that was released in 2015 and has an MVVM (Model-view-ViewModel) concept. MVVM is a pattern for more clearly separating interface (UI) development from business logic and behavior in applications.

This JavaScript framework also supports Two Way Data Binding, where when you make changes to the JavaScript code, it will affect the view (view layer) contained in the HTML code.

So, Ember.js can be used to develop powerful platforms and complex UIs, such as LinkedIn.

Ember.js Features:

• Ember Inspector – A tool for debugging Ember applications.
• Route – Core feature for managing URLs.
• Computed Properties – Allows you to declare functions as properties, which will be returned when you invoke the property.

Advantages of Ember.js:

• Templates in Ember.js can update the model automatically if the application content is changed.
• The available templates can help build an easy and flexible UI.
• There is a properties function to calculate object properties.
• The core model uses HTML and CSS, so it’s easy for beginners to understand.
• Templates can be pre-compiled on the server, thereby increasing loading speed.
• Have a plugin to help validate client input (or requests) before they are processed or sent to the server.
• Has a plugin that allows the synchronization of servers that are at rest.
• Has a stable API.

Disadvantages of Ember.js:

• Server-side validation is still required.
• Input validation to the server is not yet integrated, so it requires a special plugin
• Cannot expand HTML code.
• Don’t have a dedicated plugin source yet.
• The community isn’t that big yet.
• Large file sizes are large, namely 235 KB.

5. Node.js

Node JS is the first server-side JavaScript development that works cross-platform, so it can work well on Windows, iOS, Linux, and more.

By carrying out server-side JavaScript, Node.js can be used to develop dynamic websites. So, input-output operations can be performed asynchronously. That is, the program can run simultaneously without having to wait for the queue process.

Not surprisingly, Node.js is very popular for creating application programs such as I/O applications, data streaming applications, real data-intensive applications (DIRT), JSON API-based applications, and single-page applications.

One example of a well-known website that uses Node.js is Medium.

Node.js Features:

• Engine V8 – Google’s JavaScript compiler built using the C++ programming language to compile JavaScript code into code at the assembly level.
• Libuv Library – A C++ library in charge of managing asynchronous I/O (input/output) operations in Node.js and main event loops.
• Design Pattern – Object pool (a collection of objects that can be used for a particular task) and Facade (provides an interface for the body of the code).
• Asynchronous Process – The process of running the program can be done simultaneously without having to wait for the queue process.

Advantages of Node.js:

• Fast, because built on Google Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine, the Node.js library allows fast code execution.
• All APIs are asynchronous so the server doesn’t have to wait for the API to send back data.
• Non-blocking in nature, processes that do not require output from the previous process can still run simultaneously.
• There is no data buffering, allocating a portion of server storage for the data being processed.
• Using a NoSQL database, so it’s easier to manage, and can use MongoDB and CouchDB applications because it supports JavaScript.
• Has many powerful libraries.
• Full-stack from HTTP server to templating engine.
• The same programming language is on the client and server side.

Disadvantages of Node.js:

• Unstable APIs.
• Has a lot of updates, so it can affect its compatibility with various devices.
• Need to periodically adjust the codebase whenever a new version appears.

6. Backbone.js

Backbone.js is a popular framework among web programmers. However, this JS framework can also be used to create single-page applications.

The Backbone.js framework was born from the notion that all server-side functions must run through an API. So, Backbone.js can produce quite complex program functions by only writing a little code, like Trello which was successfully built with this framework.

Backbone.js Features:

• Model – Contains interactive data and functions.
• Display – To customize the interface, work according to events or actions from the client, detect changes in the model and display them in HTML pages.
• Collection – An ordered collection of models.
• Events – Backbone Modules that can be easily bundled into other classes.
• Router – Connects client-side URLs to actions in the app.
• Synchronization – can map model state to the server-side database.
• Key-Value Binding & Custom Events – Every change to the Model affects the View, and vice versa.
• API Integration – Allows websites to communicate with other languages or applications through existing APIs, for example, RESTful JSON.
• Event Handling – Customizing user commands in the browser.

Advantages of Backbone.js:

• Using JavaScript functions, so developing applications and front-end become easier.
• Not difficult for to learn by beginners.
• Lightweight size, which is 81 KB.
• Can use a plugin to have two-way data binding.
• Has many libraries or code libraries.
• Easy to learn API and documentation.
• Has a distinctive coding style that allows developers to code less.

Disadvantages of Backbone.js:

• Don’t have tools for debugging yet.

7. Meteor

Meteor is a framework that can be used for most software development, from back-end development, database management, and business logic, to front-end rendering.

This framework is not only famous as a JavaScript framework, but also the Isomorphic Development Ecosystem (IDEvE), where you can create web apps that run in real-time.

Meteor Features:

• Distributed Data Protocol – Automatically commit changes to client requests without having to write synchronization code.
• Universal app – The code is the same for web browsers and mobile devices.
• Package – To simplify the installation and programming process.
• Meteor galaxy – Cloud Service for meteor app deployment.

Advantages of Meteors:

• Can make prototypes quickly.
• Can generate cross-platform code, namely Android, iOS, and websites.
• The coding is simple and easy for beginners to understand.
• Can be combined with AngularJS and React.
• Can be used as full-stack development or the entire program development cycle, from planning to development.
• It has built-in features such as automatic CSS, reactive templates, and JS minification on production servers.
• Using isomorphic JS code, the same code on the front-end and back-end, mobile app, and website.
• Developers don’t need to install or configure various module managers, libraries, drivers, APIs, and more.

