Node.js is an open-source run-time environment that is designed for server-side and networking apps, most importantly; it’s a single-threaded architect.

It uses the Google JS V8 engine to execute code. Node.js is a cross-platform environment; therefore it can run on a variety of operating systems, i.e Linux, OS X, Ms. Windows, and FreeBSD. It provides event-driven architect and non-blocking I/O that is optimal and scalable.

Node.js frameworks

It is now time to list the Node.js frameworks in the order of their relevance in the year 2020.

Although it will be explicitly my opinion based and I hold no liability for listing it my way, according to the order in which they boost productivity, when building JavaScript apps, mostly the server-side.

I, however, make my representation and reserve express or implied choices that I make; someone else’s could be different

1. Express.js

Now let’s get down to the second topmost Node.js framework; Express.js in my own opinion.

It is a fast, non-opinionated, a minimalist web framework for undisputed Node.js, it behaves like middleware that helps manage servers and routes. Its asynchronous nature inherited from Node.js. It is able to build light apps that process multiple requests seamlessly.

It supports other packages and template engines like Mustache, Pug, just to mention but a few. It is highly customizable and easy to learn, and majorly browser focused. With these few features Express.js, in my opinion, is the framework to look up for in the future.

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2. Meteor.js

It is a full-stack JS platform used for developing mobile and web apps, it has a real-time update so the templates updates automatically.

Meteor.js according to my research has the capability to serve large projects. The Meteor.js framework has rich and organized documentation that helps its users and the community learns and evolves faster. Therefore it is one of the frameworks to look out for in 2020.

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3. Adonis.js

It is a Node.js framework that runs on major operating systems, packaged within a stable environment for writing server-side web apps.

It has proved to be simple and result-focused. Node.js supports ORM hence made with PostgreSQL in mind.

It has a query builder that is easy and builds simple queries easily; the one thing I love the most about Adonis.js. Another issue that informed my listing of Adonis.js as the top Node.js framework is its popularity on the Git hub community.

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4. Nest.js

Nest.js is a Node.js framework suitable for building scalable and efficient server-side apps. It is built with progressive JavaScript and written with Typescript, it comes with strong typing and has Object-Oriented Programming, Functional Programming, and Functional Reactive Programming elements.

It also allows for the development of apps that are testable, scalable, loosely coupled and easily maintainable. It has a Nest CLI used to generate Nest.js apps that have a lot of fascinating features. There also exists a Nest.js community where developers and users consult, conduct training, onsite enterprise support, and that makes Nest.js a framework to consider using in 2020.

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5. Sails.js

Sails.js is a Node.js framework used to build practical and production-ready apps faster. It is the most popular MVC framework for Node.js with greater support for data apps that are data-driven APIs with scalable service-oriented architecture.

Building apps on Sails.js is a guarantee that you are building apps that are 100% JavaScript. Sails.js has an ORM waterline that provides universal access to any database, more so it comes with auto-generated APIs that come with blueprints that would jumpstart apps backend, needless a code. It also works well with any front-end frameworks like Angular, iOS, Android, React, etc.

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6. Koa.js

Koa.js is the next web framework for Node.js, it was created by the same team that created Express.js hence seemingly picked up from where Express.js left.

Koa.js uses unique ECMAScript (ES6) methods that are not yet available in some browsers. It works without callbacks but then again has increased error handling capabilities. Koa.js is seemingly the Node.js framework to look up for in the future.

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7. LoopBack.js

LoopBack.js is another Node.js framework with a CLI user-friendly and a dynamic API. It inhibits compatibility with most REST services and a number of databases. It has support for SDKs for clients i.e Android, iOS and Angular to create apps, with built-in API explorer and role-based access controls.

It is best for user registration and authentication. It can be premise-based or cloud-based, also highly customizable. LoopBack.js is used by some of the big web servers like Go Daddy, Bank of America and Symantec to mention but a few, hence it will remain a framework to beat for many years to come.

