Best Backend Frameworks 2024

Entering the era of digitalization, the digital dependency on backend frameworks for web development has begun to gain more popularity. The constant evolution of this environment and technological advances, user experience, scalability, and other features are causing the growth and demand for backend web frameworks.

Applications are getting more complex every year, and frameworks like Node.js, Django, Spring, and Express, are needed to create logic and server-side databases. In addition, backend interfaces give the software more features, increasing the code's efficiency and balancing the load, which provides a stable operation even with a large amount of traffic.

With the acceleration of technology, frameworks and libraries for backend developers are also changing dramatically. Keeping up with the needs of enterprise customers and businesses of all types and staying agile is helped by studying trends. This article delves into the best backend frameworks for web development in 2024.

Backend frameworks and their capabilities

Backend frameworks are unique technology used with programming languages to provide clear logic and functionality for the software being created. The end user does not see the backend frameworks, but they are necessary to support the developed application. It keeps the software running steadily as required by the requirements specification. Server-side frameworks give you the ability to monitor your site or application.

Server frameworks are off-the-shelf tools that have predefined standards and templates. They help you quickly deploy an application and monitor it in the future. Key features:

• Authorization and authentication control.


• Information collection, extraction, storage, systematization, and analysis.


• Management of the application, its state, and the shopping cart.


• Secure financial processing.


• Secure management of user information.


• Support different software (smartphones, PCs, websites, etc.).


• Working with any number of third-party applications, REST APIs.

Willingness to evolve with web development trends is an essential rule for the developers themselves if they want to meet the requirements and the market. A backend framework is necessary for software development for any company, organization, or individual worldwide. With server technology, one can imagine the application's successful scalability, functionality, logic, and clarity. Because of the large number of server technologies, making the right choice and finding the best server framework for 2024 becomes more difficult. Each has pros and cons, but first, let's break down the main advantages of server frameworks, what trends affect them, and their choice.

Advantages of server frameworks

As a result of new advances and the development of the server environment of web development, which influences the choice, it is vital for clients ordering software to add trending server environments. Choosing the correct one allows you to get reliable software and is convenient for future maintenance and scalable solutions. Among several pronounced advantages are:

• Modularity. Backend environments allow for modular approaches when creating robust applications. Developers can break down more complex tasks into several smaller tasks. Tools for managing components appear, which can also be further developed to meet customer needs, tested, and maintained in the future. Modularity in the development life cycle creates error-free and convenient code maintenance and development.


• Separation of Responsibility. The software's creators can share aspects of the application, including the logic of the business itself, information processing, and visual beauty. The application of division guarantees a clean code base with a clear structure and logic; it can be debugged and adjusted.


• Scalability. This is a crucial factor for maximizing the processing efficiency of large applications. Scalability further expands the possibilities for developers. It can be applied horizontally, in other words, by adding more servers to the system or using a vertical approach (hardware upgrades) with interruptions that are minimal in time. More scalability helps to create cores for distributed systems, dealing with caching and load balancing.


• Performance. This is the next plus important to customers who want to increase software's speed and response time. Backend frameworks help optimize code to achieve high efficiency and reduce resource usage for optimal performance.


• Security. Frameworks have built-in security features to protect the software against vulnerabilities immediately. These can include SQL, XSS, and CSRF.


• Cross-platform compatibility. Many software development environments allow the ability to work on different platforms and operating systems without downtime, so server-side application engineers can develop cross-platform products.

The demand for web development is increasing daily. According to analysts, the job market will grow by 15% in this field until 2026, so understanding the framework is necessary for creating reliable and effective software. Let's break down the top 5 trends impacting backend development below.

TOP 5 trends that have an impact on back-end development

Servicing servers or building a new web application is always accompanied by knowledge of what's happening in the field, the changes, directions, etc. Below are the trends affecting how to develop and run the server side, the same trends affecting backend frameworks for web development in 2024.

Artificial intelligence and Machine learning

Two technological advances significantly change the course and operation of web development. They can improve the finished product's pages and give people an improved user experience. For example, chatbots are a popular addition to applications and sites, carrying a lot of utility and simplifying the company's work.

Compared with creating a classic application, software with AI and MO needs the development of the server part. The task of the creators is to design and integrate systems for storing, processing, and retrieving information, adding elements of AI and MO to the server side.

Proper AI setup and further integration will be successful in close cooperation with scientists and other specialists.

Progressive web application (PWA)

Since 2023, there has been a growing trend for PWAs. This is due to the introduction of 5G networks and the wide availability of high-performance devices that almost everyone can buy. A combination of factors gives users access to this kind of software, even if their gadgets are disconnected, or their network connection is limited.

For developers, PWAs can be created solely using interface technologies (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript). But an internal server will often be needed to display dynamic information, handle authentication and manage other server-side tasks.

Given the specifics of a particular PWA, backend developer help may be needed, especially when dealing with complex software.

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)

Another recent hot trend has found its way into mobile and web applications. They are being implemented for training simulations, often used for product demonstrations, etc. The technology is helpful if you want to evoke an immersive experience.

