8 Most Popular Backend Frameworks for Web App Development

What are the most popular backend frameworks that increase web application performance?

A number of IT companies can answer this question and guide you in the right direction. But wouldn’t you like to know the frameworks that make a web application work and look attractive?

However, those who are naive to technology will look for questions like:

• What is a framework?
• Is it necessary to integrate it into application development?
• What are the most used backend frameworks?

Don’t worry, we are here to answer all your questions!

We’ll walk you through the basics. A framework is a software that provides the entire skeleton for your mobile app development and the basic structure that all apps need.

So which framework works better? Frontend framework or backend framework?

Interestingly, these are the two most popular terms used in web development. What’s more, each of them is important, but they differ slightly in their workflow. Let us brief you on what each of these terms means.

Backend Framework

The backend is “behind the scenes” that the user cannot see. Developing the backend framework that keeps the internet running. Codes and other aspects are needed to make the application work smoothly for the end user.

Most Popular Backend Frameworks – Laravel, CodeIgniter, NodeJS, etc.

Frontend Framework

The frontend is the other side of the backend. The difference is that developers create and design the interface and determine the appearance of the application. The user can only view the front-end part of the application, which is called the “client side”.

Most popular frontend frameworks – AngularJS, React JS, Flutter, Vue JS, etc.

It must be clear what these frameworks do and help develop a robust mobile application. In this note, a single page application represents only the front end of the application.

Today let’s talk about the core of any mobile app development. Why use popular server-side frameworks-backend development?

Why do developers use backend frameworks for web development?

According to Wikipedia, the goal of a backend framework is to focus on the database and provide an API. It includes the implementation of a server for data storage and transmission. The main advantages of using backend frameworks for web development are:

• Time savings
• Scalability
• Robustness
• Safety
• Integration

In addition, the most popular backend frameworks are Open-Source. Keep reading to learn about the best backend frameworks.

Types of Top Backend Frameworks for Web Development

Frameworks have become an essential part of developing a robust application for both frontend and backend, creating seamless online platforms and leading to solving any complexities.

With many options available in backend frameworks, it can be difficult to find the one that best suits your application. Therefore, to help you with the best, we present the trending backend frameworks of 2022 that ensure scalability and high performance.

Let’s read on to know better!

List of the best backend frameworks in 2022

• Laravel
• CodeIgniter
• NodeJS
• ExpressJS
• Django
• Flask
• CakePHP
• Ruby on Rails

Laravel

Taylor Otwell developed Laravel in 2011 and since then it has been the best backend technology for mobile apps.

Laravel is a free open-source PHP framework with MVC architecture. It also follows the model-view-controller pattern based on Symfony. This makes Laravel a web development framework with a clean and straightforward syntax.

This PHP framework provides a syntax that is elegant and expressive. It helps users access a relational database like an ORM using maintenance and deployment tools.

Laravel’s scalable development services can turn development into a fun process that facilitates basic operations such as routing, authentication, and caching. Flawless and creative syntax creates high-performance web applications that Laravel promises in 2022.

Laravel Features 

1. Security

Laravel offers hashed and salted password methods with the Bcrypt Hashing Algorithm to provide double password security and protection against attacks. To prevent such attacks, the framework uses ready-made SQL statements.

2. Template module

Laravel boasts built-in templates for layout generation and content seeding – these templates design simple and complex layouts with JS and CSS widgets.

3. MVC

The MVC architecture supports separate layers of business logic and presentations. MVC offers features and enhances security to support performance growth.

4. Unit testing

The Laravel Framework performs testing to ensure that the development process does not break new changes unexpectedly.

Advantages of Laravel – the best backend technology

1. Easy user authentication

Implementation is easy with this powerful PHP framework. Because it provides simple configuration. Simple control of accessors for easy authentication with Laravel. Using the Plug-and-Play method, users can access securely through a fast and intuitive user interface.

2. Faster cache integration

Laravel supports built-in backend caching like Memcached and Redis. It is a quick and fast cache integration that leaves the site with an amazing user experience.

