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Frameworks vs Clean Code: What should I choose for web development?

Modern web development offers a wide range of tools and approaches for creating websites and applications. One of the most discussed topics in the developer community is the use of frameworks or clean code. Each of these approaches has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them depends on many factors: project goals, deadlines, the team, and even the personal preferences of the developers. In this article, we will look at what frameworks and clean code are, their advantages, disadvantages, and application features.

Frameworks are ready—made software solutions that simplify and speed up development by providing a basic structure for an application. They include a set of tools, libraries, and rules that help developers focus on the application logic rather than the implementation of basic functions. Examples of popular frameworks:

  • Frontend: React, Angular, Vue.js
  • Backend: Django, Laravel, Express.js
  1. Accelerating development: Frameworks contain many ready-made modules and libraries, which allows you to start creating an application faster.
  2. Code Standards: The use of frameworks promotes compliance with certain standards, which makes the code clearer and easier to maintain.
  3. A large community: Popular frameworks have an active community that creates documentation, plugins, and answers questions from developers.
  4. Technology support: Many frameworks integrate with other tools such as databases, test libraries, and authentication services.
  1. The learning curve: Many frameworks require learning specific concepts, which can take time.
  2. Limited flexibility: Frameworks impose certain approaches to development, which can be inconvenient for complex or non-standard projects.
  3. Redundancy: In some cases, frameworks provide too many functions, of which only a small part is used, which increases the weight and complexity of the application.

Clean code is an approach to development in which developers write all the code themselves, without using frameworks. This approach assumes that every aspect of the application, from routing to database connectivity, is created manually. The developers follow the principles of minimalism, simplicity and clarity of the code.

  1. Full control: The developer has complete freedom in choosing the architecture, tools, and implementation methods.
  2. Ease of optimization: The code can be adapted to solve specific tasks without having to take into account the limitations of frameworks.
  3. Lack of dependence: There is no need to wait for updates or fixes in third-party libraries.
  4. Minimum size: The application does not contain unnecessary code, which makes it more productive.
  1. High time costs: Developing from scratch requires more time and effort.
  2. Complexity of support: If the code is written without a clear structure and documentation, it will be difficult to maintain.
  3. Lack of standardization: Each developer can implement the functions in their own way, which makes teamwork more difficult.
  4. The complexity of integration: Implementing third-party technologies and libraries may require additional efforts.
  1. Limited time limits: If the project needs to be launched quickly, using frameworks will save time on developing basic functionality.
  2. Standard tasks: For typical applications such as blogs, online stores, or CRM systems, frameworks provide ready-made solutions.
  3. A large team: If there are many developers working on a project, the framework helps maintain a uniform style and structure of the code.
  4. Long-term support: Projects that are planned to be developed and supported benefit from using frameworks with an active community.
  1. Unique requirements: If the project has specific tasks that do not fit into the existing frameworks.
  2. Optimization: For applications where high performance and minimal weight are important, such as games or IoT.
  3. Training: Clean code helps you better understand the basics of web development and internal processes.
  4. Short-term projects: For small and one-time projects, the use of frameworks may be redundant.
CriteriaFrameworksClean code
Development speedHighLow
FlexibilityLimitedFull
EfficiencyDepends on the frameworkHigh
The learning curveDepends on the frameworkHigh
SupportA large communityDepends on the documentation
StandardizationHighLow

Let's say you're creating an online store. Using Laravel, you can quickly set up authentication, routing, and database management thanks to the built-in tools. This will allow you to focus on project-specific functions, such as integration with payment systems or interface personalization.

If you are developing an application for an IoT device with minimal resources, using clean code will optimize each line and reduce the load on the device. This is important for working in conditions of limited memory and computing power.

  1. Evaluate the tasks of the project: If the requirements are standard, it is better to use a framework. Clean code is suitable for unique projects.
  2. Consider the command: An experienced team can work effectively with clean code, and it's easier for beginners to master frameworks.
  3. Think about the future: If the project is planned to be developed, frameworks will facilitate the introduction of new features and support.
  4. Analyze the risks: If there is a risk of ending support for the framework, this may become a problem in the long run.

The choice between frameworks and pure code depends on many factors. Frameworks offer speed and convenience, but may limit flexibility. Clean code gives you full control, but requires more time and effort. Ideally, a developer should have the skills to work with both approaches and choose the one that best suits a particular project. Regardless of the choice, the main thing is to write high—quality, maintainable and understandable code that will be useful not only now, but also in the future.

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