Framework what is it

A framework is a blank, a ready-made model in IT for rapid development, on the basis of which you can add your own code. It sets the structure, defines the rules, and provides the necessary set of tools to create a project. Frameworks are mainly used in web development.

The first option is to use a ready-made standard project. It will consider the ways of pouring the foundation, the location of communications, and the thermal insulation of the walls. But at the same time, it is impossible to change the layout, affecting the supporting structures.

The second option is to prepare a plan yourself from scratch. Without design experience, there is a high probability of building a house that is not suitable for living.

Frameworks work the same way. The developer uses a ready-made template and fills it with his own code. Frameworks are responsible for the stability of the program: work with databases and the file system, error handling, password protection.

Why frameworks are needed

Frameworks are suitable for creating both large projects and simple sites and applications that are planned to be developed in the future. They allow you to correctly build business logic. Basically, frameworks are used to create calculators, online stores with non-standard functionality, own CRM that cannot be created on CMS, desktop and mobile applications. Unlike CMS, frameworks are a low-level solution that has more performance and flexibility. Allows you to get a ready-made framework for the project without losing flexibility in terms of functionality.

How is a framework different from a library?

Unlike dynamic libraries, which provide a set of limited functions, the architecture is built on the framework. It defines the relationship between components.

The framework usually consists of many libraries that it uses internally and implements the structure / framework of the project with the help of them. It also provides its own libraries for common tasks. In addition, the documentation for the framework usually clearly states how to use these libraries, where to call them, and how to solve problems.

Features of web frameworks

Versatility

Any programmer using a particular framework will be able to work with any project based on it. Thanks to the standard structure, projects are easy to modify and expand functionality.

Efficiency and simplicity

Using a framework is faster and cheaper than writing code from scratch. Web frameworks can automatically generate typical parts of an application or an entire project structure. This is very important for beginner developers. This approach allows you to increase the speed of development and standardize the code base.

Reliability

Frameworks allow you to avoid mistakes. In terms of security, solutions based on frameworks are superior to self-written systems and are not inferior to CMS. They work faster and withstand a higher load than self-written systems and CMS.

Safety

Identification tools allow you to allow or deny access to framework functions. Also, security tools recognize profiles that use the application to avoid clickjacking – a deception method when an attacker gains access to the user’s personal information and devices.

Adaptability

Development of typical functionality on frameworks can take more time than when using CMS. Frameworks contain the main components of the business logic of the application level, so some of the functions are implemented individually.

Framework architecture

To divide the project into logical parts, modules, frameworks often use the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture. It implies a division into three segments: model, view and controller. You can change each independently of the others.

Backend frameworks. They work on the server side and are responsible for the performance of the application. The rules and architecture allow you to create simple pages and forms, generate output, and provide protection against attacks.

Frontend frameworks. They are responsible for the appearance of the project and are not related to the logic of work. They allow you to improve and add new user interfaces, create single-page applications, animations, etc.

There are multifunctional frameworks that offer universal solutions, as well as tools for specific tasks – microframeworks. Their functionality is extended by third-party applications. On their basis, you can create small projects or combine with large frameworks.

HTML, CSS microframework with a light modular structure. Allows you to preview the site page in real time, mark syntax highlighting for HTML.