Top Backend Frameworks to Master Before Moving into 2024

Over the years, backend frameworks for web app development have evolved tremendously. Technological advancements, superior user experience, microservices architecture, scalability, agile business model, and niche customer-focused approach are many factors that boosted its popularity.

Web apps continue to evolve and become complex. Top frameworks were rescued to overcome these developers’ efforts- Node.js, Django, Spring, and others. These frameworks simplify the development of backend logic, database setting, and infrastructure development, allowing web applications to efficiently manage HTTP interactions, database queries, API communications, data operations, quick prototyping, and user access controls.

Backend frameworks help modern web apps run smoothly, especially during high user traffic, by optimizing server functions and balancing user requests. Using the proper framework ensures everything works well together, offering users a hassle-free experience.

As technology rapidly evolves, the tools backend developers use are also changing. Businesses must adopt the latest frameworks to benefit from new features and tools.

Let’s explore the leading backend frameworks shaping the future of web apps.

Backend Frameworks: What They Are and Why Use Them

Backend frameworks serve as the backbone of web applications, orchestrating the underlying operations that users don’t directly see but experience through performance, security, and functionality. They provide developers with pre-established structures, facilitating quicker and more efficient web development.

By handling server-side tasks, managing databases, and ensuring smooth communication between an application’s front and back ends, these frameworks simplify complex processes, enabling developers to focus on creating richer user experiences. Embracing a suitable backend framework is fundamental for robust, scalable, and efficient web development.

Based on the Statistics & Data report, Laravel, Django, Spring, Flask, and Express.js are the leading backend frameworks in 2023. What’s the implication for your business? It doesn’t change much.

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Benefits of Backend Frameworks

Here are some benefits of choosing a backend framework.

• Rapid Development

Backend frameworks often come with pre-built modules and libraries that speed up the development process, allowing for faster deployment of web applications.

• Consistency and Structure

They provide a standardized way of building applications, ensuring that code remains organized and making maintenance and updates easier.

• Enhanced Security

Many frameworks include built-in security features that protect against common web vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and cross-site request forgery (CSRF).

• Scalability

Backend frameworks are designed with scalability in mind, ensuring that as an application’s user base grows, the system can handle the increased load with minimal adjustments.

• Community Support

Popular frameworks come with a robust community. This means developers can access many resources, including documentation, tutorials, and forums, making problem-solving more accessible.

• Integrated Tools

Many backend frameworks offer integrated tools for tasks like database management, caching, and session management, eliminating the need to source third-party solutions and ensuring smoother compatibility.

Best Backend Frameworks in 2024 for Web Development

The following are among the top backend web frameworks available. However, this list is only some-encompassing. While these frameworks can address many web development requirements, your specific product might necessitate different options. It’s advisable to consult with professionals before finalizing your tech stack.

Here’s how these renowned backend frameworks work.

1. Django for Python

Django often termed the “web framework for perfectionists with deadlines,” is a high-level web development framework built on Python. Designed to encourage rapid development and clean, pragmatic design, Django simplifies the process of building complex web applications. With its robust built-in features, developers can avoid reinventing the wheel and instead focus on creating dynamic, secure, and maintainable websites. Its seamless integration with Python means that developers can leverage the full power and flexibility of the language, making Django a preferred choice for many seeking a robust yet developer-friendly framework.

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Per the StackOverflow Developer Survey, Django was recognized as one of the most favored web frameworks, with 14.65% of global developers using it in 2022.

Moreover, Django boasts over 750k+ repositories on GitHub and has garnered over 73k+ stars.

Features-

Advantages-

• Rapid Development- Django’s “Don’t Repeat Yourself” (DRY) principle promotes quick development. Its “batteries-included” philosophy ensures developers have all the tools they need, out-of-the-box, to get started.
• Secure- Django provides built-in protection against common security threats like SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and cross-site request forgery, ensuring safer web applications.
• Scalable- Being versatile, Django can quickly handle traffic of any volume and scale to meet large applications’ demands.
• Rich Ecosystem- Django has a large and active community, contributing to an extensive library of plugins, packages, and additional tools via Django’s Package Index.
• Admin Interface- One of Django’s standout features is its autogenerated admin interface, which makes it easier to perform CRUD operations directly.