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8. Hapi.js

It is a Node.js framework that serves data by interlinking between the client-side and the server-end. Hapi.js forms the best fit for Express.js.

Its unique feature is that it has the ability to create a server on a specific IP with OnPreHandler which does some pre-processing on request before completion.

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9. Derby.js

Just like Meteor.js, it is a full-stack framework for writing modern web apps.

It provides real-time collaboration by syncing data across the clients and servers, courtesy of ShareDB’s. It loads pages faster, has full engine support and reuses templates for all HTML outputs.

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10. Total.js

Total.js is going to total up my top ten list for the Node.js frameworks to look out for in 2020, it is faster, has outstanding performance, little to no maintenance and seamless sealing transition.

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It has complete apps that are downloadable like; CMS, HelpDesk just to name a few.

12. MEAN.io

MEAN.js framework is a full-stack JavaScript solution that helps its users build robust, fast and maintainable apps using Angular.js, Node.js, MongoDB andExpress.js. MEAN.js has gained its popularity because of its ability to keep applications very organized, simple and easy to read, never to forget the fact that it is a trusted open-source framework.

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13. KeyStone.js

It is another open-source Node.js framework that is designed specifically for developing DB driven websites, apps, and APIs. KeyStone.js comes with version releases with improvements that have bug fixes in its previous versions.

It has taken care of dependency updates, documentation updates, thumbs up to those who made this possible.

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14. Feathers.js

 Another Node.js framework that undisputedly made to my top 20 list is Feather.js. It has a REST and a real-time API layer for Node.js, React Native and the browser.

With Feathers.js, one can build prototypes and production-ready, real-time back-ends and APIs faster. It is for this reason that I lobby undoubted lobby for Feathers.js.

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15. Restify.js

Restify.js is a Node.js REST API framework that utilizes a connect style middleware, a production-ready package with high performance and easily debug able to maintain its correctness.

It is used by industry giant users like Netflix etc.

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16. Strapi.io

In my opinion, Strapi.io is a Node.js framework that has made it to my top 20 list because of its ability to manage content and distribute it anywhere.

It is a framework anticipated to be an open-source for life and is future proof. It is highly customizable, self-hosted and purely JavaScript. It has RESTful or GraphQL and is extensible by design.

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17. Socket.io

If as a developer you consider a full-stack development framework for building real-time apps, then Socket.io is a must stop choice for you.

You also like an API that is cross-platform considering devices and browsers; you’ve made the right choice in Socket.io. It does not compromise speed, reliability, and productivity, what else are you looking for? Socket.io comes in handy with all the above features.

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18. ActionHero.js

This is one of the most important Node.js frameworks, its prolific features like; reusability, scalability and quick Node.js API server for stateless and state full apps are just outstanding.

Its ability to support web clients like HTTP & HTTPS, and Socketclients like TCP(telnet) and TLS is an important feature not worth forgetting to mention.

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19. Frisby.js

Frisby.js is easy to use, fun to work with Node.js framework. It comes very many in-built tools to ensure that REST API is working as per the specification.

If custom is what you are looking for, take a fuzz, all the repetitive hard to follow instructions and hard to comprehend codes aside, Frisby.js just taken care of that. Thanks again to the developers behind this and their efforts, because without it, heaven knows what!

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20. Marble.js

The last Node.js framework that has effortlessly made to my top 20 list is the infamous Marble.js.

I bet most of you would poke a finger on me if I ended my list without mentioning the Marble.js.

It was developed by Jozef Flakus a Boldares JS developer as a programming approach to the back-end in Node.js. It has a functional Reactive Node.js framework for building server-side apps based on RxJS and typescript.

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Conclusion

I draw my conclusion that every Node.js framework has its importance depending on what the developer wants to achieve with the app, so choose a framework in tandem with your end goal in mind.

I would not end this article without mentioning the tremendous community surrounding the Node.js frameworks, their commendable duty to improving and constructive criticism and general development growth to Node.js frameworks.