A web application framework, written in JavaScript and/or using a .JS library should make Development easier, more flexible and scalable. Choosing the right framework can often be a tricky task, so to help you work out what's what, we’ve taken a look at the benefits of using a .JS library or framework, how to choose the right one for your Development stack and potential resourcing challenges that you may face along the way.
Popular .JS Frameworks/Libraries & Key Features:
Angular.JS
Powerful, stand alone framework with plenty of built in features:
- Backed by Google
- Extend the functionality of HTML attributes with directives
- Dependency Injections
- Two Way Data Binding
- Manipulate data directly within the template using expressions
Use Angular.JS if: you want to take advantage of these features, you plan on doing lots of unit testing or you simply want a comprehensive client side solution.
Backbone.JS
Lightweight framework with a small memory footprint, comprising six components:
Model – used to Store Data
View – presents Data within the Model
Collections – group Models together like a JavaScript array
Events – bind events like User Clicks
Routers – set up the navigational structure
Sync – governs communication between Backbone.js and the back-end
Use Backbone.JS if: you have a simple one page application, your back end does most of the heavy lifting and/or speed is your main priority. You can still scale up the application using add-ons for features such as data bindings.
React.JS
JavaScript library for building UIs with a focus on rendering performance:
- Introduced and powered by Facebook
- Server side rendering allows universal web apps
- Possible to augment Angular & React
- Good code re-use
- Easy Interface Design & Learning API
Use React.JS if: you are looking to create a JS based iOS App, you are working with large data sets and/or require a sophisticated view layer.
Recruiting for .JS Developers in 2017
From a recruitment perspective, Backbone.JS tends to be the most readily available .JS skill set in the UK; however, hiring a good JavaScript Developer on a permanent basis, always presents a number of challenges. Clients will often look to be flexible on the required experience in order to bring a developer on board – However, not every FE dev is capable of or wants to learn a heavyweight framework such as Angular.
It is also an extremely fast paced environment – Angular 2, for instance, isn’t even written in JavaScript, although you don’t need to write TypeScript to develop Angular 2 Applications.
If your project roadmap for 2017 involves recruiting a JavaScript Developer (whether you are looking to bring in expert .JS Developers or you need to backfill positions, whilst your existing team are learning a framework/library) contractors may be able to provide you with an immediate solution.
If you're interested in sourcing or securing permanent or contract Development roles, please get in touch at development@consortia.com or call 0203 397 4565 for more information.
