Top 7 Most Popular Frontend Frameworks for Web Development in 2024

The landscape of frontend web creation has undergone transformations, largely driven by the emergence of frameworks that simplify the process of crafting engaging and responsive user interfaces. These frameworks not only enhance the performance, scalability and sustainability of web applications. Also boost developer efficiency. In this analysis, we will explore the frontend frameworks, evaluating their characteristics, performance metrics, community backing and practical applications to assist developers in selecting the most suitable one for their requirements.

1. React

React, by Facebook, released in 2013, revamped frontend web development. Instead of making everything from scratch every time, it lets us break the pages into small, reusable pieces called components. This makes it easier to build big, complicated websites without things getting messy.
It also keeps things running smoothly by handling how changes show up on the screen, and here are some Tips to Optimise React Frontend Performance.​

Here are some examples of popular websites that have been developed using React:

• Facebook​
• Instagram​
• Netflix​
• Airbnb​
• Reddit

React is always getting better because the online community is very active and helpful. Apart from that, there are tons of free tools and help available for anyone who wants to use React.

GitHub Forks: 45.2k

GitHub Stars: 222k

2. Next.js

Next.js, an extension of React, adds server-side rendering and static site generation capabilities. It was created by Vercel in 2016 for developing fast and SEO-friendly web apps. it combines client-side and server-side rendering to speed up initial page loads.

The benefits of Next.js include automatic code splitting and optimized image loading. However, learning Next.js requires understanding of React and may be challenging for developers new to server-side rendering.

Here are some examples of popular websites that have been developed using React:

• Hulu​
• Tiktok
• Uber​
• Coursera​
• Github​

Comparing Next.js and React shows a trade-off between simplicity and performance. React is lightweight and flexible, while it boosts performance and SEO at the cost of more complex configuration and deployment.

GitHub Forks: 25.7k

GitHub Stars: 120k

3. Angular

Angular, originally known as AngularJS when it was developed by Google in 2010, was rewritten and rebranded as Angular in 2016. It follows an MVC (Model-View-Controller) architecture. The structured approach and built-in features for routing, dependency injection, and state management are appealing to developers working on complex projects.

Examples of popular websites and applications made with Angular are:

• Google Cloud Platform​
• Microsoft Office​
• Forbes​
• YouTube​

React and Angular both have different approaches. React, with its component-based structure and virtual DOM rendering, offers scalability for websites . Angular, on the other hand, follows a comprehensive MVC architecture, providing built-in solutions for routing, dependency injection, and state management, making it ideal for large-scale enterprise applications.

GitHub Forks: 24.6k

GitHub Stars: 94.4k

4. Vue.js

Vue.js, created in 2014, gained popularity for its simplicity and optimization options. It strikes a balance between simplicity and scalability, offering features like reactive data binding, virtual DOM rendering, and a streamlined API for building UI components. Its easier to learn, and its incremental adoption makes it an attractive option for both beginners and experienced developers.

Examples of popular websites and applications built with Vue.js include:

• Alibaba​
• Xiaomi​
• Adobe Portfolio​
• Behance​

Vue's intuitive syntax and straightforward documentation, make it easier for developers to get started and prototype ideas quickly. Community growth and adoption trends indicate Vue.js rising popularity among developers because of its ecosystem of libraries, tools, and resources.

GitHub Forks: 33.6k

GitHub Stars: 207k

5. Svelte

Svelte, created by Rich Harris in 2016, is a different way to make websites compared to usual methods. Instead of doing most of the work while the site runs, it does a lot of it before the site even starts, which makes the final website work faster and smoother. This means the websites made with Svelte are smaller, quicker, and easier to manage. That's why people like to use it.

Pros Svelte are that it's easy to use, makes websites faster, and needs less repetitive code, so developers can work faster. You might want to use Svelte if you're making things like charts, live dashboards, or progressive web apps.

Examples of popular websites and applications built with Svelte include:

• Apple​
• NBA​
• Spotify​
• IKEA​
• New York Times​

GitHub Forks: 3.9k

GitHub Stars: 76.3k

6. Ember.js

Ember.js is a powerful tool for making fancy websites. It started in 2011 as SproutCore and then became Ember.js. It's popular because it helps developers work faster and make big websites easier to manage.one cool thing about it is that it comes with a lot of tools right out of the box, so developers don't have to spend time figuring out what to use. This makes it quicker to build stuff.

Examples of popular websites and applications built with Ember.js include:

• LinkedIn​
• Netlify
  
• Intercom​
• Digitalocean
  

Even though there are other tools out there that are simpler, Ember.js has a strong community and keeps getting better. It's a good choice for companies that want to build websites that will last a long time.

GitHub Forks: 4.2k

GitHub Stars: 22.4k

7. Backbone.js

Backbone.js, developed in 2010, was one of the first frameworks which follows MVC architecture. It's simpler and more flexible than some other frameworks like Angular and Ember.js. it keeps things light and easy to customize..It doesn't take up much space, plays well with other JavaScript tools, and fits into projects of any size. Developers use it for all kinds of projects, from small projects to big projects that need to grow over time.

Examples of websites built with Backbone.js include:

• Trello​
• Tumblr​
• FireFox​
• Mongodb​

While it's not as popular as it used to be, Backbone.js still comes in handy for projects where keeping things simple and flexible is important.

GitHub Forks: 5.4k

GitHub Stars: 28.1k

The State of Best Frontend Frameworks

Analyzing the popularity trends of frontend frameworks over the years provides valuable insights into developer preferences, industry trends, and community support . Surveys conducted by platforms like Stack Overflow offer quantitative data on adoption rates and community support helping developers make informed decisions about technology stack.

While established frameworks like React, Angular, and Next.js continue to dominate the market, emerging alternatives like Svelte, Backbone.js and Ember.js present exciting opportunities for exploration.

Building for Success: Choosing the Right Frontend Framework

Selecting the right frontend framework is crucial for building websites that are successful and scale effectively. By carefully considering project requirements, your team's expertise, and current industry trends, you can make an informed decision about the framework that best suits your needs. Among the dominant players in the frontend landscape, React, Angular, and Next.js offer robust solutions for crafting modern websites.