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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. 

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