Node.js is widely conferred as the most popular framework for web designing. It is a platform that allows developers to build efficient large-scale web applications using JavaScript scripting language. There are countless benefits of using Node.js in the web development realm, major of them are swift application development process, robust and scalable web applications, etc. In simple words, Node.js is a remarkable invention that triggered the development of more user-friendly applications.
Node.js is a platform built specifically for fast and scalable network application development. It uses a non-blocking model of I/O which in a way influences its efficiency and size; significantly it is light weighted. Owing to its features and abilities, Node.js MVC framework is the best for real time applications as compared to other frameworks. Not to miss, the intuitive and interactive features of this platform assist developers in building feature-rich web applications.
In this article, we have compiled a list of 6 Best Node.js frameworks widely used for developing content and feature-rich websites. As mentioned above, these frameworks speed up your web application development remarkably.
1. Ghost
Ghost is a leading open-source blogging platform built on Node.js. This notorious CMS provides two versions, one for common use and other specifically for developers. Since it is a simple yet dynamic platform that allows you to create unique publication system which can be optimized as per the business requisites. As an open source platform, it enables developers to easily access its core coding without any restraints and also it is packed with the feature of easy redistribution. There is a huge library of added themes, apps and resources available for the all developers who are presently working on Ghost.
Take a glance at the popularity stats of Ghost.
According to Github
Total Star ratings: 17,602
Version: Node v0.12 and io.js v1.2
Licensed By : MIT
2. Express
Express is a real-time Node.js framework which is both flexible and essential for creating the well-structured and featured web applications. It includes various HTTP utilities like redirection, caching, etc. for enhanced routing and performance. Also, it has a view system that supports 14+ template engines, which means this framework is perfect for developing small, large, or even hybrid web applications. Top featured brands like Storify, MySpace, and Countly are already using the impeccable features of Express.
According to Github
Total Star ratings: 21,791
Version: Express 4
Licensed By: MIT
3. Geddy
Geddy is a simple structured open source MVC framework which is based on ruby on rails methodology comprehending inbuilt authentication module, passport.js, and socket.io integration. It takes only a few commands to work with Geddy for making secure real-time applications. Also, it constitutes a set of automated command line interface that automatically functions to create models, controllers, views, socket.io integration, etc.
Geddy comprises of EJS as default template engine apart from supporting other multiple templates engines. Geddy runs multicore processor used by Node’s inbuilt cluster module which means the functional node.js application on which you are working is no longer a single thread application but rather it sprints up multiple cores automatically. It requires no specific specialization to work on Geddy.
According to Github
Total Star ratings: 1,888
Version: 2
Licensed By: Apache
4. Hapi
Hapi is a simplified configuration-centric framework that offers built-in support for facilitative attributes like input validation, caching, authentication, error handling, logging, and other useful features for developing web and service applications. Walmart, Paypal are obliquely based on Hapi.js. This powerful Node.js framework empowers the developers to write reusable application logic in a modular and systematic manner instead of spending that time on building the infrastructure.
According to Github
Total Star ratings: 5,068
Version: 11.1.x
Licensed By: MIT
5. Koa
Koa is an expressive HTTP middleware for node.js as it is developed and maintained by the same core community that built the popular Node.js framework Express. Koa smoothens the writing of web applications and APIs, which becomes more simplified and enjoyable for developers. It would not be wrong to call it the next-gen Node.js framework.
Koa uses generators that enhance the readability and capability of web applications. It offers a wide range of possibilities to build functional web applications and API™s swiftly. Forget all constraints related to error-handling and callbacks as Koa utilizes the best of its features to eliminate callbacks and enhances the error-handling processes.
According to Github
Total Star ratings: 7,873
Version: node 0.12.0 and higher
Licensed By: MIT
6. Sails.js
Sails.js is a prominent Node.js MVC framework designed especially for developing real time and production-ready applications within a short span of time. It simplifies the development of enterprise-level Node.js applications integrated with supports like data-driven APIs, a service-oriented structure for advanced apps. Sails.js is the best for developing chat, practical dashboards, multiplayer games, etc. This framework utilizes Waterline with MongoDB to provide effective database solutions and object-relational mapping. No wonder, Sails.js is compatible with Grunt modules and also supports few official databases namely MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, SQLite3, Redis, local disk, and local memory. Community adapters exist for CouchDB, neDB, TingoDB, SQLite, Oracle, MSSQL, DB2, ElasticSearch, Riak, neo4j, OrientDB, Amazon RDS, DynamoDB, Azure Tables, and RethinkDB.
According to Github
Total Star ratings: 12,680
Version: node v0.11
Licensed By : MIT
Conclusion
Well! There are many outstanding Framework/CMS solutions based on node.js available out there; few of them are function-focused like Ghost specifically for blogging, similarly many others for developing impressive websites/applications. Choose the best one that suits you and your business requirements.
Richard
That’s Highly Informative. Yes i have worked with Koa, Express & Hapi they all are really excellent. Keep up the good work.
Atif Mohammad
Thanks Richard, Glad you liked it.
Rihan
An appreciable collection that everyone should consider if looking for CMS framework. Thanks for the post. Helpful for startups to pick the right choice.
Atif Mohammad
Glad you found it interesting.
Chris Moune
Considering Express has a CMS ? I think we should first define what a CMS is and what it is not. It is like saying that Zend is a CMS, what about WordPress then ?
Being a CMS or not should be determined by how far you can go without writing a simple line of code. If you can end up with a functional website, just by runinng some init scripts and clicking on few buttons, then we have a CMS.
If you must start thinking about routing, request lifecycle, handler, caching and so on, I think we should instead talk about a framework, a library, but not a CMS.
That is my point of view.
Atif Mohammad
Dear Chris,
Thanks for sharing your views here.
In terms of Frameworks and CMS, you are correct. But, it’s not a scope of discussion here. In this article, we are discussing about the best frameworks available in NodeJS. A good framework can be used as a CMS.
Please check this screenshot “https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwhMkPiGfCRIb3hURjFGX1NlVjQ/view?usp=drivesdk”
Well, you are absolutely correct in defining Frameworks VS CMS. 🙂