Disadvantages-

• Monolithic- Django’s “batteries-included” approach can be too heavy for simple applications or microservices, making it sometimes overkill.
• Learning Curve- While Django aims to be easy for beginners, its sheer number of features and “the Django way” of doing things can be overwhelming for newcomers.
• ORM Limitations- While Django’s Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) system is powerful, it might only sometimes be as efficient or flexible as other dedicated ORMs, especially for complex database operations.
• Legacy System Integration- Django might not be the ideal choice if there’s a need to integrate with legacy systems or databases, as this can require significant customization.
• Async Capabilities- Although Django has made strides in supporting asynchronous features, it’s less inherently asynchronous than other modern web frameworks, potentially affecting real-time operations.

2. Laravel for PHP

Laravel hailed as a modern framework for the PHP developer, stands out for its elegant syntax and robust set of features. Crafted to streamline the web application development process, Laravel combines performance with simplicity, making it a preferred choice for many PHP developers.

Whether routing, caching, or authentication, Laravel provides tools that allow developers to write clean and maintainable code. Its thriving community, comprehensive documentation, and emphasis on writing expressive code have firmly established Laravel as a frontrunner in the PHP web development landscape.

Examining the data, we find that Laravel boasts a community of over 79k+ enthusiasts on Reddit. The StackOverflow survey indicates that roughly 9.45% of its participants favor the PHP Laravel framework. On GitHub, the community has given Laravel more than 74.3k+ stars.

Furthermore, a survey by BuiltWith reveals that Laravel powers over 737,921 active websites.

Top brands such as Pfizer, BBC, 9GAG, Invoice Ninja, Alison, and MyRank, among others, have incorporated Laravel into their web platforms.

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Features-

Advantages-

• MVC Support- Laravel supports the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture, ensuring clarity between logic and presentation, boosting performance, and improving documentation.
• Active Community & Packages- Laravel has a vast ecosystem with supportive communities, providing numerous packages that extend its capabilities.
• Artisan Console- Laravel’s command-line tool, Artisan, offers numerous helpful commands that speed up tasks like migration, seeding, and more.
• Automated Testing- Laravel prioritizes testing with phpUnit integration and features that simulate user behavior to ensure software reliability.
• Security- Laravel provides robust security features, such as hashed and salted password mechanisms, to protect against injection attacks and to ensure password security.

Disadvantages-

• Performance- While Laravel offers many features, it can be slightly slower than some minimalist PHP frameworks due to the additional overhead of its features.
• Learning Curve- Laravel can present an initial steep learning curve for newcomers to modern PHP development practices.
• Hosting- Laravel applications usually require a dedicated or virtual server rather than shared hosting, which might raise hosting costs.
• More Prescriptive- Some developers find Laravel too opinionated, meaning it has a specific way of doing things that might not suit everyone’s preferences.
• Heavy- Laravel can be considered “heavy” for small applications or microservices, where a more lightweight solution might suffice.

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3. Ruby on Rails

Ruby on Rails, often simply called “Rails,” is an open-source web development framework written in the Ruby programming language. Renowned for its “Convention over Configuration” (CoC) and “Don’t Repeat Yourself” (DRY) principles, Rails promotes simplicity and productivity by providing default structures for databases, web services, and web pages.

This streamlined approach allows developers to write less code while accomplishing more, making Rails especially popular among startups and businesses looking to prototype and deploy web applications rapidly. With its robust and developer-friendly toolkit, Ruby on Rails has left an indelible mark on modern web development.

According to the TIOBE Index for February 2023, Ruby ranks as the 16th most favored programming language, holding a rating of 0.83%.

On the GitHub platform, RoR (Ruby on Rails) has garnered 52.3k stars and 20.9k forks, underscoring its popularity and acceptance within the developer community. Data from SimilarTech indicates that 429,383 websites are powered by Ruby on Rails. The StackOverflow survey suggests a keen interest in the Ruby language, with 2.66% of respondents wanting to learn it. Furthermore, LinkedIn metrics highlight a demand for skills in this area, showcasing 49,436 job openings related to Ruby on Rails.

