What is a Framework? Why We Use Software Frameworks

Programming begins with PHP, Python, and JavaScript. But it takes a little while to learn the names of technologies like Laravel, React and Symfony, which are called frameworks. This article will explain what a framework is, the benefits of using one, and how it can make programming easier.

What is a framework in the programming language?

In simple words, a programming framework is a tool used to simplify programming. In the past, creating software required complete mastery of a programming language and using all its features to develop more options in the program. At that time, programmers gave high importance to pointers and functions because their code quality depended on these things. But in modern programming, all these parts are automated to speed up the work.

This is where frameworks play a crucial role. Frameworks provide pre-written and packaged solutions to minimize programming errors.

Why should we write code for a problem we have when a more suitable solution has already been written, and all we have to do is use it?

Different teams constantly update frameworks built with popular programming languages. This means that the tools and solutions provided by these frameworks are becoming more extensive and practical every day. Although many frameworks are created by teams that are the main programmers of the same programming languages, miscellaneous frameworks have more fans in the programming world.

Types of frameworks

Each framework is created based on a programming language and fulfils a specific need. Therefore, to choose the most suitable framework, you must define your needs precisely and choose the framework that suits your project. In the following, we will introduce various programming frameworks:

Web frameworks

Web frameworks help develop back-end and front-end web applications. Here’s how we define “What is a full-stack developer?” Front-end frameworks, such as Angular or React JS, provide HTML, CSS, and JavaScript templates and components for building the front-end of a website or web application. A back-end framework also provides tools for managing databases and authentication for website back-end development. Programming languages and platforms determine the back-end frameworks. Laravel, Ruby on Rails and Django are among the back-end frameworks.

Mobile application development frameworks

Frameworks in this category support the development of cross-platform applications or native applications. React Native, Flutter, and Xamarin are some of the frameworks available for developing mobile applications.

Content management frameworks

With content management systems (CMS), users can create, organize, and modify content such as blog posts, e-books, mobile apps, and other online solutions. Other factors influencing CMS frameworks include price, language, and ease of use. Joomla, Drupal, and WordPress are some of the most popular CMS frameworks.

Data science frameworks

A data scientist uses statistical methods, scientific methods in different fields, algorithms, etc., to extract insight from data. With Python being widely used in data science, frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, Apache Spark, and NumPy are becoming more and more popular.

What are the advantages of using the framework?

The ability to see the big picture and solve problems creatively is one of the key skills of programmers. However, delving into coding details is very time-consuming and prevents programmers from solving more critical issues. Thanks to frameworks, developers no longer have to worry about inserting semicolons or building APIs. The framework enables programmers to visualize more advanced techniques and focus on developing projects. There are many frameworks, each created for a specific purpose and with unique features. However, regardless of their application, frameworks have common advantages that we explain below:

1. By reducing errors and shortening code blocks, frameworks allow developers to spend less time maintaining and testing code. Thanks to frameworks, developers can focus on implementing specific functions in their projects instead of spending time on repetitive tasks such as architecture, security, etc.
2. Frameworks provide security for projects and prevent many security flaws. Developers can work with larger clients and more stringent security requirements when they have a framework to ensure application security.
3. Frameworks use APIs to communicate with web applications, databases, and third-party tools. Therefore, they can increase efficiency.
4. Frameworks provide an optimized hierarchical structure for files and folders. Thanks to this separation and classification, the user interface becomes simpler. By following the framework guidelines, the code structure is developed coherently, and its quality is improved.
5. Frameworks have different architectures based on the applications they support. The result is easier task distribution and quicker team development. Additionally, since the architecture of applications developed is the same as a framework, when developers join a team working with their frameworks, they can follow their role in the team more easily and quickly.
6. Since frameworks are developed by a community of developers and sometimes by private companies, their maintenance and evolution are more efficient, and they are updated more frequently. With a framework, you don’t have to worry about web standards, compatibility between services, and the like.
7. Most frameworks are open source. The open-source nature of the frameworks allows developers to create online communities. Users can work together, post code samples, help others with troubleshooting, and generally continuously improve each other’s programs.

