What are the most popular backend frameworks that enhance the performance of a web app?
Numerous IT companies can answer this question and guide you the right way. But, wouldn’t you like to know the frameworks that make a web application work and look appealing?
However, those who are naive to technology will search for questions like:
Don’t worry; we are here to answer all your queries!
Let’s guide you with the basics. A framework is a software that provides the entire skeleton for your mobile app development and a basic structure that all applications need.
So, which framework works better? Frontend framework or backend framework?
Interestingly, these are the two most popular terms used in web app development. Adding more to this, each of them is important but differs slightly in their working process. Let us brief you on what each of these terms means.
Backend Framework
The backend is “behind the scenes” that the user cannot view. Backend framework development that keeps the internet running. It takes codes and other aspects to get the application running smoothly for the end-user.
Most Popular Backend Frameworks – Laravel, CodeIgniter, NodeJS, etc.
Frontend Framework
The frontend is the other side of the backend. And, the difference is that developers build and design the interface and determine the application’s look. The user can only view the frontend part termed the ”client-side” of the application.
Most Popular Frontend frameworks – AngularJS, React JS, Flutter, Vue JS, etc.
It must be clear what these frameworks do and help develop a robust mobile application. On this note, a single-page application represents only the front end of the application.
Today, let’s talk about the crux of any mobile app development. Why use the popular server-side frameworks- backend development?
Why Do Developers Use the Backend Frameworks for Web App Development?
According to Wikipedia, a backend framework’s objective is to focus on the database and provide API. It includes the server implementation to store the data and transmit it. The core advantage of using backend frameworks for web development are:
On top of that, the most popular backend frameworks are Open-Source. Keep reading further to know about the best backend frameworks.
Read More: What Is Vue.js Used For Web App Development?
Types of Top Backend Frameworks for Web App Development
Frameworks have become an essential part of developing a robust application for both frontend and backend, and it creates seamless online platforms and leads to solving any complexities.
With multiple choices available in backend frameworks, finding which suits the best for your application is challenging. Hence, to help you with the best, we present the trending backend frameworks of 2025 that ensure scalability and high performance.
Let’s read on to know better!
List of Top Backend Frameworks in 2025
Laravel
Taylor Otwell developed Laravel in 2011, and since then, it has been the best backend technology for mobile apps.
Laravel is a free, open-source PHP framework with MVC architecture. Furthermore, it follows the model-view-controller pattern based on Symfony. With this, Laravel is a web development framework with clean and straightforward syntax.
This PHP framework gives a syntax that is both elegant and expressive. It helps users access the relational database like ORM with maintenance and deployment utilities.
Scalable Laravel development services can turn development into a fun process that makes basic operations like routing, authentication, and caching easier. A flawless and creative syntax creates high-performing web apps that Laravel in 2025 is promising.
1. Security
Laravel offers hashed and salted password methods with Bcrypt Hashing Algorithm to ensure double security of passwords and protect against attacks. To prevent such attacks, framework uses readymade SQL statements.
2. Template Engine
Laravel boasts built-in templates for generating layouts and seeding content—these templates design simple and complex layouts with JS and CSS widgets.
3. MVC
MVC architecture supports separate business logic and presentation layers. The MVC offers functions and boosts security to aid performance growth.
4. Unit-Testing
Laravel framework performs testing to ensure that the development process does not break the new changes unexpectedly.
1. Ease of User Authentication
Implementation is easy with this powerful PHP framework. For the reason that it provides a simple configuration. Simple control of access aids to easy authentication with Laravel. With the Plug-and-Play method, users can safely access through fast and intuitive UI.
2. Faster Caching Integration
Laravel supports built-in backend caching like Memcached and Redis. It’s a quick and fast caching integration leaving a stunning UX to the website.
3. Safe Transactions
When a business develops a web application, safety is the prime concern. However, when using Laravel as your backend framework, it gives the best solution, and its in-built system protects against SQL injection, scripting, etc.
4.Open-Source Community
Laravel is a strong community and an open-source framework that constantly supports developers to continue the work without interruption.
Top Web and Mobile Applications Built with Laravel
Being the most popular backend frameworks of today, consider the above features and benefits and develop a robust Laravel web application. Hire Laravel developers Now!
CodeIgniter
The following best scalable backend framework is CodeIgniter.