Considering the specific requirements of the software, it is determined whether a backend development team is needed. A lot of AR and VR software runs with the help of a server-side. This is important to provide dynamic information, handle authentication, etc.

Serverless architecture

Working with such a solution gives efficient and cost-effective management. This way, engineers can pay more attention to the code, and there is an opportunity for scalability and resiliency because the resources are scaled by the vendor immediately.

Speaking of serverless solutions, the service provider takes care of the infrastructure management, which means there is no need to maintain and deal with the increase of servers. The demand for backend developers remains. They are essential for writing and further management of the code for the serverless platform. In addition, they work with the logic of the business itself and configure databases or APIs.

A single-page application (SPA)

The trend has caused a surge in popularity due to the fast and responsive way people work. No page reloading is needed, data updates are dynamic, and everything you need (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) is loaded on a single page.

Based on the requirements of the software, it is determined whether it is necessary to hire a server developer. Often SPA requires an in-house server to perform several tasks. The backend code can be reused in the SPA by making APIs to pass information and functions to the external menu. This positively affects performance, and the server side is lightened by directing resources to more complex tasks (user interface and client-facing oriented).

Best backend frameworks for web development in 2024

Server frameworks for learning in 2024 and further use regularly depend on the programming language because they are developed in the corresponding backend language. To choose the best framework to work with, it is necessary to understand which option is most typically used by developers worldwide.

Ruby on Rails

A trendy environment with decent power for creating server applications. It is very popular with people worldwide because it has several advantages. The simplicity of operation causes popularity; Rails will allow the development of reliable server parts in an easy-to-work-with format. This factor will help newcomers to learn the framework quickly.



Pros:

• Easy to use.


• Very versatile set of functions and tools.


• Frequent updates.


• Error handling and quick troubleshooting.


• Security measures in the form of session management and authentication.


• Scalability, which is suitable for large applications for large corporations.

Disadvantages include running time and constant changes in the form of updates.

Laravel

A PHP framework with a focus on aesthetics. The platform is open-source with an MVC architectural template. Its popularity is due to its ease of use, but it is designed to increase efficiency in software creation through clean code and beautiful syntax. These features make for a great web development experience.



Suitable for releasing reliable and productive software and mobile applications. Laravel has built-in tools to handle complex tasks.

Advantages:

• The high degree of security.


• Short time to deploy.


• Out-of-the-box access control.


• Model-view-controller (MVC) architecture.


• Seamless automated testing.


• Easy migration of databases.

Cons include no built-in tool with client support, little experience in the community, and not the most straightforward documentation.

CakePHP

PHP infrastructure is based on all the necessary tools to speed up application creation. It is known for simplifying software development, deployment, and further maintenance. It helps to significantly simplify updates because you do not need to rewrite the code. CakePHP is a powerful yet easy-to-use framework. Distinguished by a strong community.



Advantages:

1. You can rework the code.


2. Fast creation of applications.


3. Ability to structure code in MVC.


4. Application of ORM for working with databases.


5. Initial support for Rest API.


6. Open source code.

The main disadvantages are default updates and poor documentation compared to other options. This will make it harder to learn, more time and effort to migrate, and the user might need help migrating from version 2 to version 3 of Cake PHP.

Symfony

Symfony is a PHP framework developed by Symfony SAS in 2005. Symfony follows the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architectural pattern and provides a set of reusable components and libraries to simplify common backend development tasks.



Symfony advantages:

High flexibility. The Symfony architecture provides two technology components that improve the framework's flexibility: packages and components.

• Packages. They can be reused and reconfigured for many applications


• Components. Help reduce the number of routine tasks. They can be used independently by adding your custom modules without compromising the architecture. 

Packages and components eliminate inflexible dependencies in the architecture and provide reusability. In this way, you make the project adaptable to any requirements and create flexible applications.

Customization. With Symfony, you can create your own framework if you want to build an application with specific features and selective functions.

Advanced MVC architecture. Symfony ensures that the project has an organized file structure divided into Model, View, and Controller.

• Model. Focuses on the business logic of the web application.


• View. Represents a particular model as a web page visible to the user.


• Controller. According to the user's actions, make changes to the model or view as needed.

In this way, developers separate the business logic and the user view, providing better maintainability.



Some popular websites built on the Symfony PHP framework:

• Spotify - streaming music listening service


• Dailymotion - video hosting service


• Trivago - hotel search service

Backend frameworks to learn in 2024, like Symfony, are a great choice for junior professionals. Get to know this PHP framework by learning the functionality of its 30 components. For example, serializer, classloader, filesystem, and finder.

Django

Free Python-based framework. Works in tandem with significant databases and operating systems — a good choice for software development due to its many advantages. One is the Representational State Transfer (REST) framework for APIs. Django provides a complete Python technology stack. Only three lines of code are needed to create the finished API, all at the expense of Django's REST infrastructure. According to many engineers, this framework is user-friendly, secure, clean, and highly efficient.



Advantages:

• Regular updates.


• Responsive community.


• Supported MVP structure.


• General ease of use.


• Good documentation, best among open-source frameworks.


• It is possible to handle MO and complex analytics due to the framework's flexibility.

