Development with Node comes with a wide range of options among developers. However, effective alternatives are suitable for any developer that desires to build a robust, reliable, scalable, and stable application that meets most of the user’s needs. It is thus for this reason that our piece narrows down to two crucial framework implementations – Express and Nest.js. While most frameworks have a more significant role in the development environment, realizing the power offered under these two close but distinctive frameworks is essential. The duo is a face of competition among most libraries and frameworks, and therefore developers might face challenges in establishing the perfect option.

Node.js development is a finer option for starters when they are well conversant with both Express.js and Nest.js. Such frameworks are widespread and familiar to every and any starter. While all the two frameworks boast popularity, it is essential to understand that Express.js takes the top spot in terms of usage. Contrarily, Nest is new in the development sphere and boasts robustness. Let’s dive into a deep understanding of the two frameworks and get a distinctive approach to help you choose a better option.

Understanding NestJS

While NextJS and ExpresJS relate differently, it is essential to understand that NestJS is built on top of Express. NestJS and ExpressJS all work under the NodeJS framework, which has distinctive features and approaches. Nest has, over time, become one of the fast-growing frameworks that a developer should note. The rapid speed in popularity is thus making the framework a powerful option. It has many solutions that set it apart from its counterpart, ExpressJS.

Crucial features of NestJS

• It follows a given structure and guidelines

With its opinionating nature, developers have to stick to the already-set rules for the framework. Such could pose more disadvantages to developers using the framework than the perks that come with the framework. Strict rules and guidelines will always limit developers from exploring and implementing various options and features during development. However, the feature is also advantageous to developers, so transferring or switching projects from developer to developer is easier. Such is easier because developers can be sure that each of them understands the logic of the application structure since all the rules are standard for all development projects.

• TypeScript or JavaScript support 

Thanks to its Angular nature, NestJS comes with stable support for TypeScript or JavaScript. With TypeScript comes more outstanding features that allow the development of scalable applications. TypeScript also comes with decorators, critical components that enable native integration of third-party programs and modules. With such supportive features, programs can be stable enough to handle incoming data.

• Support for Command Line Interface

NestJS comes with stable support to allow the use of the Command Line Interface. With the CLI, it is easier to improve performance and make it easier in code writing such that there are little to no additional code implementations. In addition, the Command Line Interface with NestJS comes with a testing environment and unit testing automation.

• Model View Controller architecture 

The MVC architecture is a typical architecture with additional advantages to enjoy. With the architecture, developers enjoy the power of integrating add-ones and components that entirely extend code clarity and functionality. Nest also comes with support for microservices. With such support, it is easier to develop monolithic application structures. In addition, it comes with various choices that enable developers to build special applications.

Generally, Nest is a powerful option for the more scalable building of applications. However, the framework is also powerful thanks to its wide range of features under the provision of Express.

Understanding ExpressJS

As initially stated, Express boasts popularity among developers thanks to its old nature in the Node.js environment frameworks. However, Node.js’ popularity doesn’t solely come from its earlier development but also stretches further to its simplicity when learning its usage. The framework’s components are also easy to use and understand. In addition, the framework strongly allows compatibility and interconnection of roles and responsibilities with other frameworks.

Crucial features of ExpressJS 

• Customizable components and tools 

Some frameworks come with strict guidelines and principles that a developer must adhere to during development. Such an approach to development limits the developers by a more significant deal. But it’s a different case with Express, an unopinionated framework. With Express comes full capabilities of component modification and tool development. All these conclusively try to meet every developer’s needs. Thus, the framework depends on the developer’s choice or approach.

• Ability to handle a lot of input and output data

It will help if you choose Express, especially when working with input and output data. The Node.js environment made specifically for the framework highly and positively impacts the facilitation of non-blocking input-output operations. With such a stable feature, processing multiple requests running concurrently is easy. Such a feature significantly affects the overall development process by speeding up developers’ work.

• A huge developer community

Among the most significant considerations that developers make when opting for frameworks and development languages is developer support or community. On this, Express is a crucial framework as it boasts a broad developer community supporting the framework. With Express and a larger community, you will likely get access to a wide range of related content widely shared on its developer platform. It is thus essential to be sure that anything in the documentation that remains to be clarified can be sorted out through the developer’s support platform. Additionally, with the large developer community, you can enjoy free-to-use tools and add-ons to extend functionality in the programs developed using Express.

• Support for server-side rendering 

JavaScript is a powerful language when it comes to handling the server side. However, Express comes with more fantastic support for server-side rendering and thus makes the development process more straightforward when it comes to writing and testing code. In addition, enabling server-side rendering during development brings about more significant optimization in the development process.

Generally, Express stands out among many frameworks to serve as an excellent choice for developers needing customized applications. However, its unopinionated nature could pose a challenge for starters, as developers need to set their own rules while taking enough time to understand code logic.

Comparing ExpressJS and NestJS 

As discussed, ExpressJS and NestJS relate closely but also differ slightly. However, the relationship between the duo is easier to observe since both work under the Node.js development environment and are backend frameworks. It is also easier to use JavaScript for both frameworks. Additionally, the frameworks have stable support for database access as well as the addition of add-ons that increase the development speed.

A clear-cut line is also notable between the duo. For instance, Nest.js comes with complete out-of-box solutions instead of its counterpart. When working on a new project requiring from-scratch development, it is essential to consider NestJS, which has more significant support for innovative software.

Conclusion

Going for the best framework between NestJS and ExpressJS requires a deeper understanding of the underlying features, operations, and logic under each framework and project needs. Therefore, it is upon the developers to establish a perfect fit for their project, considering the above-discussed features and capabilities running under each framework. Each of the frameworks effectively suits a given project depending on the developer and application need at hand.

Connect with our web development company – Aalpha to know more about  NestJS and ExpressJS.

Also read: Nextjs vs Svelte | Nextjs vs React