[Updated] Best Javascript Frameworks from 2018-2019

Published on Sep 25, 2018

Updated on Apr 17, 2020

With the wave of digitization, web development is rapidly evolving. Every year we see many new frameworks and platforms for application development, each with their unique benefits. However, in order to build a better audience and improve inbound sales, you need to identify which framework is best as per your requirements.

Based on our onsite and offsite web development experiences for B2B clients, I’ll list down the best Javascript framework from 2019, which you should know to stay ahead of the competition.

Best Front-end Javascript Frameworks

1. Vue.js

It is relatively new but gaining a lot of traction among the community of developers. Vue.js works with the MVVM design paradigm and has a very simple API. It demonstrates minimalism to the extreme and allows you to use selective modules as per your requirements. Inspired by AngularJS, ReactJS, knockoutJS and RivetsJS, Vue.js updates model and view via two-way data binding.

While Vue is not in the league of Angular or Ember, but conceptually it has all the potential to be the JavaScript framework of the future and hold respectable market share. It is holding the ground firmly after 10 months of its release and getting regular updates by the creator, Evan You. Vue.js has been declared as the most popular front-end JavaScript framework on GitHub with 40K stars.

Details – vuejs.org

2. AngularJS

AngularJS, the baby of Google, is the big daddy of JavaScript frameworks. It currently boasts the biggest community of developers and is also the most used JavaScript framework for developing Single Page Web Applications.

AngularJS framework gives superpowers to HTML by adding all the necessary features required to build dynamic views (interactive user interface).

It gives the option to extend HTML attributes by the use of Angular directives. Two-way data binding is at the core of AngularJS. This essentially takes away all the pain of writing manual code for DOM manipulation.

Angular 2’s final version was released in 2016. It was completely re-written, also focused on mobile apps development and was a big success. From 2016 to 2018 it has graduated further to Angular 6 as a great improvement over old. After the release of Angular 7 in October 2018, it became the most preferred framework for enterprise-level apps.

On May 28, 2019, Angular 8 was released featuring differential load for all application code, dynamic imports for lazy routes, and Typescript support. Now, Angular is integral to the MEAN stack for web application development.

Details – angularjs.org

3. React

Developers might have noticed that React is the user interface behind Facebook and Instagram. This gives us a quick idea about how powerful React is for building large-scale applications of extremely dynamic nature.

React framework is best at rendering complex user interfaces with high performance. It deploys the concept of virtual DOM (Document Object Model). React utilizes a virtual DOM, which you can render at the client-side or server-side and communicate back and forth.

The community is growing rapidly ever since its release and I must say it is the fastest-growing JavaScript framework as of today. One can find tons of resources, tutorials and React component libraries to get going within no time.

Details – reactjs.org

Also read — the basics of React Native.

4. Ember.js

Ember.js is another powerful MVC Javascript framework. Many popular websites like Discourse, Groupon, LinkedIn, Vine, Live Nation, Nordstrom, Twitch.tv, and Chipotle use Ember. Although primarily considered a framework for the web, it is also possible to build desktop and mobile applications in Ember. The most notable example of an Ember desktop application is Apple Music.

EmberJS competes with the likes of AngularJS and React when it comes to building interactive frontend user interfaces. It also has a very active community of developers.

Ember rides on the principle of two-way data binding like AngularJS. It targets the best of both AngularJS (two-way data binding) and React (server-side rendering).

Details – emberjs.com

best frontend javascript frameworks and the brands using them

Best Javascript Frameworks for Backend development

1. Express

When you google for Node.js frameworks, surely you might have come across Express very often. Express.js is among the top Node.js frameworks. It is an efficient platform for building robust applications and APIs. Express is also one of the four components of the popular MEAN stack (MongoDB, Express, AngularJS, and Node.js) for web application development. Here, Express serves as a middleware between the front-end, database, and back-end of an application.

Express is very flexible and lightweight and offers excellent possibilities in terms of using plugins, extensions and third-party databases. People often refer to Express as the server framework for Node.js as it creates an HTTP server for Node.js and supports the middleware functionality to respond to the HTTP requests. It has a superb set of documentation and enjoys great community support.

Details – expressjs.com

2. Sails.js

To build custom, enterprise-grade Node.js apps, Sails.js is a great fit. It mimics the MVC pattern of frameworks like Ruby on Rails but with support for the requirements of modern apps (i.e. data-driven APIs with scalable & service-oriented architecture). It is especially suitable for building chat, real-time dashboards, or multiplayer games.

Details – sailsjs.com

Last but not the least:

Meteor

Meteor is the magical isomorphic full stack platform for building an end to end mobile and web applications completely in JavaScript at a lightning fast speed. Isomorphic Javascript is also known as Universal Javascript defines the JS applications which run on both client and server. It is the power player, equipped with all the features you need for frontend rendering, backend development, business logic and database management.

The best thing about MeteorJS is that you use only JavaScript for an end to end application development, no need to invest time learning anything else. It is modular and you can use packages and libraries on demand basis. The server-side packages run in the Node.js and you do not need anything else but Meteor packages to access the database, all in JavaScript! This makes Meteor applications real-time web applications.

Details – meteor.com

Best Javascript Frameworks for 2018-2019: A Quick Recap

In recent years, Javascript emerges as the most preferred language because of the simplicity it brings to web application development. From new releases to typescript integration, the best Javascript frameworks are-

Front end: Vue.js, AngularJS, React, and Ember.js
Back end: Express and Sails.js

For queries and suggestions, please feel free to drop your comments or reach us at hello@mantralabsglobal.com

Happy Scripting!

