While Node.JS itself is a javascript runtime environment (a place developers can run programs), many frameworks have been created for Node.js. A framework is a collection of pre-built modules and tools that provide a structure, and are often necessary, for developing web/ software applications. Frameworks usually help developers structure their web applications, handle requests, perform common tasks, and manage data.
In node, a framework is a platform for developers to create applications using JavaScript for both front-end and back-end development. There are a large number of Node frameworks built off of Node.js which extend its original functionalities.
Benefits include:
Modular structure (framework’s code is organized into small, reusable modules) allows for easier access and changing of the codebase.
In Node.js, there are mainly three types of frameworks: MVC, Full-Stack MVC, and REST API frameworks.
MVC: MVC frameworks are based on a design pattern splitting application logic into three parts: Model, View, and Controller.
The Model represents the data and the business logic of the application and the View represents the user interface and data presentation. The Controller works as an intermediary between the Model and the View and handles user input. The goal of the MVC pattern is to separate the layers of the application and increase ease of scalability and maintainability.
Full-Stack MVC: Full-Stack MVC frameworks are built on top of the MVC pattern and offer additional features including routing, scaffolding, template engines, and more. These frameworks help in building complex and large-scale applications.
REST API: REST API frameworks, as the name suggests, are designed to build RESTful application programming interfaces. These frameworks provide a set of tools and modules to create, test, and implement RESTful APIs. These usually include routing, request and response handling, and more features of building API’s as well as a prepared programming interface, saving time for building apps requiring an internet connection.
Also known as Express, this is the most popular framework for web applications with Node. It was officially released in 2010 under the MIT license and provides a minimalistic web framework. Express includes a small and flexible set of features for web and mobile applications, making it beginner friendly.