3. Secure Transactions

When a business develops a web application, security is a primary concern. However, it provides the best solution when using Laravel as your backend framework, and its built-in system protects against SQL injection, scripting, etc.

4. The open source community

Laravel is a strong community and open-source framework that constantly supports developers to continue working without interruption.

Top web and mobile apps built with Laravel

• Invoice Ninja
• Bar chart
• Pfizer
• Studio Stomp
• Creative spaces
• Morgans Hotel Group

As these are the most popular backend frameworks today, consider the above features and benefits to develop a robust Laravel web application. Hire a Laravel developer now!

CodeIgniter

The next best scalable backend framework is CodeIgniter.

When considering a powerful PHP framework that helps developers build a robust web application, it offers a useful set of code from scratch. CodeIgniter has been on the market since 2006, allowing you to perform various operations such as sending emails, uploading large files, and managing sessions by connecting to a database.

CodeIgniter is also an open-source framework that includes huge libraries, plug-ins, helpers to facilitate complex functions and processes.

It is another model-view-controller framework like Laravel. The framework is developed for the best use of programmers who use frameworks to transform a simple platform into a high-end application.

Read below about the architecture of CodeIgniter to understand how it works.

1. The user requests data on CodeIgniter, which goes to the index.php page.

2. The request goes one step further for security review.

3. If the requested page is cached, routing moves to the previous step and releases the user’s response. Or, if there is no cache, the process moves on to the next step.

4. Once the security check is thoroughly completed, the application controller will load the necessary libraries, models, display scripts, connect and go to the View.

5. The display will provide the user with accessible and readable data.

CodeIgniter features

1. MVC architecture

The MVC model stands for Model, View and Controller architecture. It contains the data, displays the presentation layer of the web application, and controls the logic of the application. It is possible to build large applications and CodeIgniter allows new routes instead of the traditional way.

2. Error handling

Error free application or error detection feature due to user interface, CodeIgniter has log files to convert error files to txt format. Logs are txt files that look for error functions and error messages to provide an error-free application.

3. Security

CodeIgniter’s core feature is a built-in security tool that includes XSS filtering, CSRF protection, password manipulation, input authentication, cookie encryption, etc. You can also define the level of security your application needs by disabling runtime commands on initialization. system.

4. Unit testing

When it comes to the QA scene, the most important factor in a project is unit testing. CodeIgniter’s PHP framework unit testing provides simple and easy-to-understand tasks with an evaluation function and two results functions.

5. Query builder

CodeIgniter gives you access to the Query Builder with a minimal line of code that enables CRUD operations. It also enables more secure queries and creates database-independent applications. CRUD is create, edit, update and delete operations with other features like image manipulation, file upload, comparison, data encryption etc.

Advantages of CodeIgniter – Best Backend Framework

1. Customization

According to experts, CodeIgniter is the only framework that allows easy application customization without wasting time. File configuration at its simplest is why developers rely heavily on CodeIgniter, which promises custom web applications. You can always hire a CodeIgniter developer with experience customizing your app.

2. User friendly interface

CodeIgniter has the best interface for developing web application with dynamic features. This can provide the best responsive web experience. You can experience great flexibility and user interface, making it an ideal choice for an app development company.

3. Rapid migration

CodeIgniter can migrate data from one server to another, which is why many companies rely on this framework because it allows seamless migration. No matter where the old data is stored, you can easily transfer it to this platform. Get proper support from the web development team to resolve any technical glitches.

4. Rapid development

In providing fast services, CodeIgniter is no less than Laravel. If you need rapid development services, you must rely on this framework. This framework requires less code compared to other frameworks that were created earlier and provides better functionality.

5. Better SEO

CodeIgniter allows you to increase your website ranking, which leads to new customers. The main goal of CodeIgniter is to improve traffic. The development company CodeIgniter offers several features that optimize the application without affecting any functionality or user interface of the application.

Top web and mobile apps built with CodeIgniter

• Nissan
• Casio computers
• Bonfire
• Accenture
• Bird’s view
• Ola

NodeJS

NodeJS is the most requested backend framework among backend frameworks. To keep up with modern technologies, you need to understand why NodeJS is important and where you can find NodeJS developers.