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Features-

Advantages-

• Rapid Development- The CoC and DRY principles allow developers to quickly move from idea to prototype, making it ideal for startups and MVPs.
• Strong Community and Gems- A large, active community provides support and a rich library of “gems” (plugins) to extend functionality.
• Secure- Rails includes several built-in security features, including protection against SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and cross-site request forgery.
• Scalability- While Rails is often criticized for scalability, many large companies (e.g., GitHub and Airbnb) have successfully scaled their Rails applications.
• Clear Documentation- Rails is known for its comprehensive and clear documentation, which aids faster development and onboarding.

Disadvantages-

• Performance- Being a higher-level framework, Rails can be slower than others, especially for CPU-intensive operations.
• Learning Curve- Though Rails is friendly for beginners, understanding the “magic” behind its conventions can pose challenges initially.
• Boot Time- Larger Rails applications can have slower startup times, which can be an issue during development.
• Limited Customization Flexibility- RoR’s standardized functions lead to strict interdependencies, which, while accelerating the development of conventional features, can pose challenges when introducing distinctive functionalities.
• Potential for Expensive Corrections- Given RoR’s standardized structure, altering architectural choices partway through a project can be costly. Reliance on features like Active Record can create significant dependencies on database models, potentially affecting the app’s future performance at larger scales.

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4. Express.js

Express.js, often simply referred to as Express, is a minimalistic and flexible Node.js web application framework. Designed to streamline the development of web applications and APIs, Express provides a robust set of features for web and mobile application development. With its simple and intuitive API, developers can quickly set up middleware, route handlers, and more, allowing for efficient request and response handling. Being lightweight and highly extensible, Express has rapidly become one of the cornerstone frameworks in the Node.js community, favored by developers for its speed and simplicity.

Per the StackOverflow Developer Survey, 22.99% of participants identified Express as a leading web framework they utilized in 2022.

On GitHub, there are over 120k+ repositories related to express.js, and the framework has garnered 61k+ stars from the community.

Prominent companies like Myntra, Accenture, Uber, MuleSoft, MySpace, and IBM have incorporated Express.js into their web development practices.

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Advantages-

• Minimalistic & Fast- Being lightweight and unopinionated, Express.js offers rapid setup and high performance.
• Flexibility- Unlike other frameworks that enforce a specific structure, Express.js gives developers the flexibility to structure their applications as they see fit.
• Strong Community- As part of the Node.js ecosystem, Express has a vast community, ensuring many plugins, middleware, and constant support.
• Integration- Easily integrates with other popular Node.js libraries and middleware.
• Beginner-Friendly- With its straightforward design, Express.js is a great starting point for developers diving into Node.js web development.

Disadvantages-

• Too Minimalistic- Developers might reinvent the wheel or add many middleware/plugins for complex applications to get the desired functionality.
• Learning Curve for Scaling- While it’s easy to start, architecting a large-scale application with best practices can be challenging for newcomers.
• Lack of Conventions- The flexibility it offers means there needs to be a strict convention, potentially leading to different team structuring and coding styles.
• Callback Hell- Due to the asynchronous nature of Node.js, without proper management (like using ‘async/await’ or Promises), developers can get caught in “callback hell.”
• Dependency on Middleware- Developers often need third-party middleware to implement specific functionalities. This dependency can sometimes lead to concerns about maintenance and compatibility.

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5. Flask

Flask is a lightweight and microweb framework written in Python. Renowned for its simplicity and modularity, Flask provides the tools to set up web applications without enforcing a specific project or layout structure. With its “use what you need” approach, developers can start with a simple application and expand it with various extensions. Flask is highly suitable for many projects, from single-page web applications to complex systems.

The framework’s minimalistic and straightforward design, combined with the power of Python, has made Flask a popular choice for developers seeking agility and customization in web application development.

According to a report by Statista, 14.64% of participants identified Flask as a dominant web framework in 2022. Another study by JetBrains revealed that 46% of Python developers favor Flask for web application development. On GitHub, Flask has garnered 64k stars.