While considering a powerful PHP framework that helps developers to make a robust web application offers a helpful set of code from scratch. CodeIgniter has been in the market since 2006, which has allowed performing various operations like sending emails, uploading huge files, and managing sessions by connecting to the database.
CodeIgniter is also an open-source framework that contains huge libraries, plug-ins, helpers to facilitate complex functions and processes.
It is another model-view-controller framework like Laravel. The structure is developed for the best usage of programmers who use frameworks to transform a simple platform into a superior application.
Read below the CodeIgniter architecture to understand its working.
- 1. User requests data at CodeIgniter, which will proceed to the index.php page.
- 2. Request proceeds a step further for a security check.
- 3. If there is a cache in the requested page, the routing shifts to the previous step, releasing the user’s response. Or, if there isn’t any cache, the process moves further to the next step.
- 4. Once the security check is thoroughly completed, the application controller loads the necessary libraries, models, views scripts, plugs in, and moves to View.
- 5. The View will provide accessible and readable data to the user.
1. MVC Architecture
MVC model means model, View, and controller architecture. It contains the data, views the presentation layer of the web application, and controls the app’s logic. Building large applications is possible, and CodeIgniter allows new routes instead of the traditional way.
2. Error Handling
Error-free application, or detecting error function due to UI, CodeIgniter has logging files to convert the error files into txt format. Logs are txt files that find error functions and reports of errors to provide an error-free application.
3. Security
An essential feature of CodeIgniter is the in-built security tool that includes XSS filtering, CSRF protection, Password handling, input validation, cookie encryption, etc. You can also define the level of security the application needs by switching off the runtime directives while initializing the system.
4. Unit Testing
When QA comes into the picture, unit testing is the most important factor in the project. CodeIgniter framework PHP unit testing assures simple and easy-to-understand tasks with an evaluation function and two result functions.
5. Query Builder
CodeIgniter gives you access to a Query builder with a minimum line of code that allows CRUD operations. It also allows safer queries and creates database-independent applications. CRUD is to create, edit, update and delete operations with more features like image manipulation, file uploading, benchmarking, data encryption, etc.
1. Customization
According to experts, CodeIgniter is the only framework that allows the ease of customizing the app without squandering time. Configuring the files in the simplest form is why developers rely highly on CodeIgniter to promise custom web applications. You can always hire CodeIgniter developers with expertise in customizing your app.
2. User-friendly Interface
CodeIgniter has the finest interface to develop a web app with dynamic functionality. This can provide the best responsive web experience. You can experience great flexibility and UI, which is why it is an ideal choice for an app development company.
3. Quick Migration
CodeIgniter can migrate the data from one server to another, and that is why many companies rely on this framework, as it allows hassle-free migration. No matter where the old data is stored, you can transfer it all to this platform without hassle. Get the proper support from the web development team to sort out any technical glitches.
4. Quick Development
In providing quick services, CodeIgniter is no less than Laravel. It becomes necessary to rely on this framework if you need fast development services. This framework requires less code when compared to the other frameworks that were earlier built, and it provides better functionality.
5. Better SEO
CodeIgniter gives the ability to uplift the website’s ranking, which results in new customers. The main focus of CodeIgniter is to enhance traffic. The CodeIgniter development company offers multiple features that optimize the app without affecting any feature or the UI of the app.
Top Web and Mobile Applications Built with CodeIgniter
NodeJS
NodeJS is the most in-demand backend framework among the backend frameworks. To keep up with modern technologies, one needs to understand why NodeJS is important and where you can find NodeJS developers.
NodeJS is nothing new. It has been helpful to develop web apps since 2009 with many advantages suitable for enterprise and B2C applications. There are possibly no programmers who are not aware of what Javascript is.
With the rise of technology development, there is often debate for web app vs cloud app discussions which often highlight Node.js as a cost-efficient one for both platforms. Its capability to manage real-time and synchronous processing makes it a powerful tool. While traditional web apps utilize Node.js for the backend operations, the cloud apps leverage its scalability to handle real-time processing making it powerful for both platforms.
What are the NodeJS frameworks that have added to the value of this framework to ease the work?
