6 best backend frameworks for web app development

Frameworks are a vital part of web development just as application standards rise. It leads directly to developing dynamic online platforms and the required complexity of technologies. Many backend developers worldwide use web app frameworks as an integral aspect of the development process. However, selecting the most relevant one might be difficult with so many options available. 

That’s why we bring you a list of the 6 top backend frameworks for web development.

What are the best backend frameworks in 2023?

Backend development relates to server-side application logic that connects directly with the database. It handles all the things behind the scenes. Because of this, the chosen backend framework significantly impacts the performance of a web application and could determine the project’s success. In other words, it’s crucial to choose the right tech stack for a digital product.

Ruby on Rails

Rails is an open-source web application development framework based on the Ruby programming language. It encourages developers to use a model-view-controller (MVC) framework that comes with the default web service, web pages, and database. At the same time, it allows users to build, analyze, and expand the software freely. It mixes Ruby, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create dynamic apps.

Ruby on Rails is one of the most popular frameworks, owing to the fact it’s a free solution as well as the fact that it simplifies numerous repetitive programming aspects. It’s also often used for prototyping and developing MVPs (Minimum Viable Products). Many companies are using Rails, one of many examples could be Netflix or GitHub. At Applover, we used it to develop a marketplace vendor platform, a web app for the banking institution, or an eCommerce mobile app for restaurants.

The characteristic of this framework is prioritizing active record patterns, DRY (don’t repeat yourself), or CoC (convention over configuration). It’s also suitable for behavior-driven deployment or test-driven deployment. Both of these development methods are effective in lowering expenses.

Django

Django is another open-source web framework based on Python. Built by developers, it was designed for rapid development and clean design. Django implements the model-view-template pattern that’s similar to MVC. It’s also developed with the idea of “batteries included,” meaning that everything a developer would need is already built-in. Thanks to that, Django doesn’t require installing third-party libraries or plugins. 

Among well-known sites that use Django are Pinterest and Mozilla Foundation. Because this framework is highly customizable and very scalable, it results efficiently in bigger projects. However, in the case of smaller projects, it may not be the best choice as the project will be bloated with unnecessary features.

Spring

Spring Boot is one of the most extensively used backend JavaScript frameworks. It’s a Java platform application framework that’s an inversion of the control container. It improves programming thanks to an emphasis on productivity, speed, and simplicity. Any project may use its fundamental features, but it also has several extensions for creating websites.

Spring Framework can be considered a collection of templates or a “template built from templates”. Most of these templates are designed to work independently, although using them together provides more functionality. Even though it doesn’t have any specific programming model, it’s one of the most popular open-source frameworks. Websites like Wix use it. However, the learning curve may be rather severe.

Express.js

Express is a lightweight and adaptable Node.js web application framework that offers a comprehensive range of functionality for web online and mobile apps. It’s a MEAN stack backend component, along with the AngularJS frontend framework and MongoDB databases. It’s also a typical server framework that is used for developing APIs and online applications. 

Express is one of the most used frameworks for web development today. IBM, Uber, and many other firms use it, and it’s also compatible with frameworks like Loopback or Kraken. But the fact that there’s no established manner of developing might be Express’s big disadvantage.

Flask

Flask is a microweb Python-based framework that doesn’t require other tools or libraries. This backend framework for web development supports secure cookies, RESTful request dispatching, and Jinja2 templating. However, it lacks form validation and components that rely on third-party services. It supports extensions in a way that makes them appear to be built into the framework. 

Unlike Django, Flask is lightweight and appropriate for creating smaller projects. LinkedIn is one of the famous apps using it as a backend framework. For most users, it’s meant to give a great performance. This is because there are fewer levels of abstraction, and it has the ability to perform at a high level. 

Laravel

Laravel is a PHP-based framework that is known for elegant, expressive syntax, flexibility to support huge teams, and current toolkit capabilities. Laravel was designed to allow for substantial backend development and follows the mentioned MVC pattern. It includes a comprehensive ecosystem and its database migration.

The major goal of Laravel for websites is to make website upgrades enjoyable and straightforward. Because of its adaptability, features, and execution, developers generally choose it. Some companies that are using Laravel are 9GAG and Razorpay. The source code for Laravel is hosted on GitHub and is licensed under the MIT license. On the other hand, Laravel doesn’t compare to Django or Express regarding performance, which might be a disadvantage for large projects.

How do you choose the right backend framework in 2023?

There are many powerful back-end frameworks for web app development, each with its own pros and cons. But at the end of the day, your decision on the API tech stack is project-specific. It all depends on the product vision, company objectives, and user demands. However, to choose the right one, it’s best to consult with top tech experts to hyper-grow your business and carefully examine your possibilities.