Major companies such as Netflix, Reddit, CRED, Lyft, and Trivago, known for their extensive use of big data analytics, prefer Flask over other Python frameworks.

Features-

Advantages-

• Performance- With the virtual DOM, React ensures efficient updates, making applications faster and more responsive.
• Flexibility- React integrates with various backend technologies and can be embedded into other frameworks.
• Strong Community & Ecosystem- Backed by Facebook and a vast community, React has a plethora of libraries, tools, and extensions.
• Code Reusability- Component-based architecture allows developers to reuse code, speeding up development and ensuring consistency.
• SEO-Friendly- React can render on the server side, making it more SEO-friendly than other single-page application frameworks.

Disadvantages-

• Learning Curve- Though simpler than some alternatives, React’s JSX and component lifecycle can be tricky for newcomers.
• Too Flexible- Its flexibility can be a double-edged sword. With strict conventions, projects can become more organized if managed well.
• Rapid Changes- The ecosystem around React evolves rapidly, which can sometimes introduce challenges in keeping up and ensuring compatibility.
• Integration- Integrating React into traditional MVC frameworks, like Rails or Django, might require additional configurations.
• Requires Additional Libraries-Externall libraries (like React Router or Redux) are needed for features like routing or global state management.

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6. Spring Boot for Java

Spring Boot, a product of the broader Spring ecosystem, offers a streamlined approach to building stand-alone, production-ready applications using Java. Designed to simplify configuring and running Spring applications, Spring Boot eliminates the need for much boilerplate code traditionally associated with Java development.

Providing a set of defaults and automating configuration tasks enables developers to focus directly on application-specific functionality. With its embedded server support and suite of tools for faster development cycles, Spring Boot has become a favorite among Java developers aiming for swift, efficient, and scalable application development.

Based on our 2021 Java Developer Productivity Report, Spring Boot is the primary framework technology for 62% of the developers surveyed. In the same report, nearly half, or 49% of developers, indicated that they primarily employ a microservices architecture. Consequently, Java tools and methodologies supporting microservices are garnering significant attention. Regarding frameworks, various emerging alternatives are making headway in the domain.

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Features-

Advantages-

• Rapid Development- With its default setup and conventions, Spring Boot allows developers to start with minimum setup and quickly get into application development.
• Microservices Ready- Easily integrates with Spring Cloud, making it a go-to choice for building microservice applications.
• Versatile- Suitable for web applications, batch processing, REST APIs, and more.
• Strong Community Support- Backed by a vast community, which ensures timely updates, plugins, and quick assistance.
• Integrated Plugin System- Offers a host of plugins for embedded servers, databases, caching, and more, simplifying many complex configurations.

Disadvantages-

• Memory Consumption- Spring Boot applications can be heavy on memory consumption, especially when compared to lightweight frameworks.
• Learning Curve- Understanding the inner workings and magic behind auto-configurations can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the Spring ecosystem.
• Overhead- The convenience of having many built-in tools and defaults can introduce overhead, potentially affecting performance in resource-constrained environments.
• Too Much Magic- While helpful, the auto-configuration and integrated features can sometimes obscure what’s happening, making debugging tougher.
• Monolithic Feel- Though Spring Boot supports microservices, its framework can sometimes feel more oriented towards monolithic applications, especially for new developers.

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7. ASP.NET for Windows and .NET

ASP.NET, a flagship product from Microsoft, is a robust web development framework designed to create dynamic web applications and services. Running on the .NET platform, ASP.NET seamlessly integrates with Windows systems, leveraging the robustness and scalability inherent to the platform.

Whether it’s web forms for rapid application development or MVC for a more controlled and testable app structure, ASP.NET caters to a broad spectrum of needs. Paired with the powerful .NET libraries and tooling, this framework is a testament to Microsoft’s commitment to providing developers with high-performance, enterprise-grade tools for web solutions.

• 6.8% of websites where we can identify the server-side programming language utilize ASP.NET. Of these, 93.8% are based on Version 4.
• As per data from similartech.com, ASP.NET’s popularity is evident, with 1,494,302 applications built on it.
• Moreover, it’s a preferred choice for companies with web applications ranking among the top 10K, 100K, and 1M tiers on the internet.
• In a broader comparison of web apps online, ASP.NET stands out. When examining industry-specific adoption, it’s leveraged by an impressive average of 55,677 applications.

