An app development framework is a set of pre-existing code that establishes a foundational structure for application developers to adhere to. Essentially, it delineates the particular lines of code that developers must incorporate in the process of app development.

Consider a framework similar to the skeletal structure of a house. Similar to how a house frame dictates the positioning and materials for constructing walls, an app development framework serves as pre-existing code where developers can essentially “fill in the blanks” and insert variable instructions to build their applications.

How developers benefit from frameworks

• Rapid development. Frameworks offer pre-built modules and components, allowing developers to accelerate the development process and focus on application-specific features.
• Consistency. Frameworks enforce coding standards and conventions, preventing any coding errors that lead to app defects or bugs.
• Code reusability. Developers can reuse code modules and components provided by the framework, reducing repetitive coding. The reduction of redundant tasks makes apps less expensive to build.
• Scalability. Choosing the right frameworks can enable the output apps to handle increased workloads as the user base grows.
• Community support. Popular frameworks often have large and active communities, providing developers with access to forums, documentation, and resources for problem-solving and learning.
• Cross-platform development. Some frameworks, especially in the context of mobile or web development, support cross-platform development, allowing developers to write code that works on multiple platforms. See also Cross-platform app.

Some popular frameworks

• React.js. Developed by Facebook’s parent company Meta, React is a JavaScript library for building user interfaces.
• Angular. A TypeScript-based framework supported by Google for building dynamic web applications.
• Vue.js. A progressive JavaScript framework for building user interfaces, known for its simplicity and flexibility.