How do I choose the right JavaScript framework for my next single-page application project?
A question I have asked myself over and over again.
There are countless options these days, that claim to be the ultimate solution to all our developments needs.
USED BEFORE
I have build applications with
- Angular
- Backbone
- Ember.js
- Knockout
- Ampersand.js
- Rivets
TRIED BEFORE
I have looked at
- Polymer
- React
- and many other solutions out there.
And I seem to be evaluating new options every week :)
ANSWERS ?
The only answer I can give you is that :
- None of them will fit any of your projects perfectly.
- None of these will cover all project areas to your personal satisfaction.
- None of these will prevent you from errors and the need for unconventional solutions.
In the end its a matter of personal taste and project requirements. We only have limited resources to finish a project and find solutions to unsolved problems in a timely fashion (yes this always happens). Go out and play :) Also take a look at TodoMVC, which might help you to decide. No guarantees !
Over the past few month I have evaluated all the things that I used in the past. I started stripping it all down to a bare set of essentials, that have been following me for a long time. There are solutions that just fit and require no replacement.
GOING SOLO
So my answer for the perfect framework, is a set of solid singular solutions that have proven themselves over the years. Working solo or together in harmony.
Like a painter I want to choose my own brushes and color mixture. Programming is an art that needs freedom. A freedom that can often be limited by a too strictly defined framework. Structure is important, but it should never dictate the options you have to fulfill your project goals and limit you.
I will be covering some of those tools here in coming articles.
I will talk about:
- MVC
- DOM manipulation
- Templates
- Data-Binding
- Directives
- Routing
- Observables for Arrays and Objects
- Modules
- Dependency Loading
- Utility solutions
…enjoy coding