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A framework is a software platform that creates the structure of a future project. Programmers write programs in two ways: from scratch – line by line- this is long and difficult. Or with the help of frameworks – ready-made project templates. The programmer edits such a template: adds the author’s code, and connects libraries. Look at the Django websites examples – they are brilliant and justify the name of the trendiest framework. Besides, you can work faster: a specialist finishes one project and immediately starts the next one.
What Is a Framework, and Why Is It Needed?
A framework is a working frame with all the necessary elements and tools. The IT specialist takes it as the basis of the future program and adds code, and connects libraries. The framework is reusable – that is, it can be reused in subsequent projects.
SECLGroup experts recommend using frameworks at the project discovery phase in large projects – for example, to develop multi-user applications, online stores, CRM systems, to create simple websites.
How Does a Framework Differ From a Library?
A library is a set of pre-written code: modules, functions, and other components. The programmer connects the library to his script and then uses some of its parts in order not to write from scratch, for example, standard functions.
A framework is like a template for a future application, website, or program. A feature of use is rigid frames. The programmer cannot radically change the template but only add his code.
Pros and Cons of Using the Framework
Pluses:
- Higher development speed. With the framework, the programmer does not need to write all the code from scratch, connect auxiliary programs, or configure the script language. You must run through the template blocks, compare with the specifications, and either add code to the unions or remove them.
- There are fewer errors in the code. The code in the frameworks has already been tested for mistakes, so there will be fewer bugs in the finished project.
- Sites and applications work faster. The code already in the framework is optimized: no extra strings or useless scripts exist. It’s clear — that’s why sites and applications run faster for users on PCs and smartphones.
- You can study on your own. Popular frameworks have a lot of documentation on the Internet, and there are communities of like-minded people. If something needs to be clarified, you can find the information yourself or ask your colleagues for help.
Cons:
- Limits freedom. A framework is a semi-finished program. Therefore, it is impossible to change some parts, for example, the structure of directories, buttons, and forms. You have to take what you have and work with it.
- Study for a long time. Working with the framework takes work. First, you need to study the documentation and practice.
- There is no security. Frameworks have open-source code. That is, anyone can view it, which is a security breach. Attackers can analyze the principle of the framework, find sites that work on it, and gain access to confidential data.
What Are the Main Types of Frameworks?
Backend Frameworks
They are used to develop the server part of the application or site, that is, the part that processes data and is responsible for the operation of the IT product. Programmers use backend frameworks to check and process input data and generate output.
Popular: PHP-framework Laravel, Ruby framework Ruby on Rails, Python framework Django.
Frontend Frameworks
Necessary for developing the client side – the appearance of applications and sites that users open in the browser. With the help of frameworks, IT professionals add interface elements: panels, menus, forms, and buttons. But it is impossible to configure data processing through frontend frameworks.
Popular: JavaScript framework Vue.js, CSS, HTML, and JS framework Bootstrap.
Fullstack Frameworks
These are universal frameworks. With their help, programmers solve tasks both with the server and with the client part.
Popular: JavaScript framework Meteor and Nuxt.
Frameworks by Size
Frameworks differ in the size of the area where they are used. Some help to solve all the tasks of the project. These are standard frameworks. And others are suitable for narrowly focused studies – they are called mini-frameworks. They are either used for straightforward tasks, for example, the development of simple websites, or they are expanded with the help of third-party applications.
What to Look for When Choosing a Framework
Frameworks are written in different programming languages. Therefore, it is necessary to choose the language the programmer codes. And then compare what is on the market.
- Development speed
The more built-in packages and ready-made modules in the framework, the easier and faster it is to work.
- Ease of use
Some frameworks are more popular, and some are not. The more programmers use the framework in their work, the more extensive the documentation and the larger the community. New and rare frameworks are difficult to learn. Finding a specialist who would give a hint takes a lot of work.
- Scalability
Any project grows: more users register, server load increases, and new pages are added. It is essential that the framework can support all this.
- Productivity
Performance is responsible for how quickly a site or application, based on the framework, reacts to user actions. Secondly, how many requests from users are processed per unit of time?
Key Features
A framework is a software platform with a frame for a future program, website, or application. The programmer only needs to add code, connect libraries, or additional software.
A framework differs from code libraries in providing a full-fledged development environment, not just ready-made parts of the code – functions, and objects.
Advantages of the framework: increase the speed of development, reduce the number of bugs in the code, and speed up the operation of ready-made applications and sites.
There are frameworks for solving server tasks – backend frameworks, client frameworks – frontend, and all at once – full stack.
