Top 5 Best Frontend Framework in 2024

Today, prioritizing user experience is essential for every business. As a developer, you’ll notice that even project briefs emphasize the need for a simple user interface. Despite the complexity of the functions and operations that occur behind the scenes, the interface presented to users must be smooth and intuitive. This approach is a cornerstone of many highly successful companies, such as Netflix, Facebook, and Instagram. The world of web development is constantly evolving, and frontend frameworks are at the forefront of this innovation. These frameworks provide developers with powerful tools and libraries to build dynamic, interactive, and user-friendly web applications. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right frontend framework can be a challenge. In this blog, we’ll dive into the top 5 frontend frameworks that are poised to dominate the scene in 2024. Are you ready to explore these top frontend frameworks? Now, let’s get started!

What is A Frontend Framework?

The frontend of a website or web application encompasses all the elements that users interact with directly, including the layout, graphics, navigation, typography, and positioning of different elements.

A frontend framework is a collection of pre-built tools that facilitate the development of a website’s frontend by providing ready-made components. Essentially, a frontend framework serves as a structural base that simplifies the process of designing and constructing the user interface.

Using a frontend framework means that developers don’t need to individually code every component of the application’s frontend from the ground up, as it offers components that are immediately deployable.

Frontend Framework Popularity

The chart presented here illustrates the varying popularity levels of frontend frameworks. It quantifies their usage as a percentage for each year to assess their prevalence. The leading frontend frameworks based on this data are React, Vue.js, and Angular. These three saw significant growth in popularity among developers during 2016-17 and have maintained leading positions since then.

In addition to these leading frameworks, Svelte, Preact, and Ember also rank highly in popularity within the community. Svelte began to rise in prominence during 2019-20 and has continued to experience steady growth. Preact gained momentum in 2018-19, though its popularity waned after 2020. Ember reached its peak in 2017-18, followed by a gradual decline, yet it has managed to stay within the top six frontend frameworks.

Top 5 Frontend Frameworks in 2024

#1 React Frontend Framework – Best Frontend Framework

React, initially created by Facebook to address code maintainability challenges stemming from frequent feature updates, is one of the easiest frontend frameworks to master. Now open-source, React is distinguished by its virtual Document Object Model (DOM), which provides exceptional functionality. This frontend framework is especially suitable for projects expecting high traffic, offering a robust platform to manage it effectively.

Advantages:

• Component Reusability: Components can be easily reused across different parts of an application, facilitating collaboration.
• Performance Efficiency: Utilizing a virtual DOM ensures consistent and seamless performance.
• React Hooks: An excellent alternative to class-based components, hooks simplify the learning process and component creation in React.
• Development Tools: React development tools are highly advanced and extremely beneficial for debugging and optimization.

Disadvantages:

• Frequent Updates: Regular updates to the framework can complicate documentation, presenting a steeper learning curve for beginners.
• Complexity of JSX: New developers often struggle with the complexities of JSX when starting out with React.
• Frontend Focus: React is limited to frontend solutions and does not address backend needs.

When to Use React:

React is ideal for creating user interfaces, particularly for single-page applications. It stands out as a powerful frontend framework for crafting interactive interfaces efficiently through the reuse of components.

When Not to Use React:

React may not be suitable if you lack experience with Javascript, as it requires a solid understanding of the language. Additionally, the learning curve for JSX can be challenging for novice developers.

> Related: Angular vs React: The Frontend Framework Showdown (2024 Edition)

#2 Angular Frontend Framework

No list of the top frontend frameworks would be complete without mentioning Angular. As the sole framework on this list built on TypeScript, Angular stands out. It was officially launched by Google in 2016 to meet the rising technological demands while addressing the limitations of traditional concepts that were previously effective.

Angular sets itself apart from frameworks like React by offering two-way data binding. This feature ensures real-time synchronization between the model and the view, meaning any changes in the model are immediately mirrored in the view, and vice versa.

Angular is an ideal choice for projects that involve developing mobile or web applications. It is also well-suited for creating both multi-page and progressive web apps. Notable companies such as BMW, Xbox, Forbes, Blender, and others have utilized Angular for their applications.

However, learning Angular can be more challenging compared to React. Despite the vast amount of documentation available, it often proves to be either too complex or confusing.

Advantages:

• Angular features built-in mechanisms that synchronize updates between the model and the view, and vice versa.
• The framework minimizes coding requirements by including key features such as two-way data binding by default.
• It separates component dependencies by externalizing them, which helps in reducing coupling.
• Components are designed to be reusable and easily manageable with dependency injection.
• There is a robust community available for learning assistance and support.

Disadvantages:

• Angular offers multiple methods to accomplish tasks due to its comprehensive dynamic nature, which can steepen the learning curve for newcomers. Nevertheless, the extensive Angular community facilitates the learning process for new users.
• Dynamic applications might sometimes suffer from performance issues due to their intricate structure and size. However, these issues can generally be mitigated through code optimization and adhering to Angular’s best practices.

When to Use Angular:

Angular enhances the performance of browser-based applications by enabling dynamic updates to content almost instantaneously through its two-way data binding capability. It is highly recommended for enterprise-level applications and dynamic web apps, where its features can be fully leveraged.

