JavaScript is widely used for website development due to its simplicity. To create the same website more easily, many developers use JavaScript frameworks and libraries. However, many developers are unclear about their distinctions. Therefore, through this article, we have explained in great detail what the actual difference is between these two and when to use which one. I'm sure by the end, you'll have a better understanding of these important JavaScript development tools.
Ready? Let's go!
Table of Contents
- What is the JavaScript Library and Framework?
- What is the major difference between JavaScript library and framework?
- Why should we use the JavaScript library and framework?
- The most popular JavaScript library
- The most popular JavaScript framework
- Which should you learn: JavaScript library or framework?
- How do I choose the best JavaScript library and framework to use?
- Conclusion
What is the JavaScript Library and Framework?
1. Library
The JavaScript library is like a toolkit of pre-built functions and tools that developers use to create web applications easily and efficiently. Libraries are created by a large community and can be used by any developer.
The "inversion of control" concept means that in a library, you control the flow of your code. You decide which functions go where in your project.
Think of it like going to a furniture store: instead of making each piece of furniture from scratch, you can choose ready-made items that fit your needs. Similarly, with JavaScript libraries, you can use existing code to add features to your website, saving time.
2. Framework
JavaScript frameworks are used to create different types of layouts on any website. Some other developer teams create this framework. Using this, we can create web applications more easily.
Unlike libraries, where you have control over which functions to use, frameworks dictate how your code should be organized and executed. This can be helpful because it takes care of common programming patterns and ensures consistency across your project.
Think of it like hiring an architect to design your house; they provide a plan that outlines where each room should go and how everything should be laid out. Similarly, a framework provides a structure for your code, specifying how different parts of your application should interact.
In short, while libraries are like tools you can pick and choose from, frameworks are like blueprints that guide the entire construction process.
What is the major difference between JavaScript library and framework?
1. Library
Let's understand jQuery (library) and Bootstrap (framework).
jQuery is like a toolbox filled with pre-written code created by other developers. Let's say you're working on a project that needs a date feature. In your project files, you can use a script tag to call upon elements using any ID name you want. This gives you flexibility. Just remember, if you've named an element ID in your HTML, you need to use the same ID name when calling it in jQuery.
For example,
To get started, open your web browser and go to jqueryui. On the left side of the page, you'll find various tools available. We'll be using the datepicker tool to create a date feature.
Once you've selected the datepicker, you'll find a pre-built date tool ready for use. Simply scroll down a bit to view its source code, which has already been written by another developers.
In the provided source code, the ID "datepicker" is assigned. You can modify it if needed but remember to use the same ID in the input element where you made the change.
In this example, we have to change the ID, but it will still work, as you can see.
<head>
<meta charset="utf-8">
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1">
<title>jQuery UI Datepicker - Default functionality</title>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="//code.jquery.com/ui/1.13.2/themes/base/jquery-ui.css">
<link rel="stylesheet" href="/resources/demos/style.css">
<script src="https://code.jquery.com/jquery-3.6.0.js"></script>
<script src="https://code.jquery.com/ui/1.13.2/jquery-ui.js"></script>
<script>
$(function () {
$("#anything").datepicker();
});
</script>
</head>
<body>
<p>Date:<input type="text" id="anything"></p>
</body>
In a library, you have the freedom to use its tools without restrictions.
2. Framework
Bootstrap provides predefined styles and components, making it a framework. For instance, if you want to display a success message, Bootstrap already has predefined rules that make it green. Similarly, it defines red for danger and yellow for warning. You can explore these predefined styles on Bootstrap's official site.
To incorporate Bootstrap into your project, visit the Bootstrap site, and copy the Bootstrap CDN link. Paste this link between the head tags of your HTML document.
Bootstrap offers two types of CDN links: JavaScript and CSS. Choose the one that suits your needs and paste it accordingly.
<head>
<!-- CSS only -->
<link href="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/bootstrap@5.2.2/dist/css/bootstrap.min.css" rel="stylesheet"
integrity="sha384-Zenh87qX5JnK2Jl0vWa8Ck2rdkQ2Bzep5IDxbcnCeuOxjzrPF/et3URy9Bv1WTRi" crossorigin="anonymous">
</head>
<body>
<div class="alert alert-primary" role="alert">
you can write anything inside
</div>
<div class="alerts alert-primarys" role="alert">
This class name does not match the bootstrap class name so it will not work.