NodeJS is nothing new. Since 2009, it has been useful to develop web applications with many advantages suitable for enterprise and B2C applications. Perhaps there are no programmers who do not know what Javascript is. With the development of growing technology, it increases. No one can imagine web development without JS. It’s a great way to speed up development and is cost effective.

What are the NodeJS frameworks that have added to the value of this framework to make things easier?

NodeJS properties

1. Event management

A server built on NodeJS will never wait for a response from an API. It is a non-blocking framework that receives and tracks responses from a previous API called Events.

2. Single filament

The event mechanism allows the NodeJS server to respond in a non-blocking manner with a single-threaded architecture. NodeJS uses a single-threaded program to handle a fairly large number of requests.

3. Scalability

NodeJS expresses one of the significant problems of software development, i.e. scalability. NodeJS can handle requests efficiently using cluster modules to balance the load of all CPUs. The capability of this framework lies in the horizontal partitioning of applications, which provides an attractive feature.

4. Cross-platform

Compatible with various systems like Windows, Linux, Unix, Mac OS X and mobile devices, NodeJS is compatible with all systems.

5. Fast data streaming

Other frameworks that came before NodeJS were slow and took a lot of time to process. NodeJs transfers data quickly. As a result, it improves overall internet speed and data streaming without buffering.

Advantages of NodeJS

1. Easy to learn

NodeJs is easy to learn. If one knows JavaScript and the basics of object-oriented programming, it’s easy to get started with NodeJs. Thoroughly understand the client-server model. Increase and brush up on your knowledge from tutorials or GitHub.

2. Keep it simple

No need to switch from backend to frontend. One code, one deployment and everything falls into place with NodeJS. This framework requires less code and few files to help speed up the development process.

3. Saves time

Time is money for startups. During the initial development process, they work tirelessly to quickly iterate, test, deploy and deliver the project. The technology is lightweight and can reduce time without sacrificing functionality.

Top-notch web and mobile apps built with NodeJS

• Netflix
• Uber
• Paypal
• eBay
• Walmart
• LinkedIn

Express.js

Express javascript, also known as Express, is a NodeJS framework available under the MIT license. Express.js is a MEAN stack backend framework with a combination of Angular frontend. It is known as one of the best backend frameworks for web development. Developers use this framework to develop APIs and online applications.

Express.js properties

1. Server-side programming

What is Expressjs Server Side Programming? It is a part of NodeJS that serves widely used functions for use at various programming points. Web application development is faster with Express.js than with NodeJS alone.

2. Routing

Routing is a feature that stores web pages through URLs. Express.js provides basic routing, but NodeJS allows sophisticated routing.

3. Debugging

Errors are common in any web application development and can cause huge disruptions. Developers must identify and fix bugs. However, Express.js has a convenient debugging system for identifying errors.

Advantages of Express js

1. Low maintenance costs

Express is a full-stack JavaScript framework that eliminates hiring additional resources. With the help of NodeJS, you can quickly upgrade your application.

2. Support Google V8 Engine

This supports the framework by offering better performance without any error.

3. Support for both frameworks

Express uses JS for frontend and backend coding, so the platform is easy.

Top-notch web and mobile apps built with Express.js

• Yummly
• Myspace
• Storify
• Rake
• Countly

Django

An open-source web framework based on Python is a free solution for complex database-driven web applications. Startups and enterprises that emphasize high-quality web design should opt for the Django framework using XML, JSON, and HTML formats.

Django features

1. Scalability

Django is scalable with caching and code reuse. This makes Django applications run more efficiently under high traffic demand.

2. Security

Security issues such as SQL, CSRF and XSS attacks become the default when Django developers refrain from these issues.

3. Added battery

Developers can use packages instead of writing code from scratch. This feature allows developers to save time and focus on other application areas.

4. Non-blocking programming

Depending on the MVC module, Django can run anywhere and support non-blocking programming.

Advantages of Django

1. Rapid development

You don’t need to write separate code for each element you add to your web application. Developers use different elements simultaneously; moreover, it quickly creates an MVP.

