Top Web Frameworks to Learn and Tips to Build a Career in Web Development

What Is a Web Framework?

A web framework (also called web development framework) is a software platform that can be used for developing websites, web APIs (Application Programming Interface), and other web resources. It includes a library of prewritten code, components, snippets, and application templates that developers can use to create applications, products, or services to be deployed on the web. 

The two types of web frameworks are:

• Client-side framework – works in front end and used for managing user interface
• Server-side framework – works in the background and is used for smooth functioning of the website

Types of Web Frameworks - Frontend and Backend 

Web frameworks can be broadly classified as frontend and backend frameworks that ensure the effective development of the web application. 

Frontend web development deals with the user or client side of the application. Any website or application has end users who need the website or application to be easy to use and meet their needs. Frontend framework takes care of this aspect of web development. With frontend web development framework, it is possible to develop applications and websites that have GUI and are very friendly for users.

Backend web development manages the server side of the application i.e., the functionality of the website or application. The aim of the backend framework is to ensure that there are no conflicts and glitches in the use of the website or application.

For frontend and backend web development, specific skills and knowledge are required and professionals who possess these skills are in great demand. In fact, a career in web development has become a viable option for those who know the frontend and backend languages and understand web development in detail.

What Are Web Frameworks Used For?

Web frameworks can be consistently applied across any website to manage uniformity in page elements like tables, texts, forms, and buttons and tasks like default browser settings, file structures, layout templates, among others. Frameworks are necessary as they:

• Help to increase web traffic
• Ensure quick and easy web development and maintenance
• Include standardized codes and conventions
• Systemize programming process and reduce errors and bugs
• Efficiently handles background tasks like data binding and configuration

Web developers design, build and implement websites and applications using a variety of web development frameworks. Frontend developers use frameworks to create the look and features of a website, while backend developers manage the operations of the features. Professionals who are skilled in both frontend and backend development are called full-stack developers. 

Top Web Frameworks You Need to Learn in 2024

There is no shortage of web frameworks in the market. Choosing the right framework for your enterprise or your developer job can be a tricky task. So, which frameworks should you focus on? We’ve compiled a list of the top web frameworks for 2024 that developers need to learn and master. 

1. jQuery

This is one of the best web frameworks that can be used for web development. jQuery is a JavaScript framework that makes the task of web development very easy and simple. With the help of this framework, it becomes very easy to manage animations and events on a website or application. However, this framework has some debugging issues that may sometimes create problems.

2. React

React is an open-source JavaScript library that can be used to develop user interfaces for web applications. In other words, React is most suitable for developing the frontend of a website or a web application. The problem is that it is best for developing single-page applications.

3. Ember

Ember is another JavaScript framework that is used to develop modern web applications and is suited for use by ambitious web developers. While Ember can be used for both frontend and backend web development, the problem with this is that it is tough to learn.

4. Ruby on Rails

A dynamic web application framework written by David Heinemeier Hansson, Ruby on Rails is perfect for developing high-speed applications. Applications built using this framework are usually 10 times faster than a typical Java framework. It is preferred as one of the best backend frameworks that include everything needed to create a database-driven application. The framework is based on the Ruby programming language.

Websites developed using Ruby on Rails include GitHub, Groupon, Airbnb, Shopify, to name a few. 

5. Django

A reliable backend web development framework, Django was created in 2005 by Adrian Holovaty and Simon Willison and preferred its super-fast, secure, scalable, and versatile nature. Django is a Python-based, MTV (Model-Template-View) web framework that offers every feature needed for rapid application development. 

Some of the world’s biggest websites developed using Django include Pinterest, Instagram, Spotify, YouTube, Quora, etc. 

6. Angular or Angular JS

This framework by Google is considered one of the top web frameworks for frontend development. Angular is JavaScript-based, open-source, and high-in-demand to construct robust, high-performance web applications. Its applications are easy to build and maintain, so numerous apps have been built with Angular.  

Some of the most popular websites using Angular are Upwork, Netflix, PayPal, Lego, etc. 

7. ASP.NET

Developed by Microsoft, ASP.NET is extremely helpful to build dynamic web applications for mobile devices and PC. This lightweight, high-performance framework uses .NET to develop web applications and is preferred for its speed, productivity, and power. The language used is C#. 

Famous websites built using ASP.NET are TacoBell, GettyImages, and StackOverflow.

8. Laravel

Developed in 2011 by Taylor Otwell, Laravel stands for simplicity, elegance, and readability. It works on an MVC architectural model and uses PHP language. Laravel has API support and includes several features like dependency injection server-side rendering that has increased its reach.

Laravel is the chosen framework for websites including Neighbourhood, Deltanet, Travel, etc.

9. Meteor

Choose this framework for creating real-time web and mobile apps in quick time. Features like instant prototyping and cross-platform code generation for iOS, Android, desktops, and browsers have made Meteor JS or Meteor one of the top web frameworks for 2022. Its cloud platform is called Galaxy, which remarkably simplifies scaling, deployment, and monitoring. 

Meteor is JavaScript-based and has been used in WishPool, HaggleMate, and Telescope. 

10. Express

An open-source backend framework, Express is based on Java programming language. It is hugely popular as one of the best web development frameworks that is minimal and flexible for backend development using Node.js. It is one of the main Express components of the mean software bundle. 

Leading websites implementing Express are Accenture, Myntra, Uber, MuleSoft, and others. 