Features-

Advantages-

• Performance- With the Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler, ASP.NET provides enhanced application performance.
• Scalability- ASP.NET applications can be effortlessly scaled to meet growing user demands.
• Security- With built-in Windows authentication and per-application configuration, ASP.NET applications are secure and robust.
• Rich Toolbox- In Visual Studio, developers get access to many pre-defined tools, controls, and libraries.
• Extensive Documentation- Microsoft offers comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and community support for ASP.NET.

Disadvantages-

• Platform Dependency- Historically, ASP.NET was heavily tied to the Windows platform, though this has been mitigated with the introduction of .NET Core and .NET 5+.
• Licensing Costs- While ASP.NET is free, some associated tools and features, especially from the Microsoft ecosystem, can be expensive.
• Steep Learning Curve- There can be a significant learning curve for newcomers, especially those unfamiliar with the .NET ecosystem.
• Memory Consumption- ASP.NET applications can sometimes be resource-heavy and use more memory than lightweight frameworks.
• Overhead- The rich features provided by ASP.NET and its associated libraries can introduce overhead for smaller or more straightforward applications.

8. Meteor.js

Meteor.js, often simply referred to as Meteor, is a full-stack JavaScript platform designed for building web and mobile applications. Its real-time capabilities stand out, allowing seamless data updates without page refreshes. Built on concepts from other libraries and frameworks, Meteor simplifies the process of creating real-time apps using a single language, JavaScript, both on the client and server sides.

Moreover, its integrated ecosystem provides everything from data synchronization to front-end rendering right out of the box. This holistic approach, combined with its emphasis on real-time functionality, makes Meteor a compelling choice for developers aiming to swiftly build responsive and interactive applications.

On Reddit, there’s a Meteor.js community boasting over 4.7k enthusiasts. Over on GitHub, Meteor.js has accumulated 28.5k commits and has been starred more than 43.4k+ times.

Features-

Advantages-

• Rapid Development- Developers can quickly prototype and build applications thanks to its integrated stack and real-time capabilities.
• Reactive UI- Without additional configuration, the UI responds immediately to database changes, enhancing user experience.
• One Language- Using JavaScript on both the client and server simplifies development and can improve team efficiency.
• Easy to Learn- For those familiar with JavaScript, picking up Meteor can be straightforward.
• Integrated Development Environment- Meteor provides an integrated toolset, simplifying tasks like deployment, scaling, and package management.

Disadvantages-

• Scalability Concerns- While Meteor is excellent for prototypes and smaller apps, there have been concerns regarding its scalability for very large applications.
• Tied to MongoDB- Initially, Meteor exclusively supported MongoDB, which can be limiting. Though there have been efforts to help other databases, they might need to be more seamless.
• Package Ecosystem- While Atmosphere provides many packages, it might be less extensive and up-to-date than npm.
• Performance- The real-time capabilities can be resource-intensive, potentially affecting performance, especially with large datasets.
• Less Control- Meteor’s integrated approach means it abstracts away many of the underlying processes, which might limit fine-tuned control for developers.

9. Nest.js

Nest.js is a progressive Node.js framework for building efficient and scalable server-side applications. Built with TypeScript, Nest.js combines elements of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), Functional Programming (FP), and Functional Reactive Programming (FRP).

It offers a modular architecture that allows developers to organize code into separate modules, ensuring a structured and maintainable codebase. With its extensible and adaptable ecosystem, Nest.js integrates seamlessly with popular JavaScript libraries while providing robust tools for building enterprise-level applications. Its dedication to flexibility and its embrace of modern JavaScript paradigms make Nest.js a rising star in the backend development world.

NestJS has more than 60k+ Github Stars and about 56.9k Github Usage.

