Introduction
JavaScript frameworks are essential for building dynamic web applications. Express JS is the go-to Framework that comes to mind when you think of building web applications.
But let’s not forget Nest.JS. Even though it is a relatively new option for backend development, it has gained popularity due to its lightweight and open-source features.
Nest.JS can help businesses build efficient and scalable web applications, which makes it on par with Express.
Are you a business looking to develop a web application?
Then this article is just the one you need. Learn about Nest.JS and Express.JS, as well as their differences, and then pick the best Framework for your needs.
What is a Framework?
A framework is a structure or platform on which a software application can be built. It will have the essential prerequisites to build an application, so you’re not starting from scratch. In simple terms, Frameworks are the groundwork of any application.
They are programming libraries that developers can use to build applications on top. A framework will have pre-defined classes and functions interacting with system software to process input.
Frameworks make the developer’s job easy as they don’t have to create everything from scratch whenever they need to build an application. The Framework you choose is primarily determined by the application you want to develop and how much control you need over design decisions.
Nest.JS
Nest JS is a progressive Node.js framework based on Typescript and Javascript that can be used to build robust and reliable server-side applications.
Nest.JS, which is built on top of Express.JS, provides various functions and dynamic APIs. Developers can use Nest.JS characteristics to create applications with minimal code.
How Unique is Nest.JS?
Compared to other Javascript frameworks, Nest.JS has a variety of uniqueness like,
- Nest.JS is open-source.
- Learning it is a piece of cake if you’re thorough with the basics; it is easy to use and apply.
- It has a modular architecture, offering great flexibility by letting you use any library.
- Nest.JS separates the files into various modules, allowing developers to concentrate on a specific feature at a time.
- It offers a module, controller, service, and testing pile to get started.
- It offers a powerful Command Line Interface (CLI) to increase productivity and makes development easy.
- Frontend developers without backend knowledge can easily use Nest.JS as the Framework is entirely in TypeScript.
Why Choose Nest.JS?
- Simplifies and makes the development process quicker
- It has widespread community and support
- It can be used to build large-scale enterprise applications
- It has an in-built Dependency Injection container
- Detailed documentation
- Easy unit testing applications
Express.JS
Express.JS is a lightweight, open-source Node.js framework that can be used to build apps and APIs. Express includes several HTTP utility methods and middleware that simplify API creation.
Using Express with Node helps you build single-page, multi-page, or hybrid web applications. Express can be combined with other frameworks like AngularJS or Meteor to increase their capabilities and provide an ultimate solution for developers searching for everything in one spot.
How Unique is Express.JS?
- Express.JS is easy to learn and use
- It only uses Javascript, making web application and API development easy for programmers
- It includes an MVC pattern, which makes it simple to create well-structured applications
- It has a straightforward routing system to handle requests made by clients; without Express.JS, you have to create your own code to build a routing system which can be tedious
- It forms the backed MEAN stack handling routing, HTTP requests, errors, and such
- As Express.JS uses Javascript, you can perform both Frontend and Backend development
Why Choose Express.JS?
- Makes Node.JS web application development simple and quick
- Express.JS has several middleware components that may be used on demand
- It can easily integrate with various template engines like Jade, EJS, and more
- It can help you build websites, web applications, and even create APIs for mobile apps
- Applications’ static files and services can be easy handles using Express
- Express.JS lets you build a server using REST API
- You can easily link with databases like MongoDB, MySQL, and more
What Is the Difference Between Nest Js and Express Js?
| Nest.JS | Express.JS |
|---|---|
| Opinionated & Unopinionated | Opinionated & Unopinionated |
| Nest.JS is opinionated. It has solid guidelines and principles to minimize development issues. | Expres.JS is unopinionated. It doesn’t have pre-defined rules. |
| As it is Angular based and uses TypeScript. So the applications will be bug-free. | Developer can experiment with the code and use them as per the requirements. |
| Architecture | Architecture |
| Nest.JS has controllers, providers and modules which assists developers to build application that is easier to manage. | Doesn’t require a structure, it is flexible. But it is only suitable for small-scale teams. When the application grows, it makes it hard for developers to meet the demands. |
| Popularity | Popularity |
| Nest.JS loses to Express in terms of popularity. With 47000 stars on Github, it is the second most popular framework next to Express.JS. | Express.JS is the most popular web application development framework with 57000 stars on Github. |
| Performance | Performance |
| Nest.JS has CLI to increase productivity. You don’t need to write long codes as CLI(common line interface) provides direct commands. | Asynchronous programming helps run various operations independently. |
| It has Dependency injections that can make applications run smoothly. | Not scalable. |
| Unit testing | Unit testing |
| Nest.js has a Jest configured default testing environment. | Requires separate code development for testing. |
| Auto-generated testing codes. | Writing code is a tedious process and minimizes the app’s productivity. |
| Use Cases | Use Cases |
| Nest.JS is suitable for large enterprise-level applications as it is scalable. | Express.JS can be used to build robust web and mobile applications. Fintech, streaming, and live chat apps are examples of applications that can be built using Express. It can also be used to build complex and single-page web applications. |
| You can create eCommerce websites by combining Nest.JS with React, Angular and other Frontend frameworks. | Real-time streaming applications are complex, so you need a dynamic framework like Express.JS to build them. |
Conclusion
There you go. These are the key information and differences you need to know about Nest.JS and Express.JS. One thing common about both the Frameworks is that they are both easy to learn, use and apply.
Nest.JS gives you a competitive advantage over Express as it is lightweight and open-source. Nest.JS will give you a better lead and also help you build a well-structured app.
But let’s not forget that Express.JS is still one of the popular frameworks, and it’ll continue to be. Express.JS will help you build complex applications and assist you with both Frontend and Backend development since it uses Javascript.
So, what’s it going to be? Instead of looking for the better one, choosing the Framework based on your requirements is recommended. It will make your application development process easy and streamlined.
