A web development framework (WDF) is a collection of tools, libraries, and pre-built code that helps you build sites and applications faster. Instead of writing common features from scratch, you work with a ready-made structure that handles routing, database access, authentication, and other repetitive tasks.
This guide explains how WDFs work, the difference between frontend and backend options, and how to choose the right one for your project.
Why use a web development framework?
Frameworks solve problems that come up in almost every project, so you don’t have to reinvent solutions each time you start something new.
- They speed up development by providing built-in tools for common tasks like form handling, routing, and data validation
- They keep your codebase organized with consistent file structures and patterns that make collaboration easier
- They include security features that protect against common vulnerabilities like SQL injection and cross-site scripting
- They make projects easier to maintain and scale because the code follows predictable conventions
- They come with active communities that provide documentation, plugins, and support when you run into issues
For anything beyond a basic static site, a web development framework can save significant time and reduce complexity.
What is the main purpose of a web development framework?
Web development frameworks provide predefined architecture and tools that help structure projects and reduce manual setup.
Instead of writing every feature from the ground up, a framework gives you a ready-made structure to build on. It includes built-in tools for common tasks like routing, database access, user authentication, and form handling.
This allows you to skip the repetitive setup and move straight into developing the core features of your site or app.
Frameworks also promote consistency across your codebase, which makes projects easier to maintain, especially when working in teams. By following the patterns and structure the framework provides, you reduce errors and keep your code more predictable.
In short, a web development framework helps you work more efficiently and build applications that are easier to scale, test, and maintain. How many frameworks are in web development?
There’s no set number of web development frameworks, and new ones continue to emerge. The landscape changes quickly as tools evolve and development needs shift.
Frameworks typically fall into three main categories: Frontend frameworks handle what users see and interact with in the browser.
Backend frameworks manage the server, database, and application logic.
Full-stack frameworks cover both the frontend and backend in one solution.
The number keeps growing, thanks to active developer communities that create and improve open-source projects.
Framework popularity shifts depending on:
- Performance requirements
- Developer preferences
- Project complexity and scope
- Ecosystem support (tools, plugins, integrations)
Well-supported options number in the dozens, while many more experimental or niche frameworks exist for specific use cases.
Choosing the right one depends on:
- What the project needs to do
- The developer’s comfort with certain languages or stacks
- What the team is already using or trained in
In short, there’s no shortage of options. You just need to choose the one that fits your project best.
Frontend frameworks vs backend frameworks
Web development frameworks come in many forms, each with its own focus and strengths. Below are some of the most widely used frameworks, grouped by where they fit in the development stack.
Frontend frameworks
Next.js
Built on top of React, Next.js is a framework that adds server-side rendering, static site generation, and built-in routing. It’s popular for building fast, SEO-friendly web applications with minimal configuration.
Astro
Astro is a modern framework focused on content-rich websites. It ships zero JavaScript by default and lets you use components from React, Vue, or other frameworks while keeping pages lightweight and fast.
TanStack
TanStack (formerly React Query) is a set of libraries for managing server state in web applications. It handles data fetching, caching, and synchronization, making it easier to work with APIs and keep your UI up to date.
React
Developed by Meta, React is a popular JavaScript library often used as a framework for building dynamic user interfaces. It focuses on creating reusable components and managing UI state efficiently.
Vue
Vue is a lightweight framework known for its simplicity and flexibility. It’s easy to get started with and is a strong choice for both small projects and large applications.
Angular
Backed by Google, Angular is a full-featured framework that includes everything you need to build complex frontend applications, including routing, forms, and HTTP services.
Svelte
Svelte takes a different approach by compiling components into efficient JavaScript during build time. This reduces the runtime load and can lead to faster performance in the browser.
Backend frameworks
Express (Node.js)
Express is a minimal, unopinionated framework for building server-side applications with Node.js. It’s often used for APIs and web services, and serves as the base for many full-stack setups.
Django
Django is a high-level Python framework that includes built-in support for authentication, database access, and admin interfaces.
Laravel
Laravel is a PHP framework that includes built-in support for routing, caching, and session handling. It simplifies tasks like routing, caching, and session handling, making backend development more efficient.
Spring
Spring is a robust Java framework used in enterprise-level applications. It provides tools for building secure, scalable services and supports features like dependency injection and transaction management.
Web development framework pros and cons
Frameworks offer clear advantages, but they also come with trade-offs worth understanding before you commit to one.
On the positive side, frameworks reduce the amount of code you need to write by handling common functionality out of the box. They enforce consistent patterns that make projects easier to maintain, especially when multiple developers are involved. Many frameworks include security protections by default, and popular options have large communities that provide ongoing support and regular updates.
On the other hand, frameworks take time to learn. Each has its own conventions, terminology, and way of doing things. Some are opinionated about project structure, which can limit flexibility if your needs don’t match their assumptions. Frameworks also add overhead, features you don’t use still ship with your application, which can affect performance in simpler projects. And when frameworks release major updates, you may need to refactor code to stay compatible.
The decision comes down to weighing these factors against your project’s goals. For most applications, the benefits outweigh the downsides, but the specific framework you choose should match your team’s experience and the flexibility you need.
How do I identify a web framework?
With so many tools in web development, it can be hard to tell what qualifies as a framework and what doesn’t. The key difference lies in how much structure and built-in functionality the tool provides.
A web development framework typically includes:
- A defined project structure
- Built-in support for routing, HTTP handling, and templating
- Integration with databases or data layers
- Conventions that guide how code should be organized and connected
- Tools for managing requests, sessions, or APIs
This level of structure is especially important in modern development environments where teams aim for flexibility and modularity.
Frameworks often serve as the foundation for a composable enterprise, where businesses select and integrate tools based on specific needs rather than relying on a single, rigid platform.
To put it in context, here’s how a framework differs from other tools that are often confused with it:
- Libraries provide specific functionality and are used when needed, but they don’t offer structure or enforce how you build your app.
- Languages are the foundations that frameworks are built with. The language gives you the syntax, but not the structure or tools.
- Code editors and IDEs help you write and manage code efficiently, but they don’t play a role in how your application functions.
If a tool gives you a complete foundation for building and scaling a web application, rather than isolated features or utilities, it likely falls into the framework category.
FAQs about web development frameworks
Is PHP a web framework?
No. PHP is a scripting language used for server-side development. Several popular frameworks, such as Laravel, Symfony, and CodeIgniter, are built with PHP, but PHP itself is not a framework.
Is Java a web framework?
No. Java is a programming language often used in enterprise web development. Frameworks like Spring and Struts are built with Java, but Java on its own is not considered a framework.
Is JavaScript a web framework?
No. JavaScript is a programming language used in both frontend and backend development. Frameworks such as Angular and Vue are built with JavaScript. React is often used like a framework, but it is technically a library.
Is Visual Studio Code a framework?
No. Visual Studio Code is a code editor. It provides a development environment where you can write and manage your code, but it does not provide the structure or tools that define a framework.
Is Bootstrap a framework or library?
Bootstrap is a frontend framework. It includes pre-written CSS and JavaScript components that help developers build responsive layouts and user interfaces more quickly.
Which framework is better for web development?
It depends on what you are building: For frontend projects, React, Vue, and Angular are widely used. For backend projects, Express, Django, and Laravel are common choices. The best framework is the one that fits your project goals, your team’s skill set, and the features you need. Each option offers different strengths and trade-offs.
Ready to build with your framework of choice?
Netlify supports a wide range of modern web development frameworks, making it easier to deploy, manage, and scale your projects. Explore framework integrations on Netlify and get started with the tools that fit your workflow.