How to Choose the Right JavaScript Library or Framework
The right and carefully chosen JavaScript library helps to avoid plenty of unexpected difficulties in the development process. The ideal situation is to opt for the right framework at the very beginning of the project. Otherwise, it may turn out to be quite a stress to adapt the existing system to a new framework. In this article, we will focus on the steps that can make the process of picking a JS library or framework easier and more efficient. Answering the following questions will save you time and money.
1. Who is behind the product?
Here we are talking about the developers. It is always good to read the reviews and assess the general rating of the company developing the framework you are going to purchase. Besides, the fact that the company-creator is using the product itself speaks volumes about their commitment. However, this may not always be true in the case of open space products.
2. Is the project popular?
Startups are usually very enthusiastic about their project. They are doing their best to improve it and find the first clients. However, when choosing a framework for your own long-existing project, it is better to rely on something more well-known. A brand behind a framework guarantees it is thoroughly developed and there is competent support that you can address in case something unexpected happens. For example, Anguar and React were developed by such giants as Google and Facebook, that is why people trust them and refer to their products. Besides, popular names always have a community that knows many usable hacks and pieces of advice that can come in handy. Furthermore, they use those frameworks to create various components and widgets, which they then share in the open space. Thus, a large community is a big plus.
3. Is the framework regularly updated?
Regular updates prove the project is being taken care of. It means developers add new features, fix bugs, and are aware of the users' expectations of their product. This factor adds to the customers' trust in the product and loyalty.
4. What about the documentation?
It is always great when it at least exists. The documentation significantly shortens the learning curve and allows you to get started with development quickly. Besides documentation, there can be some other useful materials, such as video tutorials, demos, code snippets, forums, and so on. All of those come in handy when an issue that needs urgent assistance appears.
Examples of modern and powerful JS libraries
We are not going to focus on the Big Three, as there is plenty of information online about React, Angular, and Vue. We will provide a list of less popular yet not less helpful resources.
Webix JavaScript UI Framework
This is a reliable product that has been on the market for 13 years already. The library offers more than 100 components and widgets for web, mobile, and desktop development. Besides, there are 13 complex widgets that serve as independent applications and can be used straight away. They are all customizable and integrated with other popular frameworks, and comply with all modern browsers and devices. The documentation is complete, and there are high reviews on such platforms as Crozdesk and G2. The free trial period allows developers to assess all the pros and cons of the product before making a decision.
Ember.js
This is an open-source framework. It may be a bit more complicated, so the learning curve will be steep. The framework is built on the principle of operating HTML templates. However, the documentation includes guides and API references. Also, any question can be asked in the discussion forum.
Backbone.js
This solution is the easiest to understand. It promises developers will need less code to have good results. The documentation is sufficient. However, the framework will be more suitable for smaller projects. The functionality may seem restricted to more sophisticated tasks.
Conclusion
Choosing a library to complement the tools of the development team is far from being easy. It is an important step that can do both: significantly boost the development process or irritate the team. That is why it is crucial to carefully select the framework and to consult developers while doing so. The questions we have mentioned in the article may help to understand what products to look at and make the choice a bit narrower. However, each project is unique, and it is essential to be aware of all the requirements.