- 1. Nest.js
- 2. Express.Js
- 3. Socket.io
- 4. Koa.js
- 5. Meteor.js
- 6. Loopback.io
- 7. Feathers.io
- 8. React.js
1. Event-driven
A server built on NodeJS will never wait for a response from an API. It is a non-blocking framework in nature that receives and tracks reactions of the previous API named Events.
2. Single-threaded
The event mechanism allows the NodeJS server to respond in a non-blocking manner with single-threaded architecture. NodeJS uses a single-threaded program to handle a considerably large amount of requests.
3. Scalability
NodeJS is a software development framework that addresses one of the biggest concerns while building an app, i.e., scalability. NodeJS can handle requests efficiently with cluster modules to balance the load of all the CPUs. The capability of this framework lies in partitioning applications horizontally, which gives an appealing feature.
4. Cross-platform
NodeJS is compatible with various systems such as Windows, Linux, Unix, Mac OS X, and mobile devices, and it is compatible with all the systems.
5. Fast data-streaming
Other frameworks that came before NodeJS were slow and took a lot of time in processing. NodeJs transmits data fast. Resultantly, this improves the overall speed of the internet and data streaming without buffering.
1. Easy to learn
NodeJs is easy to learn. If one has mastered JavaScript and Object-Oriented Programming basics, NodeJs is easy to start. Have a thorough understanding of the client-server model. Increase and brush up your knowledge from tutorials or GitHub.
2. Keeping it simple
There is no necessity to switch from backend to frontend. One code, one deployment, and everything falls in place with NodeJS. This framework requires less code and a few files that help speed up the development process.
3. Saves time
Time is money for startups. During the initial development process, they work relentlessly to iterate fast, test, deploy and deliver the project. The technology is lightweight and can decrease time without sacrificing functionality.
Top Web and Mobile Applications Built with NodeJS
Hire Dedicated developers now to develop an app like any of the above.
Express.js
Express javascript, also known as Express, is a NodeJS framework available under an MIT license. Express.js is a MEAN stack backend framework with an Angular frontend combination. It is known as one of the best backend frameworks for web development. Developers use this framework to develop APIs and online applications.
1. Server-side programming
What is Expressjs server-side programming? It is a part of NodeJS that serves widely used features to utilize at different program points. Web application development is faster with Express.js than only NodeJS.
2. Routing
Routing is a feature that retains web pages through URLs. Express.js provides fundamental routing, but NodeJS allows sophisticated routing.
3. Debugging
Bugs are common in every web app development and can cause immense malfunctions. Developers need to identify and correct bugs. However, Express.js has a convenient debugging system to identify bugs.
1. Low maintenance Cost
Express is a full-stack JavaScript framework that eliminates hiring additional resources. With the assistance of NodeJS, you can rapidly upscale your app.
2. Google V8 Engine Support
This supports the framework in offering better performance without any error.
3. Support for Both Framework
Express uses JS for coding frontend and backend, making the platform easy.
Top Web and Mobile Applications Built with Express.js
Django
A Python-based open-source web framework is a free solution to database-driven complex web applications. Startups and enterprises emphasizing high-quality web design should opt for the Django framework using XML, JSON, and HTML formats.
1. Scalability
Django is scalable because of its caching feature and code reuse. This makes Django apps work more efficiently during high traffic demand.
2. Security
Security problems like SQL, CSRF attacks, and XSS becomes the default when Django developers refrain from the issues.
3. Added battery
Developers can use the packages instead of writing the code from the beginning. With this feature, developers can save time and concentrate on other app areas.
4. Non-blocking programming
Depending on the MVC module, Django can run anywhere and support non-blocking programming.
1. Speedy development
You don’t have to write separate code for each element you add to the web app. Developers utilize different elements simultaneously; moreover, it creates MVP swiftly.
2. Large community
Django has a community of over 2000+ developers. With such a proficient team, you can quickly get the best web app solution.
3. Versatile use cases
Django framework is versatile. The reason behind is that it allows the creation of all types of websites and web applications from CMS to any social networking sites.
Top Web and Mobile Applications Built with Django
Flask
Flask is a WSGI framework that runs better on a web server than any user browser. It’s a Python-based web application framework to develop modern web applications.
1. WSGI Assistance
The Flask features a toolkit to create a robust WSGI-compatible web app and Jinja for templates.
2. In-built server
The in-built server in Flask provides a debugger and enables developers to implement Python if any mistake occurs.
