Nowadays, there are a lot of web development frameworks available. Node.js and React, for example, certainly rank among the most popular ones. But another perfect framework has been making strides over the last few years: Vue.js. So, this article will cover all aspects of Vue. What it is, its features, and its architecture. We’ll discuss some of its most frequently asked questions and popular tools about this JavaScript framework for building User Interfaces. Let’s jump in!
What is Vuejs?
Launched in 2014, Vue.js is a progressive framework for Web User Interfaces (UIs) created by Ewan You. It's open-source and written in TypeScript. Its main uses focus on the front-end development of static websites. According to Stack Overflow, it is the sixth most used web framework by devs. In this context, approx 300K websites use Vue.js.
What can Vuejs do?
Vue.js is a versatile tool with a range of capabilities. It can be used for standalone scripts, embedded web components, and Single-Page Applications (SPAs). Additionally, Vue.js can create Mobile Apps with Ionic Vue, Desktop Apps with Electron or Tauri, and Cross-Platform apps with Quasar.
As you can see above, Vue.js is quite flexible, so it's no surprise that it's a part of many projects. Some apps developed with Vue.js include Netflix, Grammarly, and GitLab. Xiaomi, Trivago, Nintendo, and Apple are other examples of this framework.
Vue js Architecture
Vue.js has a modular architecture. Due to this, individual functionalities don't disrupt the overall architecture. Moreover, it lies on an MVVM architecture pattern. Model-View-ViewModel architecture divides program logic from UI controls. In turn, it helps organize the code. Programs broke into modules to simplify and speed up dev and update processes. Let's break this pattern down.
- Vue.js Model. This layer of the pattern is in charge of abstracting data sources. It works together with ViewModel to get and save data.
- Vue.js View. The view is the front face or presentation layer of the app. It handles the display of data to the user. It also informs the ViewModel of the users' actions.
- Vue.js ViewModel. Also called "presentation logic," this is the logic of the view. It serves as a link between the model and the view.
Vue js Key Concepts
Now that we know Vue.js' architecture let’s cover some key concepts and features.
- Virtual DOM. The Virtual DOM copies the site's actual DOM. This procedure allows Vue.js to upload the real DOM with recent changes. Thus, revisiting the whole DOM with each small change to the site is unnecessary.
- Data Binding. Vue.js uses a one-way data flow between single file components. As a result, the data flow is more manageable, and the framework becomes more flexible.
- Computed Properties. This feature handles complex logic and operations. Computed properties are similar to Vue.js' methods. These properties declaratively describe "how to derive a value based on other values." They are highly reactive and updated whenever the values change. Notably, computed properties should never try to change variables outside their scope. You can find more info on computed properties on the Vue.js site.
- Components. Within the framework, reusable components help create custom elements in Vue.js. With these, Vue.js allows HTML to reuse said elements.
- Templates. These HTML-based templates bind the rendered DOM to Vue information or instance data.
- Transitions and Animations. Vue.js offers various methods to perform transitions. These processes apply when introducing, changing, or deleting HTML elements. The open-source framework has two built-in transition components: Transition and TransitionGroup. The Transition component may look like a regular HTML tag. Yet, they have extra features like enter and leave animations. It also can change the behavior of the animation.
Comparison Vue with Other Frameworks
Vue vs React
React—ReactJS or React.js—is an open-source, front-end JavaScript library. Like Vue, React builds dynamic and responsive websites. React is a top-rated tool. Its main features are that it’s declarative, simple, and supports server-side rendering and code scaffolding. Plus, it’s fast and easy to learn and also component-based.
So, will Vue.js overtake React? There is no straightforward answer to this question, as devs have yet to reach a consensus. Vue.js has gained popularity over the last few years, but React is still in the lead. The two technologies have their pros and cons. Vue aims at beginners, while React requires a more in-depth knowledge of JavaScript.
While Vue.js offers a progressive enhancement, React has a more comprehensive ecosystem. Finally, Vue has an easier-to-use interface, but React provides more API choices. Only time will tell if one of the two tools makes the other one disappear. For now, it’s a matter of which one is a better fit for your project.