Features-

Advantages-

• Strongly Typed- Being built with TypeScript, Nest.js offers type safety, better IntelliSense, and more readable code.
• Integrated System- Comes with a powerful CLI, automating repetitive development tasks like creating controllers or services.
• Versatile- Nest.js can be used for building RESTful APIs, GraphQL APIs, microservices, WebSockets, and more.
• Active Community- A growing community that provides plugins, libraries, and constant support.
• Best of Both Worlds- Integrates OOP, FP, and FRP, offering flexibility in problem-solving.

Disadvantages-

• Learning Curve- For developers new to TypeScript or advanced architectural concepts, Nest.js is a bit challenging initially.
• Still Maturing- While robust, Nest.js is younger than other backend frameworks, and certain areas might still evolve.
• Overhead for Smaller Projects- For very basic or micro-projects, the robust architecture of Nest.js might introduce unnecessary complexity.
• Documentation- While improving, the documentation might need more depth in some areas than established frameworks.
• Lesser Native Modules- There might be fewer ready-to-use solutions or modules compared to more widespread frameworks.

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10. Next.js

Next.js is a leading framework built on top of React, designed to facilitate server-rendered React applications. Developed by Vercel, Next.js offers performance, scalability, and ease of deployment for React applications. Its zero-configuration approach and features like automatic code-splitting, static exporting, and universal rendering make it a powerful tool for new projects and existing React applications.

Moreover, its ability to generate static websites and server-side rendering ensures optimal performance and improved SEO. With its growing ecosystem and community support, Next.js is rapidly becoming a preferred choice for developers aiming for a seamless web development experience.

Features-

Advantages-

• Optimized for Performance- With features like SSR and SSG, Next.js ensures faster load times and improved user experience.
• Easy Deployment- Integrated with platforms like Vercel, deploying a Next.js app is a breeze.
• Extensible- The flexible framework can be extended using various plugins and configurations.
• Zero Configuration- Developers can set up and start using Next.js without intricate configurations, making it developer-friendly.
• Strong Community & Ecosystem- With the backing of Vercel and a growing community, numerous plugins, libraries, and resources are available.

Disadvantages-

• Learning Curve- There can be an initial learning curve for those new to React or server-side rendering.
• Overhead- For simple applications, Next.js can introduce some overhead in size and complexity.
• Specific Workflow- Next.js introduces its conventions and workflows, which might not align with every project’s requirements.
• Custom Configuration- While it works out of the box, custom configurations (like a custom Webpack setup) can be challenging.
• Limited Server-side Functionality- While it provides server-side capabilities, it’s not a full-fledged backend solution and might require external solutions for more extensive backend needs.

BaaS (Backend-as-a-Service)

Backend-as-a-service (BaaS) is a cloud-based service model that provides developers with a way to connect web and mobile applications to cloud services via application programming interfaces (APIs) and software development kits (SDKs).

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In 2022, the worldwide Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) industry stood at a notable $5.7 billion valuation. Projections indicate an increase to $31.1 billion by 2030, reflecting a robust CAGR of 23.6%.

BaaS streamlines the development process by outsourcing backend functions to a dedicated hosted solution. Rather than establishing a web server, handling user management, setting up databases, and other backend tasks, developers can directly upload necessary code to a hosted service, set permissions, and harness the requisite features offered by a FaaS (function-as-a-service) or BaaS provider.

Such an approach eliminates the need for backend design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance, saving time and resources. With the “low code” strategy, BaaS ensures that businesses can efficiently address specific needs without overengineering solutions. This framework empowers businesses to focus on front-end development and growth while relying on expert vendors to manage the intricate back-end processes.

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Develop a Secured Backend with OnGraph

This wraps up our overview of the top backend frameworks developers should consider in 2024. Diving into backend development is crucial for those aspiring to excel as full-stack or backend engineers.

Presently, the backbone of backend development hinges on these frameworks. While various backend frameworks are available, this article highlighted the ten most sought-after ones with varying popularity. These frameworks enjoy significant recognition within the backend community, and their expertise is highly valued in the job market.

In the ever-evolving landscape of backend web development, OnGraph emerges as a pivotal player, promising rapid and streamlined solutions. With its adept expertise and innovative approaches, OnGraph accelerates the development process and ensures that the backend is robust, scalable, and aligned with business objectives.

Also, read our Latest Blog on Ruby Vs. Python.