The Best Node.js Frameworks and Tools

In a continuation of our journey into the world of Node.js, I’ve studied a bunch of tools and frameworks aimed at extending the functionality of the platform. Since solutions like Hapi.js and Express.js simplify some routine processes and lead to better results, I’ve described the best Node.js frameworks and tools below. If you are not yet familiar with Node.js, examine the following posts:

The Ultimate Node.js Tutorial

Hapi.js

Being a powerful Node.js web framework, Hapi.js suits best for building apps and APIs. It offers a reliable plugin system and numerous useful features, such as input validation, logging, implement caching, configuration-based functionality, error handling, etc. If you are interested in some real world examples, check Postmile – a collaborative list making application, or visit PayPal or Walmart websites, since all of them are somehow based on Hapi.js.

Express.js

This framework is among the most popular Node.js frameworks, as it powers such websites as MySpace, Klout, Geekli.st, Segment.io, Yummly, and many more. Express.js is a minimalist and at the same time robust tool for building hosts of apps APIs. The most prominent features of this Node.js web application framework are template engines, database integration, and simplified multiple routing.

Express.io

Express.io is a real-time Node.js web framework with the support for MVC architecture, utilized for creating web applications.

Socket.io

For those interested in a good Node.js server framework, I’d like to recommend Socket.io – a steady software solution for building real-time web apps. With the nature of a Javascript library, it provides event-driven, bidirectional communication between your server and web clients. Besides, Socket.io incorporates features of a client-side library and runs in a browser as a Node.js server-side library.  It is also necessary to mention that the framework supports such important feature as real-time concurrency for both document collaboration and data exchange. Other Socket.io features are asynchronous I/O processing, instant messaging,binary streaming, etc.

Mojito

Another decent platform is Mojito. This JavaScript framework is based on Yahoo! Cocktails from Yahoo! Developer Network. Please note that the only language used within the system is JavaScript, therefore client and server components are written in this language. Thus, Mojito runs well on both client and server side. The features of this Node.js MVC framework includes convenient data fetching; Yahoo! independent stack of development environment and tools; integrated unit testing, and simplified internationalization and localization.

Meteor

Meteor is an absolutely open-source project. Being an MVC framework, it is aimed at building both websites and applications (both web and mobile, as well as real-time apps). Meteor supports Windows, OS X, and Linux, and allows using JavaScript for both client and server side. Competitive features of the frameworks are: pre-written modules for writing application codes and reactive programming model which makes your JavaScript code cleaner.

Derby

In a wide variety of model-view controller JavaScript frameworks, there is one that offers a lot of opportunities. It is called Derby, and it is suitable for both client and server side development. The framework is ideal for developing real-time mobile and web app. Moreover, there is a built-in real-time data synchronization engine called Racer, which supports multi-site and real-time synchronization of concurrency and data across all your clients and servers. The tool allows real-time editing, as well as optimizes conflict resolution algorithm. Besides, due to server rendering you get faster page loads.

Mean.js

If you are looking for a more complex solution, then you should pay attention to Mean.js (MongoDB, Express.js, Angular.js, Node.js). The framework provides the ability to build web apps with the aid of NoSQL, MongoDB, and Angular.js for the client side and Node.js + Express.js for the server. Furthermore, there is a support for automated testing enabled by the Grunt tool. Mean stack consists of Mean.js and Mean.io.

Sails.js

In its turn Sails.js represents the most popular real-time Node.js framework. It provides an MVC pattern for implementing data-driven APIs. Sails.js is often used for building real-time chats, multiplayer games, and dashboards. The framework utilizes Waterline to provide database solutions and object-relational mapping. Being built on top of Node.js, it uses Express.js for HTTP requests. Moreover, Sails.js is compatible with Grunt modules and supports Angular, Backbone, and other front-end approaches.

Koa.js

Koa.js is yet another powerful Node.js server framework that makes developing web apps and APIs fast and enjoyable. It allows you to ditch callbacks through leveraging generators. As a result, you can significantly increase error-handling. Furthermore, Koa doesn’t bundle any middleware within the core of your projects.

