ExpressJS vs ReactJS: Which Framework Works Best For You

The blog post is about the difference between ExpressJS vs ReactJS allowing you to select an ideal frontend or backend framework. For the purpose of developing a feature-rich, fast, and intuitive business web app, selecting a particular framework is imperative to ensure seamless performance. Concerning the same, read this blog to understand the highs and lows of ExpressJS (backend) and ReactJS (frontend) frameworks.

A lot of planning, strategy creation, and research is involved in the process of developing a business-specific web app. Undoubtedly, technology has become a key driving force for companies to extend their presence and increase their customer base. However, choosing the best technical virtue for your upcoming web app development is not so simple. But we are here to make things straight and sorted for you.

There is a wide range of frontend and backend development frameworks available in the technology ecosystem. ReactJS and ExpressJS are two different choices available for you to develop a result-oriented web app. ReactJS is a popular and extensively adapted front-end development framework. Whereas, ExpressJS is a backend development technology.

You might be wondering, how is that possible to discuss an ExpressJS vs ReactJS comparison, because one is a backend and the other one is for frontend development? But the common link lies between the two is the JavaScript language. Therefore, it is imperative to make the difference based on key factors like scalability, ease of testing, performance, and more.

So, without any further ado, let’s get started on the same.

What is ExpressJS?

ExpressJS or better known as Express is an open-source service-side backend development framework that is built for Node.js. Best written in the popular and highly adaptable JavaScript language, ExpressJS provides several readymade plugins, templates, routing functionality, and middleware packages to ensure fast and efficient web app development.

Popular Apps on ExpressJS?

To have a better understanding of ExpressJS, it is relevant to know the fact that it’s used for diverse choices of web app development. It includes a different array of platforms like Single-page application development, creating RESTful APIs, reusable apps, enterprise web app development, eCommerce app development, and more.

In terms of widely popular apps based on ExpressJS include names like Twitter, IMDB, Accuweather, Uber, and the list goes on.

What is ReactJS?

ReactJS is also an open-source JavaScript library used only for interactive and intuitive front-end development of a web app. It ensures a rich user experience at the frontend part of the application.

One of the key features of the framework is reusable components that allow developers to speed up the web app development process. It further enables the fast rendering of web pages which is further beneficial for the app’s SEO purpose.

Popular Apps on ReactJS?

Just like ExpressJS, a frontend development framework, ReactJS is too versatile enough to create a wide range of platforms. The list includes web apps, mobile apps, media websites, video streaming platforms, Progressive Web Apps (PWA), desktop apps, etc.

Also, pioneer brands like Facebook, BBC, PayPal, Twitter, Netflix, and several others have relied upon ReactJS for successful user interface development.

Difference between ReactJS and ExpressJS

Now that you have got the least idea about ReactJS and ExpressJS frameworks. It’s time to know the difference between the two and make the right choice. Concerning the same, have a close look at both pros and cons of each framework before deciding the one according to business app development needs.

Pros & Cons of Using ReactJS

Pros of ReactJS

Fast web app development: ReactJS ensures an effective and fast web app development process due to refreshing the user interface and updating the data with ease. It does not require the task to reload the web pages again and again. And showcase the updated information at the front instantly

Intuitive app user experience: The framework optimizes the code and increases its readability to an optimum extent. Ultimately, ReactJS eliminate the dead code and thus resulting in engaging user interface interaction among app users.

Reusable components feature: As already mentioned, the ReactJS framework offers the flexibility of reusable components. Thus, it aids in a faster mobile app development process and ensures the seamless nesting of components to build complex functionalities with ease.

Cons of ReactJS

The continuous flow of updates: ReactJS witness continuous updates after a span of time and new versions keep coming around the technical ecosystem. So, sometimes, it is less convenient for developers to know more about recent changes.

Focusses on the view: With ReactJS, developers can only focus on the view part of the web app and try to enhance the same to increase the overall user experience. However, developers have to use additional platforms for working on other parts of the web app.

Pros & Cons of Using ExpressJS

Pros of ExpressJS

Less development time: JavaScript is the common link between the backend and the frontend development of a web app while relying on the ExpressJS framework. Thereby, ensuring less development time and much of a hassle.

Effective error handling: ExpressJS features a middleware functionality that helps catch the errors in the application and try to solve the same.

Easy to install: ExpressJS is a minimalistic backend development framework that is simple to install and offers an easy learning curve.

Cons of ExpressJS

Less standardization: ExpressJS framework does not need a specific structure and keeps on changing with the app development requirements. Thus, it makes things problematic and cumbersome for developers at times.

Difficult to understand middleware: No new developer can fully understand the working process of the Express framework. Especially the knowledge of middleware within the framework is difficult to understand.

Final Analysis

React is an efficient frontend development framework that helps in the speedy development of a web application to ensure an engaging user experience. On the other side, ExpressJS is a useful backend development functionality that helps you to build feature-rich functionality with ease. In the case of developing an interactive UI, then rely on the expertise of a reliable ReactJS development company like ReactJS India and that too without going anywhere else.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is that simple to test the ReactJS web application?
It is simple to test the ReactJS web application due to the availability of several test runners and test cases. ReactJS experts can seamlessly test the application to identify key application problems and solve the same in the shortest possible time.

2. How to get started with ReactJS web app development?
To get started with the ReactJS web app development, all you have to do is discuss your requirement with the ReactJS expert partner. Discuss your needs and the expert will analyze your requirement to provide a viable solution along with a strategic way to develop the app.

3. How to hire a ReactJS developer?
Based on the requirement of your web app frontend development, discuss the same with an experienced developer and hire the same. You can collaborate with the developer to have a close view of the web app development work and ensure work efficiency.