Understanding What Is A Framework In Programming, Its Types And Uses!

Before deep diving into understanding various aspects of the framework, we must first get a basic understanding of what framework means in the programming industry. 

A framework is a collection of tools in programming on which developers build systematic, highly functional, and reliable software solutions. In the following post, we will try to explain what framework is in programming in simple and easy-to-understand terms, understand why framework is necessary along with various examples of framework. 

What is a Framework? 

The basic definition of framework is defined as a basic structure underlying a system which if we look at it is not very different from framework in programming. If we put it into simple words, a framework provides the support and basic direction of the structure being built. 

Framework in programming is a tool that provides well-structured ready-made customized solutions to boost the development process. A framework generally includes a library, but is usually defined by the principle of inversion of control (IoC). When it comes to traditional programming, the customized code calls into the library so that it can access reusable codes. But when it comes to IoC then the framework calls on customized codes when it’s necessary. Since framework in programming are often developed, optimized and tested by a diverse range of experienced software developers, they are immensely versatile, powerful, and efficient in structure. 

Why are frameworks used in software development solutions? 

Software development in general is a very complex process. It’s composed of a plethora of necessities, from coding to testing to final design. For just the coding part, developers have to take care of the syntax, declarations, exceptions, and more. The main purpose of creating a framework is to assist in development, providing standard, low-level productive functionality so that developers can focus their efforts toward the elements that highlight the uniqueness of the product. Ultimately saving time and money for enterprises. 

Programming frameworks increase the credibility, reliability, boosts up the programming time, and support simplifying testing. With an interactive and engaging user base and constant code improvements and amendments, frameworks help enhance security and offer a robust support base. 

Let’s take a look at a few features of a good framework 

There are several kinds of frameworks. Usually, developers go with the ones which they are most familiar with, provided it should align with the project requirement. It is advised that instead of opting for the ones you usually use, consider the following good framework features when deciding which one to go with: 

Functionality – Getting desired output is a universal requirement of any project, so developers should always opt for the ones framework that provides the functionality needed for the project, understanding that different framework with have different limitations and you don’t end up opting for the one that does less or more than what is required. 

Documentation – Always choose the framework that has a properly documented code to support implementation training. 

Active community – frameworks are only as strong as the support user base. Opt for a framework that has a robust and reliable active user base. 

Challenges of Using a Software Framework  

Software frameworks can become expensive if developers are not strong in the language the framework is based upon or if the developer over-relies on the framework instead of custom code, a problem which can lead to software bloat and performance issues. 

If we talk about challenges of choosing a software framework, one of them could be that there are a few risks involved in choosing a framework that is either very recent or not very well supported, which could further add up to the costs as you have to re-tool obsolete technology that could impact the project. 

Now let’s understand the different types of programming frameworks 

You should look for frameworks that best meet your needs as a developer. For all types of software programming, including web development, data science, database administration, and mobile apps, there are software frameworks available. 

To simplify the process of creating applications for a variety of application development, there are numerous software frameworks available. Let’s examine a few of the popular software frameworks right now: 

1. Web frameworks 

Web frameworks (WF) or web application frameworks (WAF) enable the creation of web applications that use web resources, web development services, and web APIs. There are various web frameworks available for both the front-end (how it looks) and the back-end (how it works). 

2. Front-end frameworks 

The front-end also known as client-side frameworks of a website or web app is built using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript components that are provided by front-end frameworks. 

What is Angular? 

An open-source web application based on TypeScript and maintained by Angular Team at Google. It features a vast ecosystem of technologies and solutions contributed by a wide user base. Usually, Angular is best suited for highly customized web apps and progressive web apps. 

Angular supports Developers to build desktop, mobile, and web-based apps with Angular. Some popular websites developed using AngularJS are: Netflix, PayPal, Upwork, YouTube, and Django. 

What is React JS? 

React is also an open-source framework for JavaScript for developing user interfaces (UI) and its various components. React is simple to use, has a robust package ecosystem, and is best suited for feature-rich projects, despite the possibility that its specific focus is a constraint. The most downloaded front-end framework in the last 12 months is React, which is maintained by Facebook and the larger community. Some examples of React JS are apps like Facebook, Uber, Airbnb, and Instagram. 

What is Vue JS 

Another JavaScript-based framework is Vue JS (Vue.js), it offers more freedom when it comes to using HTML and CSS and the model-view-viewmodel (MVVM) architecture. Vue has a huge support network and is simple to learn. Ahead of Angular, Vue is currently the second most downloaded framework behind React. Some examples of Vue JS platforms like Behance and Nintendo. 

3. Back-end frameworks 

In order to aid in development, back-end frameworks (server-side frameworks) offer generic functionalities that can be combined or expanded upon. The platform that will be used as well as the programming language selected for development will determine the framework choice(s). 

PHP Frameworks (Laravel, CodeIgniter, CakePHP) 

How do PHP Frameworks work? Due to its versatility and support for a wide range of platforms, PHP is a well-liked language for back-end development. The three most widely used PHP frameworks are CakePHP, CodeIgniter, and Laravel. 

