Top 5 JavaScript Frameworks to Learn in 2019

Obviously, there are a plethora of JavaScript frameworks. While most of them either offer front-end or back-end development, some others are isomorphic i.e. they enable development on both sides. Among all the various JS frameworks, none can be labeled as the best. This is because each one of them has their own advantages and issues over others.

Hence, while a specific JavaScript framework can be superior to others in some contexts, it might be considered undesirable in other cases. Therefore it’s important to know the downsides and upsides of a JS framework to gain the best out of it.

JavaScript has already made it to the list of the best programming languages to learn in 2019. Therefore, it is about time to discuss some of the best JS frameworks that will be dominating 2019. As such, here is our pick of the top 5 JavaScript frameworks to learn in 2019:

##Angular.js##

Type – Front-end
Launched In – October 2010

The de facto leader of the JS frameworks, Angular.js flaunts the biggest community of developers. The front-end JavaScript framework is also one of the most used frameworks for developing single-page applications (SPA). It adds all the essential features required for building dynamic views to HTML.

AngularJS offers the option to extend HTML attributes by means of Angular directives. Due to the fact that the JavaScript framework boasts two-way data binding, there is no requirement for writing manual code for DOM manipulation. Over the years, it has become one of the leading JS frameworks. As such, it is a desirable JavaScript framework to learn in 2019.

The latest release, Angular 7, was released in October of 2018. The open source, fully-featured front-end JS framework is maintained by none other than the tech mogul Google and other volunteers from around the world. So, quality is guaranteed!

Advantages

1. Long-Term Support from Google
2. Supports PWA and Material Design
3. Two-way Data Binding
4. Web development based on a mobile-focused approach

Issues

1. Excessive Battery Drain – Apps created using the JS framework are plagued by the issue of excessive battery drainage
2. Higher Learning Scale – Due to its vertical learning scale, users require to invest more time to start using the JS framework
3. Necessitates More Optimization – In order to deal with low-performance issues, apps built using the JavaScript framework requires a great deal of optimization
   Check out some of the best Angular.js tutorials.

##Ember.js##
Type – Front-end
Launched In – December 2011
Popular websites like LinkedIn, Twitch.tv, and Vine rely on EmberJS, which is yet another powerful MVC JavaScript framework. Though it is used primarily for building web applications, Ember.js can also be employed for developing desktop and mobile applications.
When it comes to building intuitive front-end user interfaces, EmberJS gives a run for money to Angular and React. Like AngularJS, Ember.js makes use of two-way data binding. It is also one of the leading web development frameworks of 2018. Hence, it is a great option to learn this JS framework in 2019 if you haven’t done so already. Ember.js 3.6 was released on 13th December 2018.

Advantages

1. A multitude of Extensions – Known as Ember add-ons, these can be easily added to an application with a single terminal command, ember install
2. Active Community Support – Get all your queries resolved fast
3. Good Conventions – Enhances productivity
4. Testing Tools – The popular JavaScript framework comes with a variety of testing tools
5. Powerful Data Library – The front-end JS framework packs a powerful data library, especially to query the API layer
6. Ruby on Rails-Inspired CLI – The Ember CLI is highly efficient and speeds up the app development process

Issues

1. Less Customization – Customization abilities are limited
   No Redux Available
2. Upward Learning Curve – Learning the JS framework requires investing some decent amount of time and effort

##Meteor.js##
Type – Isomorphic
Launched In – 2012

Incepted for facilitating rapid development of mobile and web applications completely in JS, Meteor.js is an isomorphic JavaScript. Also known as Universal JavaScript, such a framework allows the creation of apps that can run both on the client as well as the server.

MeteorJS comes readily equipped with essential features pertaining to backend development, business logic and database management, and frontend rendering. The most desirable quality of the JavaScript framework is that you require only JavaScript knowledge for an end to end application development, nothing more.
Ever since its launch back in 2012, Meteor.js has garnered a huge and active community. As MeteorJS is modular, selective packages and libraries can be used on demand. Moreover, the Universal JavaScript boasts an active development. All these qualities make it one of the most important JS frameworks to start learning in 2019.

