What is a Framework? Introducing Several Functional Frameworks
What is a Framework, and what is its use?
First, before explaining the Framework, it is better to know that Framework means Framework in English. Framework is an application software that helps programmers develop new and innovative applications. A framework or software framework is a set of codes, libraries, tools, and application programming interfaces (APIs) that software developers can use to develop software programs. In a framework, codes are written with specific rules in advance so programmers can use ready-made libraries and spend less time coding.
If we want to explain the Framework in simpler terms, it is a type of pattern, design, or conceptual structure that prevents possible programming errors during excessive coding.
Why is a Framework used?
Writing code from scratch is tedious and error-prone. The generated code must be tested, bug-free, and error-free. Therefore, working with frameworks that meet programmers’ needs, eliminate potential errors, and ease the coding process will be a basic need.
Benefits of Frameworks
Better Configuration
Reduced Code Length
Many frameworks are open-source and free.
The programmer can test the code written in the Framework, and it is easy to debug.
Frameworks help increase productivity. They include patterns and best practices for software development and help people write their code faster and more efficiently.
Frameworks can significantly reduce the time and cost of developing software applications. Since frameworks contain predefined code, developers can use them to perform repetitive tasks, saving time.
A good framework is constantly tested for vulnerabilities, patched, and upgraded to provide developers with secure code libraries, APIs, and software components.
Disadvantages of Frameworks
In addition to the significant advantages of frameworks, they may also have disadvantages that make programmers hesitant. These disadvantages include the following.
Frameworks provided for free usually lack good support, which is one of their main disadvantages.
Frameworks usually include a lot of code that is loaded by default, even if your application does not need all of it. This can slow down your application.
Complex frameworks can be difficult to learn and use at first, and novice developers need to take their time.
Frameworks are designed to be standard and not very flexible. For this reason, it is better to use a framework that is fully aligned with your applications.
As we mentioned, frameworks are open source and can be shared with others. Because of this, people can easily change them, which is unsafe.
Types of Frameworks
Frameworks can be used to develop websites, mobile applications, data science, and more. In this section, we will review some of the popular frameworks.
Web Development Frameworks
Web application frameworks are ready-made codes that help web developers create web applications faster and easier. They perform everyday tasks such as database management, form validation, and user interface design.
Frontend Frameworks
Frontend frameworks are used to create the user interface of a website that users see. Popular web development frameworks for the front end are Angular, Vue.JS, and Bootstrap, and we will discuss them separately below.
Angular Framework
Angular is one of the most highly rated frameworks for frontend development, and it was developed in 2010. But what is Angular Framework? Angular is an open-source framework based on TypeScript, which was created and maintained by Google. Angular uses TypeScript code on websites and responds appropriately to user input in less time without writing any additional code. It is interesting to know that many leading companies worldwide use Angular Framework. These companies include;
- Google
PayPal
Nike
Upwork
etc.
Vue.JS Framework
Vue.js is an open-source JavaScript-based web development framework. It uses HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, supporting the Model-View-View Model (MVVM) architecture. The Vue.js framework is easy to learn and has a large community of developers using it.
Bootstrap Framework
The Bootstrap framework is developed with the help of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Thanks to this Framework, all kinds of devices (desktops, tablets, and smartphones) are developed today. Companies developed with this Framework include;
- Airbnb
Netflix
Uber
Back-end frameworks
Back-end frameworks connect programming languages and databases so developers can easily display functional data on an application’s front end. The most popular back-end frameworks include Ruby on Rails, Django, and Spring Boot.
Ruby on Rails
Ruby on Rails is an open-source framework based on Ruby. Ruby is responsible for providing secure and scalable software. David Heinemeier Hansson developed Ruby on Rails in 2005. The following prominent companies use this Framework.
- CafePress
Airbnb
Shopify
Github
Django
Django is an open-source Python-based Framework that enables rapid development of web applications, ensuring that they are scalable and flexible. Django is built on the Model Template View (MTV) architecture and is compatible with any frontend framework. Top companies that use Django include;
- YouTube
Google
Instagram
Spotify
etc.
