From a client-side programming perspective, the language JavaScript has grown into the language of web development. It consistently holds the position of one of the most popular modern programming languages. With the help of JavaScript, the interface of the sites becomes interactive and responsive. JavaScript frameworks add to the general convenience of language usage.
JavaScript framework is a handy tool for fast and easy development. Frameworks usually contain a set of components and widgets that can be used to build any web application. The widgets are parts, easily combined and integrated into any environment.
Some of the solutions at the market offer additional features like a built-in designer, or editor, that facilitates the process of creating business apps. The choice of the frameworks also differs in the extent of technical support, presence of documentation, and regularity of updates. In this overview, we look at the most popular and modern JavaScript frameworks that can become a reliable aide in the development process.
However, there are no reviews on Angular, Vue, React, or jQuery on the list. We tried to focus on the less well-known, though equally strong and worthy. The pros and cons of each product are taken from the reviews of real users.
Webix UI Library
Webix JavaScript UI library is a robust solution, that has already gained its followers. The library offers 100+ widgets; 13 of them are full single-page applications. Those are turnkey web apps, that you can either use straight away or build into your unique project. The most popular tools are Gantt, File Manager, Kanban, and Pivot. The library also includes a Webix Jet microframework that allows developers to effectively combine the widgets.
All the widgets are compatible with the Angular and React environment. The library is regularly updated, so you are on the safe side once you decide to stick to this solution. The blog is lively, it contains information on the widgets, as well as real cases of their application based on the interviews with the customers. The documentation is regularly complimented. Whenever you have an issue that needs to be solved, the forum and responsive technical support are there for you. The library is delivered under MIT license, there are various plans available. A nice thing is a free trial period that will let you know if you need this purchase.
Pros: • Wide choice of complex widgets • Responsive technical support • Short learning curve Cons: • Lack of documentation on some widgets
DevExtreme
We are not including Angular, React, and Vue in this list, but there will be several solutions that can be integrated well with those popular frameworks. DevExtreme offers a full collection of powerful components to complement the Big Three. The framework supports touch screen devices as well as desktops. The components include DataGrid, PivotGrid, TreeList, Charts, Form, Maps, and others.
In general, there are more than 50 intuitive and easy-to-use tools in the framework. A built-in Theme Builder allows developers to modify themes provided or create custom ones. The blog is not very active, but interesting articles do appear there from time to time. Demos, technical support, and a trial period allow exploring the product easier.
Pros:
• Integration with React, Angular, Vue
• Wide choice of components
• Open-source tool
Cons:
• Large size
• Poor blog
Kendo
If you can't stop using React, Angular, Vue, or jQuery, Kendo is something you will be happy to benefit from. It offers four separate JS libraries for all those frameworks. Each of them claims to have a consistent API with theming. The site contains excessive information on demos, roadmap, documentation, and support. Everything is well organized according to the framework you deal with.
Pros:
• Perfect integration with popular frameworks
• Many simple controls
Cons:
• Lack of documentation on some components
• Not enough code examples
Ember.js
This is an open-source JS web framework. It appeared not so long time ago but proved to be a reliable solution. The learning curve may be a bit steep as the framework structure is quite unusual.
The UI built with Ember is HTML driven, so while developing you will operate HTML templates, which are the main parts of the framework. Ember apps offer a built-in development environment with auto-reload and a test runner. Besides, the built-in Ember router supports nested URLs with data fetching, nested loading, and error substates. Documentation includes guides and API references. The discussion forum seems to be quite lively and responsive.
Pros:
• Seamless URL support
• Open-source JS framework
• Fast development process
• Reusable
Cons:
• Steep learning curve
• Minor community
DHTMLX
This is another worthy solution that helps developers to create complex web and mobile apps. The library is not big, yet it has all the basic components necessary for an unsophisticated project.
This library includes a set of complete HTML5 components, based on the Material design that can be easily customized. The most powerful components are Gantt, Scheduler, Kanban, and Grid. All the components are compatible with React, Angular, and Vue. TypeScript is also supported. The library can be purchased under different license conditions.
Pros:
• Great performance
• Easy implementation
• Excellent technical support
Cons:
• Insufficient documentation
• Limited number of components
Backbone.js
This project claims to offer a very short learning curve. The framework claims to ensure complex functionality with less code. The library is simple and well-organized.
However, there is not enough additional information which may become a drawback for inexperienced programmers. The developing process is organized with the help of Models and Views interaction. The Models' state is shown in Views, which respond to any changes, and the processes happen automatically. The library is open-source.
Pros:
• Easy to learn and use
• Lightweight
• Open-source JS framework
Cons:
• Limited functionality
• Poor performance with big data projects
Infragistics
This toolkit offers UI controls and UX tools. App Builder is an integrated tool that is responsible for the fast development process.
The library contains all the typical controls for building high-performing applications compatible with any type of device. One more interesting integrated tool is Indigo.Design. It is a digital design platform used for prototyping, testing, app building, collaborating with the UX. The product also has a free trial period.
Pros: • Neat and customizable design
Cons: • Small community
Sencha
Sencha offers a range of various products, including a Java framework and React Grid. Ext JS is a JS framework from Sencha that offers 140+ UI components for creating perfect applications. Among the components are HTML5 calendar, pivot grid, D3 adapter, trees, lists, forms, and many others.
Besides the components, Sencha has a range of helpful tools to facilitate the developers' life. Among them are Sencha Architect, Sencha Themer, Inspector, which provides debugging, Sencha Fiddle, which is a free tool with the help of which you can try Ext JS without downloading anything. Different purchase conditions are mentioned in case you decide to buy the license.
Pros: • Powerful components • Regular updates • Responsive support • Compatible with any device
Cons: • Small community • Steep learning curve • Costly
Syncfusion
Components of this UI suite include DataGrid, Charts, ListView, Scheduler, PDF Viewer, and Excel Library. The tools can be used for mobile, desktop, and web development.
The resources to make the learning curve shorter are well-structured. There are demos, detailed documentation, video tutorials, as well as electronic resources, a community forum, and technical support. A free trial period is included.
Pros:
• Speedy
• Powerful and efficient components
Cons:
• Complicated integration
• Insufficient documentation
Vaadin
This library is open-source, except for some Pro components, that are commercial. The components are designed for desktop and mobile use. 45+ components include Date Picker, Combo Box, Charts, Grid. CSS injection mechanism ensures customizable styling. TypeScript is supported.
Additional tools include Collaboration Engine, Design System Publisher, Designer, and TestBench.
Pros: • Plugin support • Open-source
Cons: • Small community
Summing Up
JavaScript remains the leader in web development and it is not going to lose its stable position. The choice of JS frameworks is overwhelming. The list we have prepared is helpful for the current period, however, a new solution appears quite often.
So, it is highly important to stay up-to-date and to be in tune with modern tendencies. Besides, to choose a worthy solution, you should know all the requirements of the project, as the tools vary in terms of features, learning curve, price, and support.