Related:

Governments worldwide are implementing strict energy and emission policies to drive sustainability and efficiency in industries:

China’s Dual Control Policy (since 2016) enforces strict limits on energy intensity and usage to regulate industrial consumption.
The EU’s Fit for 55 Package mandates industries to adopt circular economy practices and cut emissions by at least 55% by 2030.
Japan’s Green Growth Strategy incentivizes manufacturers to implement energy-efficient technologies through targeted tax benefits.
India’s Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) Scheme encourages energy-intensive industries to improve efficiency, rewarding those who exceed targets with tradable energy-saving certificates.

These policies reflect a global push toward sustainability, urging industries to innovate, reduce carbon footprints, and embrace energy efficiency.

What’s driving the world to impose these mandates in manufacturing?

This is because the manufacturing industry is at a crossroads. With environmental concerns mounting, the sector faces some stark realities. Annually, it generates 9.2 billion tonnes of industrial waste—enough to fill 3.7 million Olympic-sized swimming pools or cover the entire city of Manhattan in a 340-foot layer of waste. Manufacturing also consumes 54% of the world’s energy resources, roughly equal to the total energy usage of India, Japan, and Germany combined. And with the sector contributing around 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions, it outpaces emissions from all passenger vehicles worldwide.

These regulations are ambitious and necessary. But here’s the question: Can industries meet these demands without sacrificing profitability?

Yes, sustainability initiatives are not a recent phenomenon. They have traditionally been driven by the emergence of smart technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), which laid the groundwork for more efficient and responsible manufacturing practices.

Today, most enterprises are turning to AI in manufacturing to further drive efficiencies, lower costs while staying compliant with regulations. Here’s how AI-driven manufacturing is enhancing energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable supply chain practices across the manufacturing landscape.

How Does AI Help in Building a Sustainable Future for Manufacturing?

1. Energy Efficiency

Energy consumption is a major contributor to manufacturing emissions. AI-powered systems help optimize energy usage by analyzing production data, monitoring equipment performance, and identifying inefficiencies.

Siemens has implemented AI in its manufacturing facilities to optimize energy usage in real-time. By analyzing historical data and predicting energy demand, Siemens reduced energy consumption by 10% across its plants.
In China, manufacturers are leveraging AI-driven energy management platforms to comply with the Dual Control Policy. These systems forecast energy consumption patterns and recommend adjustments to stay within mandated limits.

Impact: AI-driven energy management systems not only reduce costs but also ensure compliance with stringent energy caps, proving that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.

2. Waste Reduction

Manufacturing waste is a double-edged sword—it pollutes the environment and represents inefficiencies in production. AI helps manufacturers minimize waste by enhancing production accuracy and enabling circular practices like recycling and reuse.

Procter & Gamble (P&G) uses AI-powered vision systems to detect defects in manufacturing lines, reducing waste caused by faulty products. This not only ensures higher quality but also significantly reduces raw material usage.
The European Union‘s circular economy mandates have inspired manufacturers in the steel and cement industries to adopt AI-driven waste recovery systems. For example, AI algorithms are used to identify recyclable materials from production waste streams, enabling closed-loop systems.

Impact: AI helps companies cut down on waste while complying with mandates like the EU’s Fit for 55 package, making sustainability an operational advantage.

3. Sustainable Supply Chains

Supply chains in manufacturing are vast and complex, often contributing significantly to carbon footprints. AI-powered analytics enable manufacturers to monitor and optimize supply chain operations, from sourcing raw materials to final delivery.

Unilever uses AI to track and reduce the carbon emissions of its suppliers. By analyzing data across the supply chain, the company ensures that partners comply with sustainability standards, reducing overall emissions.
In Japan, automotive manufacturers are leveraging AI for supply chain optimization. AI algorithms optimize delivery routes and load capacities, cutting fuel usage and emissions while benefiting from tax incentives under Japan’s Green Growth Strategy.

Impact: By making supply chains more efficient, AI not only reduces emissions but also builds resilience, helping manufacturers adapt to global disruptions while staying sustainable.

4. Predictive Maintenance

Industrial machinery is a significant source of emissions and waste when it operates inefficiently or breaks down. AI-driven predictive maintenance ensures that equipment is operating at peak performance, reducing energy consumption and downtime.

General Electric (GE) uses AI-powered sensors to monitor the health of manufacturing equipment. These systems predict failures before they happen, allowing timely maintenance and reducing energy waste.
AI-enabled predictive tools are also being adopted under India’s PAT scheme, where energy-intensive industries leverage real-time equipment monitoring to enhance efficiency. (Source)

Impact: Predictive maintenance not only extends the lifespan of machinery but also ensures that energy-intensive equipment operates within sustainable parameters.

The Road Ahead

AI is no longer just a tool—it’s a critical partner in achieving sustainability. By addressing challenges in energy usage, waste management, and supply chain optimization, AI helps manufacturers not just comply with global mandates but thrive in a world increasingly focused on sustainability.

As countries continue to tighten regulations and push for decarbonization, manufacturers that embrace AI stand to gain a competitive edge while contributing to a cleaner, greener future.

Mantra Labs helps manufacturers achieve sustainable outcomes—driving efficiencies across the shop floor to operational excellence, lowering costs, and enabling them to hit ESG targets. By integrating AI-driven solutions, manufacturers can turn sustainability challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth, building a more resilient and responsible industry for the future.

[Updated] Best Javascript Frameworks from 2018-2019