3. Minimalistic
Flask can rapidly set up web servers so that it can bundle the core elements by default.
4. RESTful Request Dispatch
A RESTful extension is available that allows setting REST APIs.
1. Flexible
Flask offers different URLs, dynamic URL parameters, and HTML attributes to boost web app responsiveness.
2. Scalable
Flask can possess many requests at a time and create scalable web apps.
3. Quick Implementation
Flask implements the latest and trending technologies to develop web development quickly.
Top Web and Mobile Applications Built with Flask
CakePHP
Released in 2005, CakePHP is an open-source backend framework available under an MIT license. CakePHP developers follow MVC architecture for data mapping, front controller, and model view controller.
1. Reusability of Code
CakePHP enables the users to reuse a single code multiple times to reduce the efforts of the developers.
2. Testing
CakePHP enables the testing feature when you hire developers. It is challenging to analyze the errors and fix them without the testing process that CakePHP development company offers.
3. Database interactions with CRUD
This is one of the most important features of CakePHP development. The single line of code creates and generates the significant activities of the application.
1. Pre-configuration not required
One need not waste time in configuring the Linux-Apache-MySQL-PHP setup. With the in-built features, CakePHP enables the auto-detected settings to use.
2. ORM
ORM is a technique used to convert incompatible system data using object-oriented programing language. That is why working with CRUD features becomes easy.
3. Security
Security is the biggest concern for many. With CRUD, securing the user submission process requires less time, and with CakePHP, there’s in-built security.
Top Web and Mobile Applications Built with CakePHP
Ruby on Rails
Commonly known as Rails, it is an open-source backend framework for web app development with patterns like MVC and DRY to use.
1. Libraries
Ruby on Rails contains an extensive library to build a high-quality database accessible and common tasks library.
2. Localization
This helps developers to combine their code to implement in big projects.
3. Testing
RoR runs the tests on the codes written by the programmers, which saves time and effort while delivering quality development.
1. Accuracy
Due to in-built automated testing features, RoR provides accuracy in detecting errors. RoR is easy to handle, resulting in better consistency.
2. Rapid development
RoR functions quickly and saves a lot of time, ensuring outstanding quality.
3. Consistency
You may hire web developers to develop a web app with RoR. This is because they can standardize file storage and maintain the structural readability of the project.
Top Web and Mobile Applications Built with Ruby on Rails
Read More: Is Flutter Good for App Development?
How to Choose the Best Framework for Backend Web Development?
Apart from these eight most popular backend frameworks, there are more to add to the list with their features and benefits. However, it is up to you to decide on an API stack development for your project, and it relies on the company’s project, target, and vision.
Ensure that the framework you choose includes speed, reliability, and scalability. Follow your company’s requirements to decide on the most appropriate technology with the industry trends.
Nonetheless, to select one of the most popular backend technologies, we recommend you discuss backend development services with experts to take the process further.
In a Nutshell – Most Popular Backend Frameworks
The trending backend frameworks are Laravel, NodeJS, and CodeIgniter, leading the market with exceptional features, fast delivery, and rich functionalities. A team of proficient backend developers at Excellent Webworld offers the best PHP development services with or without JavaScript as per your requirements.
Excellent Webworld has successfully developed an alcohol delivery app, a taxi app, and a smart home application with Laravel, CodeIgniter, and NodeJS frameworks. Irrespective of these apps, there are multiple other web applications that our team can build for you.
A complete understanding of the factors that are affected while developing an app.
Backend Frameworks – FAQs
Laravel, CodeIgniter, Express.js, and NodeJs are commonly used as backend frameworks in developing any web application. Hire backend developers to help you build the best custom web application.
Laravel is the most popular backend framework among the rest that is often used for any kind of web application development. Any industry or niche that needs a web app will surely need a backend framework without which a frontend development cannot proceed.
PHP is the most popular backend language used for all the trending frameworks. Be it Laravel, or CodeIgniter, PHP is the only language combined to write the codes and run the framework as server-side application.
There are cross-platform and open-source web development frameworks with MIT license that help you build a robust web application for your business. The most common frameworks are:
Article By
Paresh Sagar
Paresh Sagar is the CEO of Excellent Webworld. He firmly believes in using technology to solve challenges. His dedication and attention to detail make him an expert in helping startups in different industries digitalize their businesses globally.
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