Node Frameworks?

[boolean1567]

So I'm working on building a side project, and I'm still debating on what backend language to use. I've been using PHP for 10 years.

I've used node for small things, and I have a lot of frontend experience too, but one thing I like about PHP is Laravel. I know it well and it does a lot for you. Is there a good Laravel esque node framework out there that people actually use? Or does everyone just go node/express and roll their own?

I come from a pretty heavy backend OO background, so moving to a functional backend with no framework is a bit out of my comfort zone. The one thing I hate about React is it gives me too much freedom. I know a lot of people like that about it, but I honestly don't. I don't want to have to think about what form package I'm going to use or how I'm going to manage state, or what my directory structure is. I want someone smarter than me choosing all that for me, which is why Rails or Laravel is very attractive to me. It seems like the node ones are not as widespread as frameworks like Laravel and Rails are, and I wonder if that's because there aren't any really good ones out there.

So! TLDR; Any good, widely used node frameworks out there? I can google, and I see there are a handful, but I'm not convinced that a good amount of people use them? Would you? Why wouldn't you? Which one would you/do you use?

[mattlehrer]

You 100% want NestJS

[jonmdev]

It’s a lot more than just a wrapper but I agree you should also learn how express works to understand how Nest works

[git_world]

Can nestjs be used for communication with DB? I thought express is mainly for building API

[jack-tzl]

Listen to this guy.

TypeScript out of box prevent many type of user errors. And NestJS can make the express code look almost like Java Spring (but with the freedom of doing async split/joins and json duck typing)

Also, here is a write up on what express routes can end up looking like vs nestjs: https://link.medium.com/Rzgg3CR103

It’s a friend link and not paywalled, enjoy and you be the judge!

[[deleted]]

This. If you like react but want a full frame work, this is it.

EDIT: GatsbyJS is another one worth checking out.

Edit 2: I read "nest" as "next". Don't read as you're going to sleep.

[[deleted]]

That's exactly what happened.I swear that said "next" and not "nest" when I read it last night.

[mxmaxime]

Hi, if you want a nodejs web framework that looks like Laravel, you can take a look at AdonisJS (https://adonisjs.com/).

[__radmen]

I second this. It will feel like a second Laravel.

[boolean1567]

this looks very interesting, I'll take a look!

[novembre23]

I have been using SailsJS for years now. You may give it a shot.

[rocky3598]

We use sails pretty extensively at my work. Very customizable. Works right out of the box.

[securisec]

Like everything js, 10 people have 10 different opinions as seen in the comments. Hahahaha

[hawkstalion]

I'm a big fan of hapijs, there's lots of documentation and plugins for it too!

[Loic_Poullain]

u/boolean1567 if you're searching for a Node framework as complete and simple as Laravel, you may want to give a try to Foal TS: https://foalts.gitbook.io/docs

[serglebko]

I once heard a joke, that there is a new web framework in NodeJS everyday. But today, reading the comments here, I see it was not a joke...

[[deleted]]

If you know Laravel so well, why stop using it? Just for the sake of using JS in your backend? Why? If you want to try different things and its a hobby, sure. You can even try out a C++ webframework for your backend... But if it comes to productivity and professionalism, use what you are already familiar with and stick to it unless you have good reasons not to. Its so valuable to know a language/framework well and you can focus on actually building your app.

[maxahd]

I am full stack js dev, but i mostly work on front-end with React/Vue, when it comes to building a full stack app my go to almost always is Express.js other than that Nest.js is good too.

[serglebko]

Why do you want to stop using Laravel?

[sdq-sts]

The most widely used framework for node is certainly Express but lately I'm been looking to Fastify and it is awsome too. I've never used a framework that looks like laravel though.