Disadvantages include its monolithic nature, so it's hard to use for small projects. Django has a steep learning curve, which is not suitable for beginners.

Spring Boot

Spring-based environment for writing high-performance server applications. The platform collected all the functionality of Spring, but it is easier to work with it. It helps software creators correctly distribute the load on requests from users from different devices and platforms in a shorter time.



Main advantages:

• Ability to create a ready-to-use and standalone server application.


• Automatic configuration of libraries.


• Easy search and integration of dependencies for any type of project.


• Ability to write Groovy applications in a programming language.


• No need to implement code and XML settings.

The disadvantages are also present. Among them, the increased size of the deployment file due to dependencies, lack of versatility, and many problems with the JVM.

Flask

Microframework for server-side API applications and web products. It runs on Python and differs significantly from Django and other Python-based platforms. Functions are many times less than other platforms. Still, if you don't need them, making a Flask application is much easier without wasting time and effort removing unnecessary dependencies and files. The code turns out small but with the possibility of future scaling with additional tools.



Benefits:

• Built-in development server.


• Fast debugger.


• Support for secure cookies.


• Templates.


• Requests using REST.


• Built-in unit testing.

Flask is unsuitable for large projects, has limited tools, and needs no built-in administration panel.

Node.js

A cross-platform environment based on the JavaScript V8 engine. A frequent choice of experienced developers for software backends. This is due to running JavaScript on the server. The programming language is lightweight but very efficient with a large ecosystem and modules and easy to implement in projects.

Advantages:

• High performance.


• Strong community.


• Ability to work with JS code.


• Easy scalability.

There can be difficulties with large computational tasks, and asynchronous programming makes it difficult to maintain code.

Nest.js

The framework makes it possible to create Node.js server software. Based on Express.js includes many functions and out-of-the-box APIs. Developers can use less code to write applications. The platform is written entirely in TypeScript, so even with minimal experience, you can quickly learn Nest. JS. Another feature worth highlighting is the structure and the command line facilities, which are essential for beginners. With the help of this, it is easier to create new functions.



Benefits:

• Creating scalable software with testability.


• Dividing files into modules to improve focus on a single function.


• There is a module, controller, tests, and services to start working on the project.


• Availability of templates.


• Extensive libraries with Typescript, MVP, OOP, FP, and FRP principles.

Disadvantages include dependence on Angular architecture and the cost of the framework, which can be higher than other options.

Express.js

A handy Node.js platform with extensive web development and mobile software creation capabilities. There are many HTTP helper features with minimal structure. Suitable for single-page, multi-page applications, and hybrid types. Ideal for those who don't need a long and expensive software creation procedure.



Express is built on top of Node.js, simplifying server and route management — a good option for API development.

Features include:

• Easy creation of APIs and web applications.


• Time-saving for writing code.


• High efficiency of developed projects.


• Strong JS community.


• Fast search for possible bugs.

The shortcomings include a lack of structuring, which makes the code clearer and error messages easier to understand.

Meteor

JavaScript web framework. A platform with full functionality for modern software for smartphones or PCs. The suite includes tools for creating high-performance and high-speed applications, selecting packages from the Node.js community, building tools, and more.



With the framework, developers can support and provide the desired functionality in real-time, use dynamic import, and work between the interface and the server. There are API protections.

Main features:

• A complete ecosystem with the best solutions.


• A very active JavaScript community.


• Working with data over the web rather than HTML.

Unfortunately, it doesn't include its server-side rendering, and working with the framework is quite tricky and time-consuming.

Choosing a framework is the first thing to consider before starting a project. The backend is responsible for the overall operation of the site or application and for updates and changes. To select a reliable tool, you need to consider the following factors:

• Examine interoperability.


• Check the effectiveness of all requirements.


• Learn about plugins "out of the box."


• Verify that the platform can simplify future software maintenance and updates.


• Evaluate the security of each feature.


• Check the documentation and community.


• Analyze the stack for compliance with the set budget and timeline.

This article analyzes the most popular frameworks for backend development with their features, advantages, and disadvantages. The information will be helpful for experienced and beginners, but in any case, it will help to determine the choice before a new project.

Play Framework 

Play is a backend framework for building web applications and APIs using Scala or Java programming languages. It was released in 2007 and is often used to create RESTful services and real-time applications.

Play works on the Model-View-Controller (MVC) principle and helps build websites while keeping development simple.



Main features of Play Framework:

• Reactive Programming. Play Framework is built on the principles of reactive programming, which allows applications to handle high levels of parallelism and respond efficiently to events.


• Routing. Play uses a powerful routing mechanism that maps HTTP requests to specific controller actions. 


• Templating. Play supports templating engines such as Twirl or Scala templates, making it easy to generate dynamic HTML content.


• Data access. Play provides built-in support for databases, including SQL and NoSQL. It utilizes the Slick library for Scala and the Java Persistence API for Java.

Play developers have released different versions of this platform to adapt to the rapidly changing Internet industry. The Play community has over 10,000 users, making it one of the best backend frameworks in 2024.

Seven things to check before selecting a web-framework

When picking the best backend frameworks for web development in 2024 for a particular application, it's essential to understand a few things that will help you determine if that framework is correct.