Spring Boot
Spring Boot is a Java-based framework that allows developers to develop production-ready, standalone applications. This Framework offers high flexibility and scalability for websites. Companies that use this Framework include:
- Netflix
Uber
Intuit
LinkedIn
etc.
Application Frameworks
These types of frameworks are used to develop Android and iOS applications. Some of the best frameworks for mobile app development include Flutter, React Native, and Ionic, each of which we will discuss below.
Flutter
Flutter is an open-source framework developed by Google. It is a UI toolkit that works with the Dart programming language to create cross-platform applications compatible with Android, iOS, web, and desktop. Many top companies use Flutter. These companies include;
Google
Microsoft
Amazon
eBay
Adobe
React Native
React Native is an open-source JavaScript framework created and maintained by Meta. Developers use It to develop applications compatible with Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows. Companies such as Facebook, Instagram, Skype, Tesla, etc., use it.
Features of the React Native framework include;
Easy to maintain
Flexible
Code reuse
Huge community
Support for new features
Ionic
The Ionic Framework is a user interface toolkit to build high-performance cross-platform applications. Its architecture is based on application user interfaces or user experiences.
Features of the Ionic Framework include;
Rapid development ability
Save time and money
Have a wide set of user interface components
Data science frameworks
Data science is a discipline that collects data from various sources and then analyzes it by applying multiple algorithms and statistics. Data scientists usually work with Python, and for this reason, many Python frameworks are used in data science.
PyTorch
PyTorch is a popular and open-source artificial intelligence framework developed by Facebook. This Framework is used to create deep learning models and artificial neural networks. It is also used in natural language processing (NLP), image classification, object and obstacle detection, and more.
Apache Spark
Apache Spark is an open-source framework used in big data analytics. It supports various programming languages , such as Scala, Python, and Java.
Difference between Framework and Library
Many people think that libraries and frameworks are the same. However, they are not, and a library is just a tool in a framework.
Libraries are collections of components that can be used for specific purposes, while a framework is a collection of tools and libraries that help the development process run more smoothly.
Difference between Programming Language and Framework
A programming language tells the system what to do, and each programming language has specific rules that must be followed every time you write code.
A framework is software built on top of a programming language. For example, Ruby on Rails is a framework built on the Ruby programming language.
Flask and Django are two different frameworks built on the Python programming language. Angular and React are also built on the JavaScript framework programming language.
Features of a Good Framework
Frameworks save time and increase productivity; most popular frameworks are free. However, you should also familiarize yourself with the features of a good framework.
Functionality
The Framework should be efficient, not reduce the application’s performance, and designed to make optimal use of system resources.
Community engagement
Community engagement is an essential feature of frameworks. Like any other tool, frameworks also provide an overall framework for people’s convenience, such as documentation, support, or online communication.
Documentation
Frameworks have complete documentation that includes documentation and documentation. This feature helps programmers to achieve their goals faster.
How to Learn a Framework
Since each Framework relies on a specific programming language, you need to have a solid understanding of the programming language before you start working with the Framework. For example, if you want to learn React, you should first understand JavaScript and some of its key concepts. This is also true for other frameworks.
Ultimately, the better you understand the programming language, the easier it will be for you to understand how frameworks work. Programming languages provide a solid foundation for many tech career paths and are crucial for understanding a framework.
Final Thoughts
Today, using frameworks has made the work of programmers easier. Frameworks come in different types, including web development, application development, and data science frameworks, each of which we have thoroughly explored in this article. If you are a programmer planning to get help from Freakworks, it is better to properly examine areas such as cloud management, frontend skills, back-end skills, sustainability, and more. In addition, you can get comprehensive and specialized guidance from Karlenser experts in these areas. Also, if you need expert help in other programming languages , such as doing a CodeIgniter project or a Blazor project, Karlenser is ready to help you, dear ones.