Disadvantages of Meteors:

• Integrates with MongoDB.
• Not suitable for building large and complex applications.

8. Mithril

Mithril is a framework with the classic MVC concept. This framework can be an option because it is considered a combination of an architecture similar to AngularJS and uses a virtual DOM like React.

Mithril Features:

• JXS – A syntax extension that allows you to write HTML tags interspersed with JavaScript.
• Animation – Has options to produce rich and complex animations.
• Path Handling – To generate URL routes.
• XHR – How to communicate with the server, can create and update HTML, create components, to create routes for Single Page Applications.
• Routing – The process of switching or switching views.

Advantages of Mithril:

• It has a small size, which is 9.5 KB.
• Has a performance of 6.4ms.
• It has an API, making it suitable for building JavaScript widgets and user interfaces that require complex performance.
• Lightweight, so it has fast loading.
• Compatible with all browsers.
• Easy when doing trials.
• Can be integrated with third-party plugins.

Disadvantages of Mithril:

• The community isn’t that big.

9. Polymer

The polymer was first released in 2015 and was developed by Google. With this js framework, you can build web apps using website components.

Polymer Features:

• Simplification of the PWA development process.
• DOM Shadow – For encapsulating CSS, JavaScript, and templating.
• Polyfills – To create customizable and reusable elements.
• Catalog Elements – Has a large stock of ready-to-use web components.

Advantages of Polymers:

• The code structure is easy for beginners to understand.
• Supports one-way and two-way data binding, so that it can build a wider application area.
• Conditional and repeating templates are available.
• Built on standard website APIs, making it very easy to create custom HTML.
• Can be used to create reusable widgets in documents and web apps.
• Use Google’s material design to easily develop mobile apps.
• Custom elements are distributed across the network and can be used with HTML imports.

Disadvantages of Polymers:

• The structure of Polymer web components is difficult to understand, so developers often rewrite and change coding.
• Not suitable for building large-scale applications and mobile-based applications.
• Documentation and tutorials are still incomplete.

10. Aurelia

Want to make a cool-looking website? You can use Aurelia to implement any UI. Aurelia has the goal of interpreting the server and client-side simultaneously and allows you to extend HTML code. So, this JavaScript framework can develop more powerful websites.

Aurelia Features:

• Components – The building blocks of the Aurelia framework, consisting of JavaScript and HTML view models.
• Aurelia CLI – The official command line for Aurelia, can be used to create new projects.
• Two-way data binding.
• Board Language Support.
• Routing – Extensive routing configurations.
• Server Side Rendering – Feature to render the application on the server and send the full page back to the client.

Advantages of Aurelia:

• Can extend HTML code for a variety of things, such as data binding, building modern architectures
• It has a standard website framework that is clean, without unnecessary additional code.
• Can be integrated with other tools or plugins if needed.
• Can be integrated with Polymer.
• Can perform component testing and end-to-end testing.

Disadvantages of Aurelia:

• A fairly small community.
• Doesn’t have a lot of tutorial documents.

11. Next.js

NextJS is a ready-to-use JS framework for building programs easily, where when you set it up for the first time, the program is ready to run.

The JS framework is a good choice for building programs through the front end. Next.js can be considered as a complement to React because it can be better in terms of rendering.

Next.js Features:

• Routing Pages – Automatic routing on each page, so you don’t need to create a different routing file for each page.
• Build-in CSS Support – Can import CSS into JavaScript files.
• Layout Component – This can break down the construction of a page into a set of components, each of which can be reused on other pages.
• Image Optimization – Can resize images accordingly to make them more responsive when the site is opened via a browser.
• Font Optimization – Sets inline CSS fonts automatically.
• Script Optimization – Set the loading priority on third-party scripts.
• Static File Serving – This makes it easy to load and use static files on a specific page.
• Fast Refresh – Automatically refreshes when it detects script changes.

Advantages of Next.js:

• A full-stack framework can be built from the front-end side for website display and the back end for rendering and database management.
• Has a template for routing on web pages.
• SEO friendly.
• Easier to set up and deploy projects.
• Has good performance.

Disadvantages of Next.js:

• Not many compatible plugins.
• Doesn’t provide many ready-made build-in front pages, so you need to build the entire front-end layer.
• If you want to build an online store, you need a dedicated development and management team.
• Restricted frameworks only use file-based routers and cannot be changed. If you want to use a dynamic router, you need a Node.js server.
• Limited built-in state manager, needs help like Redux, MobX, and so on.

12. Express JS

Express JS is a framework for building web apps that use Node.js as a base. This framework is a back-end development that can be used in managing routing sessions, HTTP requests, and others.

Express.js Features:

• Routing – The method used by the website (server) to display requests from the browser (client).
• Middleware – Access object requests, object responses, and each of those request and response cycles.
• Static Files – Files that can be downloaded by the client or browser.
• Template Engine – Library to choose different templates.
• Cache – No need to write code over and over again.

Advantages of Express.js:

• Can be scaled quickly.
• Can fix errors faster.
• Shorten the development process because it is integrated with the MEAN full stack which can build the entire website quickly.
• Support Google V8 Engine.
• Has a great community.
• Using the JavaScript programming language.

Disadvantages of Express.js:

• Does not have an authentication system, so it must be added using a plugin.
• Does not have ORM (Object Relational Mapping) which can turn a table into an object, but can use third-party applications such as Sequelize.