Vue vs Angular
Angular is an open-source web development framework. Mainly, its uses enclose single-page app creation. The framework's bases are HTML and TypeScript. Plus, Angular is easy to learn, reduces line coding, and uses two-way data binding. Now that we know what we're comparing let's see what these two frameworks have in common and what sets them apart.
Both frameworks use templates and model binding. They also share loops, conditionals, and even binding. Finally, both Vue and Angular have strong developer communities behind them. Yet, while Vue uses MVVM architecture, Angular uses the MVC pattern. In this context, Vue is easier to learn, performs better, and is faster than Angular. On Angular's assets, the framework is more scalable and includes better testing tools. Also, it has a more defined app architecture.
So, what conclusions can we draw from this? Vue is an excellent choice for beginners and developers interested in optimizing performance. Meanwhile, Angular thrives when dealing with complex enterprises. These projects encompass web apps such as Progressive Web Apps (PWAS) and Single-Page Apps.
Vue.js vs JavaScript
Plain JavaScript—called Vanilla.js—is a library or framework-free JS. So, using Vue.js is better than sticking to the JS programming language? You might notice a trend here: it depends on your work. If you need to develop your website or app fast, a framework will help you save time. So, Vue would be the way to go. If time is not an issue and performance is vital, you might be better off using plain old Vanilla.js.
Best Vue Dev Combinations
Vue with Laravel
Laravel is a PHP framework for web app development with "expressive, elegant syntax." This backend framework makes web apps more scalable. Moreover, it saves design time and is great for organizing and managing resources. Combining it with Vue.js gives you a full-stack solution that optimizes the UI. You'd combine Vue's speed and performance with Laravel's dependability and stability.
Vue with TypeScript
As we've mentioned at the beginning of this article, Vue.js emerged from TypeScript. Thus, it's logical that it works well with this programming language. TypeScript is excellent for detecting common errors, thus reducing runtime errors in production. It's also beneficial when it comes to Vue component communication.
Vue with Python
If you enjoy using Python, consider combining it with Vue! Python is a prevalent language with several uses beyond software development. Its applications also include data science and workflow optimization. You can use the Django Python web framework to focus on the backend while working with Vue for the front end.
Vue with Ruby on Rails
Vue.js also offers combinations with the Ruby on Rails framework. Rails is a full-stack web framework. Yet, using it for the backend with Vue.js for the front end can combine the best of both worlds.
Why is Vuejs Worth Considering?
- Learning Curve. You don’t need extensive TypeScript or JSX knowledge to navigate Vue. Vue.js is perfect for beginners with standard HTML, CSS, and JavaScript knowledge.
- Lightweight. The framework is tiny, with a downloadable file of just 18KB. So, both download and setup will be quick. This feature also enhances the creation of a responsive UX. Moreover, it does wonders for SEO rankings.
- Ecosystem. Vue.js has a healthy and extensive ecosystem. The framework has its router, a browser dev tools extension, and a state manager called Vuex.
- Documentation. Major institutions and companies—such as Google and MIT— use Vue. Thus, the framework is well-documented.
- Community. Vue has a fantastic community behind it that is always happy to help developers in need. The framework itself rose from crowdfunding. So, it makes sense it has considerable community support. Not to mention, it has a colossal backup from companies such as Facebook and Google. When working with Vue.js, you will find many guides and a very active channel on Reddit. And, of course, thousands of answered questions on Stack Overflow.
When not to use Vuejs?
Vue.js is a great tool, but there are a couple of instances when finding an alternative is best. Given the relatively new framework, the first is if your project is rather extensive. And, also, if you need seasoned developers. Again, Vue is a fairly new tool. Thus, people won't have many years of experience with the framework.
Conclusion
Vue.js certainly has a lot going for it. The template syntax of its core library has a lightweight nature, reusable code, two-way binding, declarative rendering, and an excellent ecosystem with short learning curves. Further, you can combine it with other frameworks or languages to get even more complex applications. It’s true that Vue still has some way to go compared to other frameworks like React. But it is worth considering for your web pages and projects. We hope this article helped determine if Vue is the right choice for you and your team!
