Before we discuss the common types of application frameworks used these days, let us acquaint you with “what exactly application frameworks are”?
Imagine you needed to build a house; would you do it? Surely, you can either hire an architect with their standard project layout or customize the minor changes. Or you can start from scratch and begin planning for its different aspects, like the thermal insulation, enough ventilation and lighting, and a zillion other things.
Undoubtedly, the latter gives you the full freedom and flexibility to do whatever you want, but it consumes a lot of your time and resources. However, the former lets you build your dream home using their existing resources in less time and for less money and that is how exactly an application framework works.
Application Framework Definition (in technical terms)
An application framework provides a foundation for software developers to build applications (both web and mobile). It consists of a set of tools, libraries, and ready-made templates that provide a supportive environment to build a specific type of software product. Developers can add their code to these frameworks and personalize them per their needs.
Moreover, the frameworks let you club multiple resources, like a document or a media file, into a single package within a project. And if further future upgrades are needed, developers can revise their code within the framework without hassle.
Features of an Effective Application Framework
Since a plethora of different types and numbers of frameworks are available in the IT industry, it is crucial to know the characteristics that you must consider while selecting one. This would help you save time and resources for your company. Below are some of them:
A. Documentation: It is wise to choose a framework that comes with a well-documented manual. It helps developers understand the structure and usage of the framework. Also, it is very helpful during the training process for beginners.
B. Robust community support: A good framework is available to provide user support 24/7. Also, it has a strong, active community from which you can learn and grow.
C. Functionality: As mentioned earlier, there are different frameworks, so there is different functionality according to that. So, analyze your business and app needs, and then select the one that goes with your checklist. Sometimes you don’t need a complex framework, and sometimes you do. So be mindful.
Benefits of Application Frameworks
Using an application framework will ease the whole development process and benefit you in the following ways:
Reduces manual labor
Employing your team to solve the same problem again and again costs you more time. The frameworks help you save yourself from this trouble by providing in-built solutions so that your people don’t have to indulge themselves in developing the same functionality. Not only does it save you money by cutting down on your resources, but it also boosts productivity.
Simplifies the process
Frameworks come with a certain set of pre-existing methodologies and documentation manuals that guide you through the entire process of app development. This eliminates the dependability of a professional software developer while building a sustainable and scalable application. Also, you can easily collaborate with other developers who are already familiar with that.
Easy-to-read code
Writing clean code helps developers better understand them, spot any bugs or errors, and correct them later on. And many frameworks come with protocols for maintaining clean code. For instance, modularity is a fundamental concept when developing reactive applications. So, instead of building out the whole application into a single unit, these apps are divided into multiple small packets that are easy to understand, manage, and reuse.
Security
With application development, there come security threats, including SQL or validating the right authenticated practices. So, to deploy the application securely in the market, it is crucial to mitigate all these issues. However, not all issues get eradicated with the assistance of frameworks.
Common Types of Application Frameworks
In the IT industry, there are six common types of application frameworks depending on the type of application software developers want to build and the programming language they are going to work with.
Web Application Framework
The Web Application Framework (WAF) consists of a set of tools, pre-designed templates, and libraries that are specifically designed for creating websites. They provide greater ease in terms of functionality and interface. Also, since websites require constant updating, the web frameworks save time by changing code in one place. You no longer need to go through the entire code and are able to make corrections within the defined functions.
Furthermore, according to the business logic of software engineering, there are two types of web application frameworks (WAF): client-side and server-side. Here is a quick look at what they are.
- Client-side WAF: These frameworks run in the web browser of a user’s system. Some of the common examples are Angular.js, ReactJS, and more.
- Server-side WAF: These frameworks run on the web server. The whole process includes managing multiple things, including HTTP requests, pointing URLs to their targeted locations, and managing the database. Some of the common examples are Django, Ruby on Rails, and more.
Mobile Application Framework
There has never been a lack of app ideas, but there has been a lack of resources that can contribute to their execution, and mobile application frameworks fill that bridge gap. Now, there is no need for programmers to learn complicated coding languages.
The framework itself provides a suitable environment for app creation with its set of tools, compilers, debuggers, application programming interfaces, and many other components. All they need is a significant command of web languages such as HTML5, CSS, and JScript. Simply enter the code into the framework, use the framework tools, customize the features, and create a fully tailored mobile app. Also, the mobile app framework and the web app framework work in a similar manner. The only difference lies in the fact that the mobile framework is specifically designed for creating phone or tablet-compatible applications, while the web framework is for designing websites.
Moreover, years ago, mobile app developers were limited to only creating native applications for Android and iOS. But now the market is keenly interested in hybrid and cross-app development frameworks. Here is a brief difference between these frameworks:
Native Application Frameworks
Native application frameworks are meant for designing and building native applications, i.e., either for Android or iOS devices. For instance, Java, Kotlin, or C++ are used and are still used for Android applications, whereas Swift or Objective-C are used for iOS. The Android apps are further compiled and executed by the Android Studio Development Kit, and the iOS apps are developed by Xcode.
Furthermore, native apps have high performance and functionality when compared to cross-platform apps. The only con is that they are device-specific.
Hybrid Application Frameworks
Similarly, hybrid application frameworks are designed to provide an environment for building hybrid apps. Contrary to native apps, hybrid apps support cross-platform functionality. This means your single code can be used to build both Android and iOS apps. These apps take less time to build and publish on the market; however, they are not as fast as the native ones.
Some of the most widely used cross-platform app frameworks are React Native, Flutter, Ionic, NativeScript, and more.
So, now that you know the different types of application frameworks, it’s time to look at the criteria to choose the right one for you.
How to Choose the Right Application Framework for Your Needs
We have already mentioned the key characteristics of the right framework. However, the many choices available in the market can confuse you to choose the right one for your business. To eliminate this confusion, consider the following below criteria:
Your purpose:
Do you use the framework for building mobile applications like native or hybrid mobile app development or do you want to use it for creating and designing websites?
Your preferred coding language
For instance, both junior and senior developers have different commands on the front-end (HTML, CSS, Jscript) or back-end languages.
Compatibility with tools
If your whole team is not comfortable using the set of tools or methodologies, then it can affect your app development process. Often, it is better to go to odd schools, or often, it is wise to learn the frameworks that are easy to understand and save a lot of time.
Final Thoughts
Application frameworks are a great asset for software developers. They provide great assistance and help simplify the overall app-building process. However, with different types of frameworks and different numbers of frameworks available on the market, it is important to choose the right one with the right set of features and functionalities.
We hope this guide has been helpful in clearing up the concept of application frameworks.
So, what are you waiting for? Create an app that matches your vision using the application frameworks and start your journey.
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