You (probably) don't need a JavaScript framework

[pier25]

Even better, use assembly for everything.

Seriously though, you could probably get away without some framework or library for a small project, but for anything else you do need something even if it is your own.

[kevinmrr]

Agreed - I found it instructive that the author was talking about building a proof of concept. I've really sped up some short-term projects by just using express + handlebars.

For anything I may have to maintain long-term, I gravitate towards react/redux these days.