There are a lot of web development frameworks available. The first ones that may come to mind include Node.js and React. Yet, there’s another hidden gem: Vue.js.
This article will cover all aspects of Vue: what it is, its features, and its architecture.
We’ll also discuss some of the popular tools about this JavaScript framework for building User Interfaces (UIs). Let’s go!
What is Vue?
Vue.js is a Typescript-written, open-source, progressive framework for Web User Interfaces.
Created by Ewan You in 2014, Vue is mainly focused on static website front end.
As of 2024, Vue.js usage statistics show over 200,000 stars on GitHub. This rank places it among the top JavaScript frameworks in terms of recognition!
What can Vue do?
Vue.js is a versatile tool for standalone scripts, embedded web components and Single-Page Applications (SPAs).
It’s also great for building mobile apps with Ionic Vue, Desktop Apps with Electron or Tauri and cross-platform apps with Quasar.
Due to its flexibility, it's no surprise that Vue is part of many projects. Products that had Vue in their development include Netflix, Grammarly and GitLab. Other examples are Xiaomi, Trivago and Nintendo.
Vue Key Concepts
- Virtual DOM: The Virtual DOM copies the actual DOM. As a result, Vue can upload the real DOM with recent changes. Revisiting the whole DOM with each small change becomes unnecessary.
- Data Binding: Vue uses one-way data flows between single-file components. Data flows are more manageable and the framework becomes more flexible.
- Computed Properties: These properties handle complex logic and operations. They declaratively describe "how to derive a value based on other values." What’s more, they are highly reactive and updated whenever values change.
- Components: Reusable components help create custom elements in Vue. These authorize HTML to reuse said elements.
- Templates: HTML-based templates bind the rendered DOM to Vue information or instance data.
- Transitions: Vue also allows to perform transitions when introducing, changing or deleting HTML elements. The framework has two built-in transition components: Transition and TransitionGroup.
Vue Architecture
Vue has a modular architecture where individual functionalities don't disrupt the overall architecture.
Moreover, it lies on a Model-View-ViewModel (MVVM) architecture pattern that divides program logic from UI controls.
Programs break into modules to organize the code and simplify and speed up dev and update processes. Let's break this pattern down:
- Vue V Model: The Vue V instance handles the abstraction of data sources. It works with the ViewModel to gather and store data.
- Vue View: The view is the face or presentation layer and handles the data display to the user. Views also inform the ViewModel of user actions.
- Vue ViewModel: The VM Vue instance also receives the name “presentation logic.” The logic of the views serves as a link between views and models.
Vue Latest Updates
As of 2025, we can highlight some stable releases:
Vue 3.5 (Set 2024): This update receives the name “Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann.” One focus was its Reactivity System optimization and refactor for better performance. It improved memory usage (-56%) with no behavior changes. 3.5’s version also brought stabilization to the Reactive Props Destructure.
Vue 3.4 (Dec 2023): Vue’s “Slam Dunk” included a rewritten template parser that is 2x faster. It also had a refactored reactivity system that made effect triggering more accurate. Other focuses were on its quality-of-life API improvements, with the stabilization of defineModel.
Vue 3.3 (May 2023): There were several additions to Vue’s "Rurouni Kenshin." Some main features included more Ergonomic defineEmits and yped Slots with defineSlots. There were also changes in generic components— those with <script setup> started accepting generic type parameters.
Best Vue Combinations
Vue + Laravel
Laravel is a PHP back-end framework for web app development with "expressive, elegant syntax."
The framework focuses on scaling products while saving design time. It’s also great for organizing and managing resources.
Combining Laravel with Vue can provide a full-stack solution with a focus on optimizing User Interfaces.
Vue’s speed and Laravel’s dependability can be the go-to stack for cutting-edge digital products.
Vue + TypeScript
Since Vue.js emerged from TypeScript, it's logical that it works well with it!
TypeScript is excellent for detecting common errors and reducing runtime errors in production.
It's also great when it comes to Vue component communication.
Vue + Python
If you enjoy Python, consider combining it with Vue.
Beyond Software Development, Python’s applications include Data Science and workflow optimization.
You can use the Django framework to focus on the back end while working with Vue for the front end.
Vue + RoR
Vue can also be combined with the Ruby on Rails full-stack web framework.
Using RoR for the back with Vue for the front end can combine the best of both worlds.
Vue vs 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, and it’s quite a top-rated tool.
It’s known for being declarative, simple and supporting server-side rendering and code scaffolding. It’s also component-based and easy to learn.
So, will Vue.js overtake React? There is no straightforward answer. While Vue.js has gained popularity, React still takes the lead.
One reason can be that Vue is aimed at beginners, while React requires a more in-depth knowledge of JS.
Likewise, while Vue.js offers a progressive enhancement, React has a more comprehensive ecosystem. Lastly, Vue has an easier-to-use interface, but React provides more API choices.
Vue vs Angular
Angular is an open-source web development framework mainly for single-page app creation.
With strong roots in HTML and TypeScript, Angular is easy to learn, reduces line coding and uses two-way data binding.
Both frameworks use templates and model binding, as well as share loops, conditionals and even binding. Likewise, both have strong developer communities behind them.
While Vue uses MVVM architecture, Angular uses the MVC pattern. This difference makes Vue easier to learn, faster and better-performing than Angular.
Nonetheless, Angular has a more defined app architecture, is more scalable and includes better testing tools.
Vue is an excellent choice for beginners and developers interested in optimizing performance.
Meanwhile, Angular thrives when dealing with complex enterprises, such as PWAS and SPAs.
Vue vs JavaScript
Plain JavaScript—called Vanilla.js—is a library or framework-free JS.
Is using Vue better than sticking to the JS programming language?
If you need to develop your website or app fast, a framework like Vue will help you save time.
If time’s not an issue and performance is vital, you might be better off using plain old Vanilla.js.
Why Consider Vue.js?
- Learning: You don’t need extensive Typescript or JSX knowledge to navigate Vue. Vue.js is great for beginners with standard HTML, CSS and JavaScript knowledge.
- Lightweight: With a downloadable file of just 18KB, Vue is quite lightweight! This feature enhances the creation of responsive UX and does wonders for SEO rankings.
- Ecosystem: Vue.js has a healthy and extensive ecosystem. It has its router, a browser dev tools extension and a state manager called Vuex.
- Documentation: Institutions and companies use Vue, so it’s quite well-documented!
- Community: As the framework rose from crowdfunding, it had a fantastic community from the start. When working with Vue, you’ll find many guides and a very active channel on Reddit.
Conclusion
Vue.js certainly has a lot going for it! The template syntax of its core library has a lightweight nature, reusable code and two-way binding.
It’s also great for its declarative rendering and its excellent ecosystem with short learning curves.
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, yet it’s worth considering!
If you want to develop never-before-seen Vue products, get in touch with Capicua!