2. A large community

Django has a community of more than 2000+ developers. With such a skilled team, you can quickly get the best web application solution.

3. Versatile use cases

The Django framework is versatile. This is because it allows the creation of all types of websites and web applications from CMS to any social networking sites.

Top-notch web and mobile apps built with Django

• Spotify
• Dropbox
• The Washington Post
• Youtube
• Eventbrite
• Instagram

Flask

Flask is a WSGI framework that runs on a web server better than any user browser. It is a Python-based web application platform for developing modern web applications.

Flask properties

1. WSGI Help

Flask includes a set of tools for building robust WSGI-compliant web applications and Jinja for templating.

2. Embedded server

The built-in server in Flask provides a debugger and allows developers to implement Python if something goes wrong.

3. Minimalistic

Flask can quickly set up web servers to pool core elements by default.

4. Sending a RESTful Request

There is a RESTful extension that allows you to set up a REST API.

Advantages of the flask

1. Flexible

Flask offers a variety of URLs, dynamic URL parameters, and HTML attributes to increase the responsiveness of your web application.

2. Scalable

Flask can handle many requests at once and create scalable web applications.

3. Fast implementation

Flask implements the latest and trending technologies for rapid web development.

Top-notch web and mobile apps built with Flask

• Red hat
• Airbnb
• Lyft
• Reddit
• Mailgun

CakePHP

Released in 2005, CakePHP is an open-source backend framework available under the MIT license. CakePHP developers follow MVC architecture for data mapping, front controller and view model controller.

CakePHP features

1. Code reusability

CakePHP allows users to reuse the same code multiple times to reduce developer effort.

2. Testing

CakePHP allows a testing feature when you hire a developer. It is challenging to analyze errors and fix them without the testing process that CakePHP development company offers.

3. Database interactions with CRUD

This is one of the most important features of CakePHP development. A single line of code creates and generates significant application activities.

Advantages of CakePHP

1. Pre-configuration is not required

One does not need to waste time configuring Linux-Apache-MySQL-PHP settings. Thanks to built-in functions, CakePHP allows you to use auto-detected settings.

2. ORM

ORM is a technique used to convert incompatible system data using an object-oriented programming language. Therefore, working with CRUD functions is easy.

3. Security

Security is the biggest concern for many. With CRUD, it takes less time to secure the user submission process, and CakePHP has built-in security.

The best web and mobile apps built with CakePHP

• Mapme.com
• Followmy.tv
• Vamcart
• QuickApps

Ruby on Rails

Commonly known as Rails, it is an open-source backend framework for developing web applications with patterns such as MVC and DRY.

Ruby on Rails features

1. Libraries

Ruby on Rails includes an extensive library for building a high-quality database and a library of common tasks.

2. Localization

This helps developers combine their code for implementation in large projects.

3. Testing

RoR runs tests on code written by programmers, saving time and effort in delivering quality development.

Advantages of Ruby on Rails

1. Accuracy

With built-in automatic testing features, RoR provides accuracy in detecting errors. RoR is easy to control, resulting in better consistency.

2. Rapid development

RoR works fast and saves a lot of time and ensures excellent quality.

3. Consistency

You can hire web developers to develop a web application with RoR. They can standardize file storage and preserve the structural readability of the project.

Top-notch web and mobile apps built with Ruby on Rails

• Slideshare
• Shopify
• Soundcloud
• Base camp
• Hulu
• Fiverr

How to choose the best framework for backend web development?

Apart from these eight most popular backend frameworks, more can be added to the list with their features and benefits. However, it is up to you to decide on the API stack development for your project and it depends on the project, goal and vision of the company.

Make sure the framework you choose includes speed, reliability, and scalability. Follow your company’s requirements to decide on the most suitable technology with industry trends.

However, if you want to choose one of the most popular backend technologies, we recommend you to discuss backend development services with experts to take the process further.

In short – the most popular backend frameworks

The trending backend frameworks are Laravel, NodeJS and CodeIgniter, leading the market with exceptional features, fast delivery and rich features. The team of experienced backend developers at Xekera Systems offers the best PHP development services with or without JavaScript as per your requirements.