</div>
<div class="alert alert-secondary" role="alert">
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.
</div>
<div class="alert alert-success" role="alert">
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.
</div>
<div class="alert alert-danger" role="alert">
A simple danger alert—check it out!
</div>
<div class="alert alert-warning" role="alert">
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.
</div>
</div>
</body>
When using the Bootstrap framework to create elements like buttons, it's essential to use the predefined class names provided by Bootstrap. If you try to assign a different class name, it won't work as expected.
While you can create similar elements manually by writing your code, you won't achieve the same functionality and styling as you would with Bootstrap. So, remember to use the correct class names from Bootstrap to ensure your elements are styled and function properly.
<body>
<button type="button" class="btn btn-primary">Primary</button>
<button type="button" class="btns btn-secondarys">Not work</button>
<button type="button" class="btn btn-secondary">Secondary</button>
<button type="button" class="btn btn-success">Success</button>
<button type="button" class="btn btn-danger">Danger</button>
<button type="button" class="btn btn-warning">Warning</button>
<button type="button" class="btn btn-info">Info</button>
<button type="button" class="btn btn-dark">Dark</button>
<button type="button" class="btn btn-link">Link</button>
</body>
Frameworks like Bootstrap have strict rules. You must follow these rules for the framework to work. You have less freedom to customize. If you don't follow the rules, your code won't work properly.
The example above clarifies the difference between a library and a framework. This may be a bit difficult to understand for a new developer, so I have provided a detailed explanation below to make it clear.
Imagine your code as a house you've built. When you use a library, it's like calling a delivery service to bring specific furniture items to your house. You can make decisions about where you keep these items and how you use them.
But with a framework, it's more like hiring an interior designer. They come with their own rules and regulations. You have to follow their design rules, including using specific furniture pieces they provide. Your code needs to match their requirements for everything to work properly.
So, when we made buttons using Bootstrap, we needed to use the exact class names specified by Bootstrap. The framework checks to see if our code matches its requirements. If it does, everything works smoothly.
Why should we use the JavaScript library and framework?
JavaScript libraries and frameworks are like super tools for developers. They help us build websites and applications much faster and easier.
Imagine you have a big project, and you need to do a lot of tricky stuff with JavaScript, like handling dates or doing complex math. Instead of writing all that code from scratch, you can use a library or framework. They already have all the hard stuff done for you!
Libraries, like React or jQuery, are great for beginners. They're like a toolbox full of useful functions and tools that you can use right away. You don't need to learn a whole new way of doing things; just start using the library, and you're good to go.
Libraries are a little more structured. To use it, it is important to know the rules and guidelines. Its use is very helpful in making big projects. To learn this, first learn about the framework, which will make it easier to learn the library.
Using libraries and frameworks also saves you time. Instead of reinventing the wheel every time you need to do something, you can just use code that's already been written and tested by other developers.
Plus, many libraries and frameworks are supported by big companies, so you know they're going to be reliable and well-maintained. And they often come with really good documentation, so you can learn how to use them quickly and easily.
The Most Popular JavaScript Libraries
1. React.JS
React is an open-source frontend JavaScript library for creating user interfaces based on UI components. It is most frequently used at this time. It was created by Facebook in 2013.
Its main advantage is that it can update the page of a web page without loading the entire page so that users can easily navigate to different pages. That's why React is more popular.
It handles a lot of the heavy lifting in terms of efficiently updating and rendering the appropriate components when React data or JavaScript application state changes.
Lots of big companies like Facebook, Netflix, Instagram, and Amazon use React for their websites. This shows how popular and trusted React is for building web apps.
2. jQuery
jQuery is a JavaScript library. It makes it easier to work with web pages by providing shortcuts for common tasks like finding elements, changing their content, and making requests to servers. Using it, we can easily create CSS animations and Ajax requests.
At the time, the jQuery library shortened the syntax and simplified the code, making it easier to understand and increasing web developer productivity.
It's the easiest API to use. Its syntax is very similar to CSS, so it's easy for beginners to learn.
3. Three.JS
Using three.js, it is easy to create a website with 3D animation. With the help of this library, we can add such amazing animations to the website that people are surprised. We can create lights, shadows, loaders, math elements, textures, etc.