Total.js

Total.js deserves mentioning as well. It is a modular Node.js framework that supports MVC architecture. Being extensible and asynchronous, Total.js works well with different client-side frameworks, such as Angular.js, Bootstrap , and Polymer. Besides, it doesn’t require any tools for compressing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Other useful features of Total.js are: NoSQL embedded database; RESTful routing mechanism, websockets, media streaming, etc.

Locomotive.js

Being one of the most powerful frameworks, Express based Locomotive.js offers MVC architecture, expressive routing, as well as routing helpers. Furthermore, it can be connected to any database or template engine. Other important features include RESTful routes and convention over configuration.

Flatiron.js

In its turn Flatiron.js is a modern Node.js web framework for build advanced web applications. The platform provides simple, but at the same time useful components to let developers do what they want.

Socketstream

Thanks to modular nature and advanced features, you can use Socketstream for all kinds of apps. For example, the framework is good for turning users’ content into documents. It lets developers rapidly deploy fast and secure platforms.

Geddy.js

Geddy.js is a simple and well-structured MVC web framework, built with data versatility in mind. It incorporates Node’s built in cluster module for creating worker processes. The feature is highly  configurable on an environment to environment basis.

Interfake

Choosing a compact Node.js framework, pay attention to Interfake. Since it offers fake APIs for automated tests and prototypes, Interfake is the best solution for learning how to develop and test Javascript client-side apps.

IO.js

Due to JavaScript I/O framework, the Node community can utilize all the benefits of ES6. Besides, JavaScript I/O is npm compatible, Node.js based, and built on top of Chrome’s V8 Runtime.

Math.js

If you work with Node.js, you should be familiar with Math.js, if not, give it a try. Math.js is a powerful and easy to use tool for Node.js development. Being an extensive math library, it provides a flexible expression parser, as well as offers an integrated solution for working with various types of data, such as units, matrices, numbers, big and complex numbers. In addition, I should mention that Math.js is easily extensible and supports chained operations.

Cyclon.js

Both robotics and physical computing are the main purposes of Cylon.js – a JavaScript framework built on top of Node.js. Simple and powerful, it provides a convenient way to create projects that concurrently incorporate multiple hardware devices. Since Cylon.js uses the Gort CLI tool, you can easily access important features right from the command line of your computer. The framework provides the ability to connect, scan, and update firmware. Furthermore, you can generate new robots, adaptors, and drivers with Cylon’s own CLI.

Migrat

For those looking for a reliable data migration tool, I propose to check Migrat. It is a pluggable Node.js migration solution, which supports multi-node environments and is not tied to any particular database engine. Developed for diverse processes and stacks, Migrat allows global and per server migrations.

Eskimo.io

In its turn Eskimo.io helps you utilize the power of Node.js for building API’s, applications and online stores. The framework relies on open-source packages, so you can create almost everything from coming soon pages to CDN-hosted assets with its aid.

Taunus.io

Among MVC engines for Node.js, I’d like to draw your attention to Taunus, which is a micro isomorphic solution focused on delivering a progressively enhanced user experience. Two other goals, you will easily achieve with this software solution, are usability and performance.

PencilBlue

There is also a Node.js based CMS in our list: PencilBlue is a fully responsive and completely scalable open source content management system, which is good enough for more than just a blog.

Passwordless

Passwordless is a tool which will significantly simplify your interaction with passwords. This open source framework introduce a token-based OTPW authentication, which is faster to deploy and more secure than other more common solutions. The middleware is aimed at Express & Node.js.

Broccoli

Another useful tool is Broccoli. It is a backend-agnostic browser compilation library, comparable to the Rails asset pipeline. The most important features of Broccoli are chainable plugins and fast rebuilds.

NodeOS

It is also necessary to mention Node OS, since it is the first npm powered operating system, which is built on top of the Linux kernel, and with a Node.js runtime.

Kiss.js

This is an object-oriented Node.js web framework written in CoffeeScript. It is fast, reliable, and easy to use.

Node Framework

You can find 30+ Node.js frameworks listed on this website. They are divided into 4 categories: Node.js MVC frameworks, Node.js full-stack frameworks, Node.js REST API frameworks, and other libraries.

As you can see, this post includes almost 30 different frameworks, tools, and resources. If you know other interesting Node.js solutions, leave a comment under this post – the Firebear team would be delighted to hear from you!