Top 5 High-Performing Backend Frameworks in 2021–22

Backend frameworks play a pivotal role in application development for countless businesses across the world. However, finding the right framework for a particular project can be quite challenging. Especially due to the myriad options available. So, how do we go about it? Let’s find out!

Even if you are a newbie in web development, the least you would know is that web development is majorly classified into two facets: frontend development and backend development. And obviously, they both have their respective sets of tools, technologies, and website frameworks.

This article will help you navigate your way around backend web development and understand its relation to frontend development. For good measure, we’ve even thrown in some of the most popular backend frameworks to help you narrow down your options.

Backend vs Frontend Development

Before getting started, let’s first understand the differences between the backend and the frontend. This is relevant, especially if you are new to the world of web development. Before diving deep into the list of popular backend frameworks here’s a quick primer on what frontend development and backend development mean.

Frontend Development

In simple terms, the frontend is the visual part of a web app. It is what users see and interact with. Your UI UX design implementation plays a key role here. The most popular website frameworks for frontend development are HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

The primary focus here is to create a great user experience and ensure that the layout and the design of the web app are cohesive throughout.

Backend Development

on the flip side, backend development is everything that happens behind the scenes on the server. That is why backend frameworks are also known as server-side frameworks. Although users do not interact with backend components directly, they are extremely important for everything to work just right. Backend developers are responsible for the implementation of database systems, generating backend functionality and ensuring proper communication between different web services.

Do All Web Apps Need a Backend?

The need for a backend entirely depends on the features and functionalities you’re trying to implement into your application. If you only wish to display preset static data, then just having a frontend will do. However, if you want it to display dynamic or user-specific content or authenticate users before letting them access its features, then you definitely need backend tools. So, how do backend frameworks feature in all this? Let’s find out!

What Is a Backend Framework?

Backend frameworks are libraries of backend (server-side) programming languages that enable the construction of the backend structure of a site.

They offer ready-made solutions to build a dynamic app or website. They provide developers with an advantage by eliminating the need to build and configure everything from scratch.

This way, developers can thus focus on the more important features they want to implement and quickly get things done.

Although they all serve the same purpose, most backend frameworks are written in multiple languages and offer different features. The choice of language and whether a particular framework can support the features you’re trying to implement will decide your choice of framework.

In 2021, backend development will be even more crucial as companies look to expand at a rapid pace. Therefore, here we share the top 5 backend frameworks for web development that will rule the industry in 2021 and the coming years.

Let’s get the ball rolling!

Top 5 Backend Frameworks for Web Development

1. Node.js

Although there are several JavaScript frameworks, Node.js dominates the industry. The framework even has its IDE or runtime environment. This IDE is one of the main reasons why it is highly popular among developers.

Also, the Node.js backend framework is efficient and helps in developing high-end applications for website development. It is asynchronous, single-threaded and non-blocking. That is why it is considered as the best backend language for real-time applications.

Node.js is a JavaScript-based solution, so most backend developers are familiar with the language. So, if you are planning to hire Node.js developers, it will not be too time-consuming or too difficult.

When switching to the backend framework, developers can leverage all the benefits of JavaScript development. Apart from that, due to the presence of a dynamic community of developers, Node.js is considered one of the best backend programming languages. Additionally, the active developer community constantly contributes towards the development of the language.

2. Python

According to the TIOBE index for July 2021, Python is the third most popular programming language among developers. Python has experienced tremendous growth (around 18–19%) in the last 5 years. In another statistical analysis by PYPL, Python ranks first in the list.

Python is one of the most popular backend frameworks on several other well-known platforms like GitHub and Stack Overflow. Also, Python’s compatibility with trending technologies like ML and AI makes it a preferred option among developers working on advanced applications. This is why there are now several Python development services that offer advanced solutions in application development.

Python has been the most popular backend framework in almost every industry vertical. The main reason behind this popularity is a relatively simple syntax that makes it easy to learn, read and use. Consequently, the programming language is now widely used for software development, web development, and various trending technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, etc. Python also offers remarkable features like rich library support, simpler integration with other languages, GUI support, automatic garbage collection etc.

The popular Python backend frameworks that help make things more convenient and efficient are Flask, Pyramid, Django etc.

3. Kotlin

Kotlin is a backend framework for the Java Virtual Machine, which is also known as JVM. As it has official Google support, Kotlin is now highly preferred for Android development.