Advantages

1. Best to Begin With – For newbies entering the realm of JavaScript, starting with the Universal JavaScript is a great option due to its full-stack ability
2. Debugging – In addition to server-side debugging, the JavaScript framework also boasts support for WebStorm
3. Libraries and Packages in Abundance – The JS framework boasts a wide variety of readily deployable libraries and packages, including Blaze and Tracker
4. Real-Time Testing Tool – It’s named Velocity. Other than the testing features, Velocity provides integration support for Jasmine or Mocha syntax
5. Seamless Client-Server Communication – jQuery is responsible for the client side of web development, while Node.js offers the same for server side. The JS framework ensures seamless real-time communication between both ends

Issues

1. Lacks Support for PWA – There is no built-in support for PWA or Progressive Web Applications. It leads to the issue of low-speed first-page load exhibited by apps developed using the JS framework
2. Severe Necessity of an Internet Connection – The chances of losing synchronization between frontend and backend is high when the Internet connection is weak
3. The absence of a Native Widget Library – Compensated by means of several client libraries

##React.js##
Type – Front-end
Launched In – May 2013

The user interface of Facebook and Instagram are designed using ReactJS. Hence, this JS framework is powerful for building large-scale applications that are dynamic. The underlying concept backing React.js is virtual DOM. It can be rendered at both the client side and the server side. ReactJS is capable of rendering complex user interfaces with high-performance.

During its run of over 5 years, ReactJS has gained a loyal community that is continuously expanding. It is one of the most rapidly developing JS frameworks. Therefore, React.js makes up for an opportune JavaScript framework to learn in 2019. Maintained by Facebook and a team of developer volunteers, ReactJS is employed by big names like BBC, Netflix, and PayPal.

Advantages

1. Efficient, Fast, Flexible, and Small – In addition to be smaller in size, the front-end JS framework is highly efficient and offers a great deal of flexibility
2. Plentiful Documentation and Online Resources – Learning and using the front-end JavaScript framework is easy thanks to an overabundance of documentation and resources

Issues

1. Requires to Build Tools – Might fail to work properly without adequate tools or display incompatibility with other libraries and codes
2. Vertical Learning Curve – Like AngularJS, this front-end framework requires a great deal of time and effort to learn
   Start learning ReactJS today.

##Vue.js##
Type – Front-end
Launched In – February 2014

Allowing the use of some selective modules, Vue.js exhibits minimalism to the extreme. Inspired by AngularJS, KnockoutJS, ReactJS, and RivetsJS, Vue.js updates model and view via two-way data binding. It is one of the rapidly growing JS framework, utilized by both professionals and development teams.

Though not as much widespread as Angular or Ember, Vue.js has a massive potential that might be exploited to a greater degree in 2019. The open-source JavaScript framework is launched with an intent to ease and organize interface development.
While the two-day data binding feature of the Vue framework is borrowed from Angular, the server-side rendering is taken from the React.js framework. In fact, Vue.js is one of the best front-end JS frameworks of 2018.

Advantages

1. Better Learnability – In addition to being easier to learn and understand, the front-end framework is also easy to implement
2. Easy Integration – Supports easy integration with HTML elements
   Faster Adoption Rate – A great number of organizations have already adopted the framework
3. Quick Setup – Thanks to its built-in data binding and MVC model, the framework is superfast to set up

Issues

1. Scarce Resources – Because it is a relatively newer framework, there is still time for concerned useful resources to get grand in number
2. Smaller Community – The community support, though active, is smaller, especially compared to Angular and React.

##Conclusion##
A developer making use of a certain framework would advocate their choice as the best one. However, this isn’t the case. It is so because different requirements call for different choices. Therefore, before working on a project using one of the JS frameworks mentioned above it’s important to underline all the essential requirements.

However, you’re free to learn one or all of the aforementioned JS frameworks in 2019. No matter which one(s) you choose to go for, the increasing popularity of JavaScript will ensure that the task will turn out to be nothing else but fruitful.