Get Started with Frameworks

Peter Devereaux
by Peter Devereaux 30 Jun, 2011
Get Started with Frameworks

If you find yourself spending hours coding, recoding and coding again, know that there are some benefits to using frameworks.

A Web application framework is designed to support the development of dynamic websites, Web applications and Web services. The reason to use a framework is to make writing code, well, easier.

Frameworks are wonders of the modern world of development and design. Results are seen in the reduction of time spent on numerous common activities (many frameworks provide libraries for database access, templating frameworks and session management, and even to facilitate code reuse).

There are many benefits to using a framework. Efficiency is the draw for most developers - what could have taken hours can be done quickly, thanks to pre-built functions.

Cost is another attraction. Most frameworks are free, which results in a lower cost for the project - for the client as well as for the developer.

There are, of course, some downsides to using frameworks - perhaps why more developers don't use them at all. The primary drawback is the limitation of the core behavior. When you use a framework, you need to work within its limits and work exactly the way it requires you to.

Another issue with frameworks is that developers who may just be starting out tend to learn their way around the framework itself, but not the language. All that said, there are many frameworks that can benefit one's future Web apps, services and sites.

JavaScript Frameworks

jQuery (jquery.com) is by far the most popular JavaScript framework in terms of overall usage. As mentioned here before, jQuery is a fast, lightweight and concise JavaScript library that simplifies HTML document traversing, event handling, animating and even Ajax interactions for Web development. MooTools (mootools.net) and Prototype (prototypejs.org) are two alternatives.

PHP Frameworks

PHP is arguably the most widely used programming language on the Web today. There are numerous PHP frameworks on the market for coders looking for both simple and elegant toolkits to create high-functioning, full-featured Web applications. CodeIgniter (codeigniter.com), CakePHP (cakephp.org), Zend (framework.zend.com) and Symfony (symfony-project.org) are four of the most widely recognized frameworks for working with and coding in PHP.

Ruby Frameworks

Ruby on Rails is an open-source Web application framework that is used for the Ruby programming language. Ruby on Rails (RoR) includes templates to enable developers to generate a skeleton application with custom gems and configurations, engines that let a developer reuse application pieces, and the Rack Web service interface and Metal which allow for writing optimized pieces of code that route around ActionController. Well-known alternatives include Padrino (padrinorb.com) and Bowline (bowlineapp. com).

CSS Frameworks

A CSS framework is a library that is meant to allow for easier, more standards- compliant styling of a webpage using the Cascading Style Sheets language. Similar to programming and scripting language libraries, CSS frameworks package a number of ready-made options for designing and outlaying a webpage. Some of the most popular CSS frameworks include BluePrint (blueprintcss. org), 960 Grid (960.gs) and Elastic (elasticcss.com). Another is YUI2. The foundational YUI grids offer four preset page widths, six preset templates, and the ability to stack and nest subdivided regions of multiple columns.

Mobile Frameworks

Perhaps more than any other medium (the Web included), mobile dominates the attention of developers these days and for good reasons: high use and big profits. There are several popular mobile frameworks on the market including DHTMLX Touch (dhtmlx.com/touch/), an HTML5- based JavaScript library for building mobile apps, and iWebKit from SnippetSpace, which is a file package designed to help developers create iPhone- and iPad-compatible websites and Web applications.

Framework in Focus - Laker

If you're interested in having the ability to distribute publications for the iPhone and iPad including digital magazines, catalogs, or anything else you can imagine, check out Laker Compendium. Laker is a collection of files, frameworks, styles and tips for designing digital publications in HTML5. Its ease of use and general elegance caught our attention and while perhaps not the most robust solution on the market, it does have some exceptional features for those looking to get a leg up in a more app-friendly environment. Features include the ability for the layout to scale automatically depending on screen size and orientation. Also with Laker, developers are able to have a framework which lets users swipe to change pages, double tap to show a table of contents, implement native looking slideshows, and include media and assets (e.g. sound, videos, images). The best part? No Web server required.

Peter Devereaux
Peter Devereaux
As the Editor-in-Chief of Website Magazine and President of Website Services, Peter has established himself as a prominent figure in the digital marketing industry. With a wealth of experience and knowledge, Peter has been a driving force in shaping the landscape of digital marketing. His leadership in creating innovative and targeted marketing campaigns has helped numerous businesses achieve their revenue growth goals. Under his direction, Website Magazine has become a trusted source of information and insights for digital marketers worldwide. As President of Website Services, Peter oversees a team of talented professionals who specialize in SEO/SEM, email marketing, social media, and digital advertising. Through his hands-on approach, he ensures that his team delivers exceptional results to their clients. With a passion for digital marketing, Peter is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technologies, making him a sought-after thought leader in the field.