The Pros and Cons of Using Frameworks in Web Development

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a situation where you had to decide between working hard and working smart? Frameworks make website coding ‘easier’ and ‘faster’, but that does not mean the coding will be ‘better’ too. We will explore it further by understanding what frameworks actually are.

What are frameworks?

Web development frameworks are utilised as foundations upon which a software is build. They are disposed frameworks offered to web developers so that they do not have to work on everything from scratch. A website framework performs as a software network that is programmed to offer a prepared set of tools which support web application development. They are also applicable on web services, web APIs and web resources. The main function of frameworks is to make web development an easy task with a wide range of code snippets, pre-written components and entire application templates. These web development frameworks automate most of the common tasks which are included in development phase. Such as session management, URL–mapping, authentication and caching. Frameworks can be front-end, back-end or UI/CSS:

Types of frameworks:

UI/CSS Frameworks: Bootstrap, Bulma, Materialize, etc.

Front End JavaScript Frameworks: Angular, React, Vue etc.

Backend Frameworks: Express, Laravel, Django etc.

Frameworks for web applications:

AngularJS is a JavaScript framework for the front-end. It is widely popular and has an enthusiastic community backing it.

Google developed and supported AngularJS. It has features such as two-way data binding, which reduces development time, and dependency injections that make it easier for different pieces of code to interact. Django is a web development framework that is open-source and supported by the Django Software Foundation. It is written in Python, a popular programming language, and is designed to encourage "rapid development and clean, pragmatic design." It is fast, secure, and scalable. Rails is also an open-source framework, written in Ruby programming language, which was designed for ease of use. Rails is designed to involve less code and less repetition and is supported by a large community. It has been used to develop sites like Airbnb, Twitch, and Hulu. Express is a back-end framework for Node.js that allows you to start and configure a server with very little overhead. It is free, open-source, and written in JavaScript. Express is known for being extremely flexible. It is fairly minimalist, and developers have created middleware packages to address web development issues.

Pros of Frameworks:

• Faster prototyping: One of the main reasons why web developers go for pre-built frameworks is because they do not have to write their own CSS scripts. It aids prototyping as it offers bootstrap to developers. This way, the developers can minimise coding time and provides a yardstick for keeping web applications in fine fettle.
• Minimised code-length: The code-generation feature in web development frameworks promote simplicity and conciseness. While adding conventional web functionalities, the web developer does not have to write longer lines. This lowers the effort and time required normally required in the orthodox developmental process.
• Finer application management and de-bugging: Since frameworks are associated with a wide community of developers, it immediately means that there will be instant support if the program goes through certain problems. Majority of coding languages do not give much importance to code maintenance and its readability. The community is also all ears to bug problems and offer speedy solutions to fix them. The web development frameworks are allowed to be performed until it is ensured that they function seamlessly.
• Enhanced security: Frameworks often come paired with built-in security features against prevalent and prospective security threats. This means that they do not have to go an extra mile for safeguarding their web application’s security system. It means that a barrier is already imposed against numerous cyberattacks, some of which include:
  • Cross-site request forgery
  • SQL
  • Data-tempering
  • Cyber threats
  • Blackmailing
  • Leaking of confidential information
• Data base proficiency: The majority of frameworks are equipped with a set of regulations which enable developers to operate with relational databases that are commonly used. While a few frameworks streamline database activities by incorporating an Object Relational Mapper (ORM) mechanism behind the scenes, others employ this ORM to inscribe object code straight into programming languages. Additionally, developers can exploit this ORM model to execute database operations without composing extensive SQL codes.

Cons of frameworks:

• Limited learning: Due to the extreme ease created by web development frameworks, the developers shift their focus from actual learning of coding languages. This deprives them from gaining expertise and knowledge in their field and makes them dependent upon pre-made frameworks. It also means that they will only have grip on a few libraries which are conversant with that particular language.
• Performance overhead: Frameworks consist of bulky files due to an excess of pre-defined codes. This adversely impedes the website’s speed, performance and loading time. Hence, the efficiency of the resulting application is questionable. 
• Limitations: The core of a web development framework cannot be changed. This signals that you would not have the leniency to modify its behaviour according to your unique requirements.
• Inflexibility and lesser customisation: Ready-made templates are great time savers, but they limit the creativity, flexibility and customisation of your web development process. It means that your website application might look similar to many others and does not catch much limelight. To customise it effectively, you have to write your own scripts and UI. This is not an option with frameworks.
• Vendor lock-in: Frameworks sometimes tend to create vendor lock-in. This makes it rigid to changes required in the future, for example, evolving technology, stacks or brand requirements.

Conclusion:

Everything comes with a set of pros and cons, same is the case with frameworks for web development. Making a decision regarding whether or not, one should opt for pre-made frameworks for their webs is a critical and personal choice. It depends on the project’s specific needs, the skill set of teams, experience, time constraints and available resources. If you are looking for a good opportunity to incentivise your brand and craft a scalable business identity, then go for customisation options for your web development framework. However, if you are someone who has limited time and needs to build a website in no time, pre-cast frameworks can be a reasonable option for you.