Evaluation of JavaScript frameworks : Why should you use them?

Abstract: JavaScript is today’s most common client-side programming language for the web. Choosing the most adapted framework for each and every project can optimize the development process and increase profits. Developers often lack knowledge about what to prioritize when choosing a framework and very little previous research regarding this subject area is available. This thesis investigates two JavaScript client-side frameworks and answers the questions of why you should use a framework when developing applications. This thesis also investigates why a company should develop a new framework, when equivalent open-source alternatives are available. To be able to answer the questions interviews with developers were conducted. The results are that using a framework can optimize the development process regarding time and complexity, but learning a new framework can be difficult. In rare cases it is a great idea to develop a new framework for a certain project, but it is often not worth it. Developers also seem to choose experience of using a framework over performance.