Laravel uses a robust Blade template engine and has expressive and beautiful syntax to speed up code. With one of the smallest footprints and a lightweight framework, CodeIgniter helps developers save time by requiring less coding. The “workhouse” of the three, CakePHP relies on a scaffolding framework and favors convention over configuration to speed up development. 

What is Django? 

Describe Django. Django is a free, open-source Python framework that promotes efficient, scalable development. The goal of Django is to supply practically everything you require, making it simple to quickly put what you need together from extras. Django is well-known for its interactive features, games, and visual effects. A few framework examples of Django are Spotify, YouTube, and Instagram. 

What is ASP.NET? 

Microsoft created the cross-platform open-source framework called asp.net, and its re-implementation asp.net Core is a modular web framework. With the programming languages.NET, C#, F#, and Visual Basic, ASP.net offers web apps and services. A few examples of ASP.NET framework are Microsoft and GoDaddy. 

4. Mobile Application development frameworks 

A mobile development framework (mobile app development framework) helps developers create native (platform-specific), hybrid (native back-end shell with web app front end), or cross-platform mobile applications for a given environment (shared codebase for all). Many custom mobile app development frameworks, such as Swiftic, Native Scripts, and Ionic, are not covered here. 

What is React Native? 

For the development of applications for Android, iOS, macOS, tvOS, the web, Windows, and UWP, Facebook built the open-source React Native JavaScript UI framework. Targeting mobile systems rather than browsers, React Native leverages the React library for UIs. React Native Framework Examples: Facebook, Skype, and Instagram. 

What is Flutter? 

With the release of Flutter 2, Google’s open-source mobile UI framework is now also available for building web and desktop (native) apps. Flutter, which is built on Dart, is regarded as a modern framework since it is easy to use and uses hot reload to display results immediately. 

What is Xamarin? 

Microsoft’s Xamarin is an open-source app development framework that uses C# and.NET. A cross-platform technology called Xamarin lets you utilize a common codebase. By converting UI elements into platform-specific elements at runtime with Xamarin, iOS, Android, and Windows users may have a more natural experience. Examples: Microsoft Azure and Outback. 

5. Content management frameworks (CMS) 

A content management system (CMS) enables users to create, organize, deliver, and alter many types of material, such as blog entries, eBooks, mobile apps, and other online solutions. A content management framework (CMF), often known as a CMS platform, is a device that offers reusable parts for managing web content, combining features of a CMS and a web app framework. 

The choice of a CMS framework involves essential concerns like SEO, personalization, and security in addition to factors like cost, language, and simplicity of use. 

What is WordPress? 

Since WordPress is very user-friendly, this makes it an ideal option for the non-technical user creating a small blog or for larger brands supporting all factors from microsites to massive eCommerce stores. You can build a personalized, flexible site with many plug-ins, themes, and extensions as long as you choose vetted, regularly updated extensions. 

What is Drupal? 

A sizable community backs Drupal, a free open-source modular CMS based in PHP. However, compared to some other frameworks, Drupal does demand greater technical expertise. Because of its well-known extensible taxonomy, Drupal is well-suited for projects with lots of content, lots of community features, and big webmaster teams. A few examples of Drupal framework are: Tesla, Warner Bros, and Mattel. 

What is Joomla? 

Similar to Drupal and WordPress, Joomla is a free open-source CMS that is simple to customize using themes and extensions. For non-technical users, Joomla is simpler to use than Drupal but a little more challenging than WordPress. Third-placed among CMS platforms, Joomla is pre-optimized for SEO and has an excellent security track record. A few examples of Joomla framework are: IKEA, and Holiday Inn. 

What is Kentico? 

Kentico is a for-profit framework and platform with additional pre-made choices that is built on the ASP.NET and Microsoft SQL Server technologies. Kentico makes use of straightforward page creation and editing features. 

6. Data science frameworks 

The application of statistics, scientific methods, algorithms, or systems to extract knowledge from data falls under the broad category of data science. Data science is currently a flourishing field of study, driven in part to the possibilities presented by artificial intelligence and machine learning. 

Although Python is used for the vast majority of data science projects, other data science frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, Apache Spark, and NumPy are also becoming more popular. 

What is TensorFlow? 

Deep learning neural networks are the foundation of Google’s open-source machine learning (ML) platform TensorFlow. In order to create and distribute ML-powered apps, TensorFlow offers an open-source library and tools. Speech recognition, picture recognition, gesture recognition, object localization, translation, optical character recognition, voice synthesis, and text categorization are all examples of on-device deep learning. 

In conclusion 

In order to create software that is quick, scalable, dependable, and secure for today’s industry, programming frameworks are a crucial tool. Frameworks offer a place to start when tackling common issues, including best practices for programming, and staying up to date with the most recent technological developments, regardless of whether the final product is a website or a mobile app. 

Your time to market can be sped up, and the appropriate frameworks can help your growth strategy take off. Work closely with your programming consultancy company to know which programming frameworks are most suitable for you and would combine frameworks across all your business requirements.