11. Spring

Developed by Pivotal Software, Spring is one of the most used web frameworks for enterprise Java. It is best suited to build simple, flexible, and fast systems and applications. The enterprise-grade, server-side Spring framework is playing a key role in making Java popular in this age of cloud computing.   

Websites using Spring are Deleokorea, MIT, Zillow, Mascus, etc.

12. PLAY

A modern web development framework written in Java and Scala, PLAY follows MVC architecture and is regarded as a High-velocity framework. Some of the features that made the framework much loved and used include hot code reloading, hit refresh workflow, powerful console, and build tools. 

Prominent websites that use PLAY are LinkedIn, Coursera, and LendUp, to name a few. 

13. Vue

Vue is an open-source frontend JavaScript framework for developing user interfaces and single-page applications very fast. This flexible framework allows developers to build apps supported on multiple browsers. Vue is regarded as one of the best UI frameworks for Vuejs having features like easy-to-use API, several built-in themes, and a scalable UI components library. 

Websites using Vue are Gitlab, Grammarly, 9GAG, Behance, among others. 

Advantages of Using Frameworks

There are several advantages of using web development frameworks for building websites and web applications. Some of these are:

• Frameworks come with tools and packages that make the development of web applications very easy and less time consuming.
• With the help of frameworks, it is easy to find errors and debug these in applications.
• Maintenance of websites and applications becomes easy with the help of frameworks.
• When frameworks are used, developers do not need to write lengthy codes.
• Security of the website and applications can be enhanced using frameworks.
• The cost of web development can be reduced significantly when frameworks are used.

Classification of Framework Architectures

Framework architectures can be categorized as:

• Single page web framework architecture is used to develop simple web pages and websites. It is mostly useful for developers who have just started their career in web development and need to gain experience in developing complex applications.
• Microservice architecture enables developers to divide or segment their applications to be developed into services and launching and testing one service at a time. This makes web development easy and more efficient.
• Serverless architecture focuses on development websites and applications that provide the required functionality to the users.

A knowledge of the different frameworks and their architectures enables web developers to jumpstart their career and secure better job roles.

How to Build a Career in Web Development? 

Web developers are high in demand in today’s technology-driven world. Web developers who can build and maintain websites, apps, and software are extremely valuable to companies across industries that are migrating online. According to BLS, the employment rate for web developers is expected to grow 8% from 2019 to 2029 - at a much faster rate than the average for other occupations. So now, more than ever is an excellent time to build a career in web development!

The first step towards building a career in web framework development is to gain an understanding of web development languages, libraries, and frameworks, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript. Developing the basic web development skills will help you build the foundation and logic required for the communication using programming languages. 

Qualified professionals from various backgrounds can develop web development skillsets to become a successful web framework developer. You’ll preferably need a bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related domain to break into this lucrative field. 

Hands-on software development experience can increase your chances of bagging a high-paying web developer job. Different web developers work with different languages based on their job title and area of specialization. Whether you are looking to develop a career as a Frontend Developer, Backend Developer, or Full Stack Developer, you can improve your skillsets with a certification from a top-rated web development program.

To develop a career as a web developer, you’ll need to work your way up an IT career path and gather relevant experience working in the IT sector. A good starting point can be a job as a junior developer. Meanwhile, choose certifications for professional development like the Post Graduate Program in Full Stack Development from Simplilearn – the world’s #1 Online Bootcamp. After completing the training, you’ll be proficient at designing, developing, and implementing web services and applications. 

FAQs

1. Which framework is used for web development?

There are several frameworks that can be used for web development. Most of these frameworks are based on Java and enable a developer to achieve the task of web development quickly, easily and efficiently. Some examples of frameworks that can be used for web development are Django, Ruby on Rails, Angular, Ember, Meteor, jQuery etc.

2. Which web development course should I take?

To learn web development and to gain the required skills and knowledge, there are several courses available, both online and offline. All these courses enable the learners to develop the basic as well as

advanced skills essential to build a career in web development. One such course is the Web Development Course offered by Simplilearn that enables learners to get in-depth knowledge of the various languages and other technicalities that are involved in web development. 

3. Which Go framework is the best for web development?

Go or Golang Frameworks are becoming very popular for web development. These frameworks make it easy to write APIs and manage web services in an easy manner. These frameworks also offer an easy syntax and support various interface types thereby enabling the development of websites and

applications that meet the needs of various users. Some examples of Go frameworks are Kit, Beego, Echo, Iris, Go-Zero etc.

4. Is HTML a web framework?

HTML in itself is not a framework but a markup language that makes it easy to develop webpages. However, there are many frameworks that are based on HTML. These frameworks can be used to develop simple as well as complex websites and applications.

5. Which web framework is easiest?

There are several web development frameworks that are considered easy. Some of these are Angular Js, Flask, Django, Symfony, Express etc. Any easy framework is easy to use, learn and also offers flexibility to allow for the development of various types of web applications that meet the varied needs of users.

6. Which web framework has the most jobs?

Web development is becoming a lucrative career option for web developers who possess the right skills and knowledge. When web developers know how to use frameworks in the most optimal manner, they are able to get their desired job roles. In the marketplace, the web frameworks that are most in demand are React and jQuery. Web developers who have knowledge of these two frameworks are able to work at both frontend and backend web development.

7. Which web framework should I learn first?

Web developers can learn any web framework that is suitable for their needs. For instance, if web developers want to work on the frontend, they can start by learning React. Django is another framework that is considered easy to learn. Likewise, there are different frameworks that can be learned depending on the career needs of an individual.