TL;DR 

• Choosing the right frontend framework for you and your unique skill set can be an overwhelming prospect, with frequent new releases and updates changing the landscape all the time. 
• We take a look at four of the leading frameworks: React, Angular, Vue.js and JQuery.
• Check out our outline of the main differences between these options, with a summing up of their functions, strengths, and what sort of development work they are best for.

We’ve already given you a rundown of backend frameworks to consider in 2022, and now it’s time to get in front of things. Similar to backend development, you might feel spoiled for choice when it comes to deciding on which frontend framework is best for you, your development style and your desired outcomes. Different frontend frameworks boast a variety of functionalities, programming languages and benefits, and the ‘top’ frameworks change frequently thanks to new releases and industry trends. 

Scratching your head wondering where to start? Our rundown of five of the best frontend frameworks in 2022 should help point you in the right direction…

What is a development framework? 

A development framework is a software tool which aims to automate parts of the development cycle. Essentially they are programming language libraries, which can help speed up development, aid scalability, and increase security when building applications thanks to a collection of time-saving, ready-made components. With the demand for quick but optimized builds only ever increasing, using the right framework for the right job can be crucial for development success. 

What is the difference between frontend and backend frameworks? 

Simply put: frontend developers work on the client facing parts of a website or application, and backend developers work on the infrastructure that supports it. So whilst a backend framework focuses on the ‘behind the scenes’ side of development, frontend builds the web design and interactive elements of an app or webpage. 

Frontend framework success is essential for an easy to use, well designed and user-friendly platform, so picking the right one can make or break a user’s experience. 

Top Frontend Frameworks in 2022

React

Good for: JavaScript programming language, speed, stability, frequent updates, community support. 

Developed by Facebook and now open-source, React sits at the top of many framework rankings and is one of the most widely used frontend libraries. It is JavaScript and component based, and is best for building complex, single-page applications thanks to its reusable components. 

One of React’s key features is that it works with a virtual Document Object Model (DOM) boasting advanced functionality in how it handles document access and manipulation, leading to faster and more stable performance. Whilst some developers might find the JSX syntax React uses has a steep learning curve, React’s popularity also means there is a huge support community to dive into, with plenty of resources, open-source projects and tutorials available. 

Key features include: Virtual DOM, reusable code components, JSX syntax, version control, React developer tools. 

Angular

Good for: TypeScript programming language, enterprise-sized projects, cross platform development. 

With the current version launched by Google in 2016, Angular sets itself apart immediately by being TypeScript based. Similar to React, this is another open-source frontend framework ideal for single-page applications, thanks to a component based structure and its templates. It is also used widely for building apps for multiple platforms at once, as code can be reimplemented across mobile, web and native desktop apps.  

The distinguishing feature of Angular is its two-way data binding, which allows for immediate sync in any changes between the model and the view. This means developers can see any changes they make in real time, speeding up and easing the development process. 

Key features include: Two-way data binding, MVC and component based architecture, dependency injectors. 

Vue.js

Good for: JavaScript programming language, flexibility, ease of use, small scale projects.

Aiming to provide a smaller and more simple alternative to Angular, Vue.js combines some of the key features of other leading frontend frameworks into one, smaller scale package. 

Boasting the component-based architecture and Virtual DOM of React and the two-way binding of Angular, Vue.js is ideal for smaller projects based on its flexibility. It presents a much less complex process than Angular, and is perfect for end-to-end development. Vue.js is a much less popular framework than React or Angular due to its relative newness, which means there is less community support and it is less suitable for large-scale projects. This is slowly changing as the framework grows in popularity though, meaning Vue.js is a more than viable option to consider. 

Key features include: Virtual DOM, Two-way data binding, MVC and component based architecture, detailed documentation. 

JQuery 

Good for: Simplicity, desktop-based applications, SEO optimized, large support community.

The oldest framework on our list is still a widely used and popular option, having gained a long-standing reputation for being simple and easy to learn. Don’t let its age fool you, JQuery’s newest iteration added the ability to build for mobile applications, ensuring the frameworks viability moving forward. And having been one of the pioneering frontend frameworks, JQuery also boasts a huge community of users making up a network of support and guidance. 

JQuery’s main draw is in its lightweight nature, with flexible DOM allowing easy component manipulation, simplified HTTP requests, and cross platform compatibility, whilst maintaining dynamic content facilitation. 

Key features include: Simplified HTTP requests, flexible DOM, dynamic content facilitation, user-friendly interface. 

As easy as it would make life, there is no ‘one size fits all’ option for frontend frameworks. Much like any developer tool, your unique skill set, requirements and priorities will inform which option is best for you, and with new updates and frameworks being released all the time, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on what’s out there. 

Once you’ve found your groove with your chosen framework, check out how Adadot can help you – we’re the first fitness tracker for work designed specifically for developers, and we’re on a mission to make success sustainable, whether you’re a JQuery OG or a Vue newbie!