4. D3.JS
D3.js (Data-Driven Documentation) is a JavaScript library for creating dynamic, interactive data visualizations in web browsers that developers use to document manipulations based on data. It was made in 2011. It uses SVG, HTML, and CSS standards.
5. Anime.JS
Anime.js, launched in 2019, is a top-notch animation library for JavaScript, known for its simplicity and powerful animation features. Developers find its intuitive source code easy to understand, enabling the creation of captivating animations effortlessly.
The Most Popular JavaScript Framework
1. Node JS
The open-source JavaScript backend framework Node.js is built on Chrome's V8 engine. JavaScript code can be executed outside the browser using this runtime environment. Node.js accelerates code execution, eliminating buffering delays for audio and video processing.
It is mostly used when we create a website that gets updated quickly or a game. It is also used to create different types of computer programs.
2. Express JS
Express.js is a backend framework for building RESTful APIs with Node.js as open-source software. It has been called the de facto standard server framework for Node.js. With this, you can create websites and APIs.
Express JS features a routine table to perform operations based on URLs and HTTPs.
3. Next.js
With Next.js, you can build React applications that focus on Static Site Generation (SSG) and Server Side Rendering (SSR). Through routing, code splitting, and automatic code prefetching, it allows developers to simplify their development process.
Among developers and companies, Next.js is popular for building fast, scalable, and SEO-friendly web applications because it is highly customizable and supports SSR for improved performance and SEO.
4. Bootstrap
Bootstrap is a much-loved open-source tool for front-end developers. By using this, the website remains responsive. And you can design right away. In this way, many futures have also been added according to the needs of the developer.
Bootstrap Without Charge provides beautiful and premium themes. It allows you to create HTML and CSS-based design templates like buttons, navigation, tables, and carousels. With the help of Bootstrap, you can't make your own custom elements. You need to know HTML and CSS to create custom elements.
5. Vue.js
Vue.js is a JavaScript framework used to build websites on the front end. With the Vue.js library, developers can easily create complex layout structures with single-page applications.
It is perfect to use in small projects. Like creating an event or element content, etc.
You can learn completely by selecting any framework based on your requirements. But the most popular frameworks today among developers are Express.js, Next.js, and Node.js.
Which Should You Learn: JavaScript Library or Framework?
When we first start our web development careers, it might be challenging to discover whether to use a JavaScript library or a framework, but knowing the difference between the two is important. However, experienced developers prefer libraries due to the freedom they allow when developing. However, the value of frameworks can be considerable in some projects; therefore, it is essential to learn them as well.
Begin by building a solid foundation in JavaScript. Libraries like React or jQuery are popular choices for beginners due to their user interface focus. Once comfortable with a library, transitioning to frameworks becomes easier as they build upon similar concepts.
Popular frameworks such as Node.js, Express.js, and Next.js offer more comprehensive features for larger projects. You can choose Node.js for the backend and Next.js for the front end. However, we can use Next.js on both the front and back ends.
Remember, learning web development is a journey. So, begin with the fundamentals of JavaScript and, once mastered, move on to libraries and frameworks to become a proficient developer.
How do I choose the best JavaScript library and framework to use?
Whenever you select a JavaScript library and framework, it is important to understand the difference between these two. Also, keep in mind what your project requires and what is already included in the library or framework.
Node.js is highly favored among developers for its versatility and ability to integrate with other frameworks. Next.JS, one of the best frameworks, remains popular, although its dominance may be due to tradition rather than merit.
In JavaScript, the ReactJs library is a favorite among many developers because it makes the task of creating user interfaces very easy. It is the primary option for front-end work. On the other hand, jQuery, which is known for simplifying complicated web development chores, is still popular among developers. However, Reactjs is currently more popular than jQuery.
Understand what your project needs and what each library or framework offers, which will make it easier for you to choose between these two.
Conclusion
Any developer needs to understand the difference between libraries and frameworks in JavaScript. While libraries provide specific functionality that can be integrated into your code and you can customize it, frameworks, on the other hand, provide a structured foundation for building entire applications that you cannot customize.
Selecting the right framework and library depends on your project requirements and development goals. While making a decision, consider its versatility, popularity, and ease of use.
Now, I am sure you will have no worries about the difference between a library and a framework in JavaScript. If you have more queries, write them in the question box given below, and you will get the answer ASAP!