The challenges of programming with the framework

The use of frameworks in programming is challenging. Following is a list of the most critical challenges you may encounter when using frameworks in programming:

• Learning and mastering a framework takes time. Programmers should spend enough time studying the documentation and understanding the framework concepts and patterns.
• Some frameworks have high complexity and may need to be more practical for simple and small projects, and you will face many problems.
• Some frameworks may restrict customization and optional changes. This may need fixing to match the project’s specific needs.
• Some frameworks may restrict customization and optional changes. This may need fixing to match the project’s specific needs.
• It is the responsibility of development teams to update frameworks. Because these frameworks are constantly changing, you have to make constant changes to your code to keep it compatible.
• Some frameworks may occasionally be the source of performance issues and require additional optimizations.
• Overusing a framework usually leads to developer dependency on that framework. If the framework is not developed or supported, the project may face serious problems.

Let’s say you want to avoid these problems and challenges. In that case, we recommend you choose your framework very carefully. You should also stay on top of framework updates and changes and use other people’s experiences and your feelings about frameworks. It is essential to consider your needs.

What are the characteristics of a suitable framework?

There are many frameworks out there, some more popular than others. A developer often chooses a framework that is more familiar to them when a framework is a better fit for the project at hand. To select the proper framework, make sure it has the following features:

• Performance: Choose a framework that provides the performance you need for your project. Given that every framework has its limitations, only invest in a framework that is as much as your project needs.
• Integration: Choose a framework that coordinates large or distributed teams.
• Documentation: Choose a framework with comprehensive documentation, as well as extensive tutorials.
• Active community: A framework’s strength lies in its community support. Ensure that the framework has a well-established user base.

What is the difference between a library and a framework?

Almost every professional programmer started as an amateur like you. The professionals needed to learn what the framework was from the start. They did not even know the difference between a framework and a library. So don’t let sadness get the best of you, and keep moving forward with strength.

The library is a component of the framework. A framework is an environment for building software which uses many libraries. Of course, this is not a fixed concern, and some frameworks do not use libraries. To better understand what the framework is and how it differs from the library, you should define the library.

A library is a low-level component used to achieve a specific goal. It is possible to access libraries in two ways. Direct access to libraries is the first method. This involves coding and connecting directly to the library. The second method is to use the framework to access the data. Frameworks make data accessible. In this case, we will explain with an example what a framework is and how it differs from a library.

PHP is a programming language, and curl is one of its libraries. PHP provides a particular function when you use this library. In fact, the opposite happens when you use a framework like Laravel because the framework runs the code you wrote. As a result, you will have a better understanding of what the framework is and how it differs from the library.

What is the difference between a programming language and a framework?

In terms of programming frameworks, there may be some things to consider. For example, since frameworks in Java and programming languages are both used in software development, they often need clarification. Frameworks are platforms that help you develop software, while programming languages are the foundation of frameworks and the instructions that tell them what to do. All software is developed in programming languages but without frameworks in the development process. Another significant difference between programming languages and frameworks is their purpose. A programming language can be used in different areas if each framework is made for only one purpose: building web apps, mobile apps or data science.

Conclusion

Programming frameworks are essential tools in software development that provide:

• Solutions to solving everyday problems.
• Integrating best programming practices.
• Using the latest technology options.

A development platform includes libraries, APIs, and other components that make programming faster and more efficient. By doing so, developers can focus on creating the elements that make a project unique. By speeding up the development process, a framework can help you market and advance your growth strategy. Furthermore, pre-checked and high-quality functions increase application reliability and make testing easier. As the user community improves, frameworks improve application security and provide a foundation for support.

Considering that frameworks and programming languages are the most critical factors in programming careers, you can read the article “Java vs. JavaScript” to learn about these two languages and then learn about their frameworks.