Kotlin enhances readability while giving you the provision to write less code. Less coding means fewer errors and consequently enables developers to focus on other critical tasks. As the preference for website performance increases, Kotlin backend framework will occupy an important position in the coming years.

One interesting fact about Kotlin is that it came from the industry and not academia. Due to this, it is a more straightforward tool when compared to Java in solving the challenges and problems faced by the programmers. For instance, the Kotlin backend framework helps developers in avoiding null pointer exceptions.

Kotlin will have a considerable impact on future backend developments since it is fully compatible with Java. Additionally, developers gain access to huge libraries that would let them write concise code.

As companies look to regain from the setbacks of 2020, Kotlin can be a great resource. It aids in faster development and is comparatively very cost-efficient. Also, it is a universal backend framework. Therefore, transferring from one platform to another can become very easy.

As we have mentioned above, Kotlin has a very easy learning curve. The language is less prone to errors and enables developers to find errors fast. It is also a very secure backend framework. Kotlin developers are embedded in semantic principles. These principles avert common errors that often happen during program executions.

4. Ruby on Rails

RoR or Ruby on Rails is a popular website framework for backend development written in the Ruby language which is available under the MIT license.

Backed by a vast and friendly community of developers, RoR is an ideal framework that involves everything that a developer needs to create advanced apps.

Since its release in 2004, thousands of apps have been created using the framework, including Airbnb, GitHub, and Hulu, among several others.

Some prominent features of the RoR backend framework include:

• Ruby on Rails emphasizes the principles of No Repetition (DRY) and the Configuration Convention (CoC)
• RoR implements the MVC architecture or the Model-View-Controller architecture
• RoR backend framework simplifies the process of modifying an existing code
• RoR community collaborates diligently to identify and fix new vulnerabilities

Here are some of the pros of this backend development:

• The codes written in RoR are crisp, clear and consistent
• RoR backend framework is one of the most time-efficient programming languages available.
• Comes with a large community of developers
• Hence, if developers face problems, they have a large group for support
• Developers can reuse code to a greater extent which in turn reduces the time required for a web application.
• This backend framework works in Model-View-Control-Format. This means that it is easier to separate the business logic from other application parts.
• The encoding process in RoR is self-describing and easily comprehensible. Therefore, new developers do not need extra documentation to begin a new project.
• Developers can create a prototype of the future website at a faster rate.
• RoR is also considered as a predictable and stable backend framework for web applications.

It is easier for developers to add new features based on new requirements, due to its predictable nature. Also, the framework is ideal for long-term projects and can be used in different types of commercial industries.

5. JAVA

There are some who believe that JAVA is losing its charm. However, if we look at different statistics every year, we can see that JAVA ends up with an excellent ranking.

This just goes on to show that some backend frameworks still work well and are in high demand in the world of technology.

To put it in perspective, there are around 8 million JAVA developers worldwide. This proves the demand and popularity of the programming language.

It is an object-oriented backend framework that features a highly celebrated Write Once Run Anywhere (WORA) feature. This allows JAVA codes to run on other platforms that support JAVA, without recompiling.

The language offers several remarkable features for backend development like Dynamic Typing, Light-weight Scripting language, Object-Oriented programming support, Client-side Validation, Large community support and much more.

The language is a widely used backend framework in Android development along with desktop applications, web applications, scientific applications etc. Java’s remarkable features like high demand in the tech world, popular frameworks (like Spring & Hibernate), automatic memory allocation and garbage collection, multithreading, platform independence ensure that JAVA gives you valuable business opportunities for years to come.

Wrapping Up

So, there you have it — the top backend frameworks for web development in 2021.

As you can see, each programming language has its pros and cons. It completely depends on your requirements and budget as to which framework will be a perfect fit for you. That being said, hopefully, this list of top backend frameworks gives you some direction as to which one is the most suitable option when you are starting a new project.

The above-mentioned backend programming languages are leading in the industry, and you can pick any of these for your business-level programs. All you need to do is to get in touch with a reliable software development company and get yourself a great project that fulfills your business requirements.

Meanwhile, if you are interested in exploring the right programming language for DevOps, here it is.

From frontend to backend development and beyond, Bridge Global is here for all your web and mobile application development needs. We have strong expertise in developing all manner of custom software development projects that include web development, windows application services, and embedded software development for a global clientele over the last 15 years. Contact us today to get started!

Originally published at https://www.bridge-global.com on August 11, 2021.