#3 Vuejs Frontend Framework

Vue is a popular frontend framework known for its simplicity and effectiveness in addressing the challenges commonly encountered by Angular developers. It boasts a smaller footprint and offers two primary benefits: a visual DOM and a component-based architecture. Vue also supports two-way data binding.

This frontend framework is highly versatile, aiding in various tasks ranging from developing web and mobile applications to crafting progressive web applications. It manages both simple and complex tasks effortlessly.

Despite its capabilities in optimizing application performance and simplifying complex processes, Vue has not seen widespread adoption among the largest market players. Nonetheless, major companies like Alibaba, 9gag, Reuters, and Xiaomi have embraced this framework. Vue’s adoption continues to expand, even with limited uptake from major Silicon Valley firms.

Advantages:

• Vue.js offers comprehensive and well-detailed documentation.
• Its straightforward syntax makes it easy for programmers with a JavaScript background to start using Vue.js.
• The framework allows flexibility in designing the application’s structure.
• It provides support for TypeScript.

Disadvantages:

• There can be instability issues with some components.
• The community is relatively smaller compared to other major frameworks.
• There is a language barrier since many plugins and components are predominantly written in Chinese.

When to Use Vuejs:

Vue.js is recommended for projects that require a flexible design structure. It enables you to build everything from the ground up and is capable of handling large-scale projects effectively.

When Not to Use Vuejs:

Vue.js may not be the best choice if you rely heavily on a support community to resolve complex issues. Additionally, applications that require highly stable components may encounter difficulties, as Vue.js has shown some instability in its components.

#4 jQuery Frontend Framework

Introduced in 2006, jQuery remains one of the earliest and still popular frontend frameworks. Its continued relevance in the modern tech landscape is noteworthy. jQuery simplifies the development process by reducing the need to write extensive JavaScript code, making it both simple and easy to use.

The framework has built a considerable community over the years, providing a wealth of resources and support for developers.

While fundamentally a library designed for CSS and DOM manipulation to enhance website functionality and interactivity, jQuery’s capabilities have expanded. Although originally not suited for building mobile apps, the advent of jQuery Mobile has broadened its application. This HTML5-based UI system allows developers to create native mobile applications. Additionally, jQuery is highly compatible across different web browsers, ensuring broad usability.

Advantages:

• Flexible DOM manipulation for adding or removing elements.
• Simplifies the process of sending HTTP requests.
• Supports dynamic content.

Disadvantages:

• Slower performance compared to some modern alternatives.
• There are more advanced frameworks available that surpass jQuery.
• The APIs for the document object model are considered outdated.

When to Use jQuery:

jQuery is suitable for developing desktop-based JavaScript applications where simplicity and conciseness are prioritized. It is effective for handling events and executing animations, keeping the code straightforward and clean.

When Not to Use jQuery:

jQuery is not advisable for large-scale applications as it can introduce significant amounts of extra JavaScript code, making the application bulky. Modern frameworks that offer advanced JavaScript features require less coding. It also provides greater component reusability is generally more efficient for such projects.

> Related: Agile Framework: Overview for Modern Software Development

#5 Emberjs Frontend Framework

Developed in 2011, Ember.js is a component-based framework that offers two-way data binding, similar to Angular. It is crafted to meet the advanced needs of contemporary technologies. Hence, enabling the development of complex mobile and web applications with an efficient architecture to address various concerns.

However, Ember.js presents a steep learning curve due to its rigid and conventional structure. This makes it one of the more challenging frameworks to master. Additionally, its developer community is relatively small and still growing; making it suitable for those who can dedicate ample time to learning.

Advantages:

• Highly organized structure.
• Considered one of the fastest frameworks.
• Supports two-way data binding.
• Provides thorough documentation.

Disadvantages:

• Smaller, less popular community.
• Complex syntax and infrequent updates.
• Challenging learning curve.
• Overly robust for smaller applications.

When to Use Emberjs:

Ember.js is ideal for building modern applications with rich user interfaces, such as LinkedIn, benefiting from its excellent routing capabilities which manage a wide range of application states. It serves as a complete frontend solution for large-scale projects, offering pre-configured setups, efficient data binding, and custom properties for dynamic page rendering.

When Not to Use Emberjs:

Ember.js may not be suitable for smaller development teams due to the need for experienced developers to navigate its complexities. The framework might involve higher initial costs. Moreover, for projects that require simple AJAX functionalities or a straightforward user interface, Ember.js may be excessive.

> Related: 9 Best Backend Framework You Should Notice in 2024

Conclusion

The frontend framework landscape is constantly shifting, with new contenders emerging and established players innovating. The five frameworks we’ve explored offer a diverse range of features and functionalities, making them well-suited for a variety of project needs. No matter which framework you choose, staying up-to-date on the latest trends and advancements is crucial. By continuously learning and exploring new possibilities, you can ensure that you’re building the best possible web applications for your users.

Or if you want to develop an outstanding app without having to code by yourself, AMELA can help you choose the right framework and build a stunning, user-friendly web application. Contact us through the following information:

• Hotline: (+84)904026070 
• Email: hello@amela.tech 
• Address: 5th Floor, Tower A, Keangnam Building, Urban Area new E6 Cau Giay, Pham Hung, Me Tri, Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi

Editor: AMELA Technology