JavaScript Frameworks vs Laravel - Which one's better?

The JavaScript ecosystem has seen attempts at creating a Laravel-like framework with Blitz for NextJS, Adonis for NodeJS, RedwoodJS, and others, but none have been truly successful. This article delves into the reasons behind this to help beginners navigating the complex landscape of JavaScript frameworks. Unlike PHP's Laravel, which offers a comprehensive solution, JavaScript presents multiple choices such as React, Vue, Angular, and more, making it challenging to select a suitable framework. The article explores whether developers should consider switching to PHP for an all-in-one solution like Laravel and examines the pros and cons of JavaScript frameworks in comparison. It concludes with a comparison table to assist readers in making informed decisions.

JavaScript vs Laravel

The choice between JavaScript/TypeScript and PHP is common for beginners in web development. JavaScript's extensive ecosystem can be overwhelming for newcomers, while PHP learners may feel restricted by limited frameworks. To address this, a comparison of tools available for JavaScript and PHP is being made, rather than a direct language comparison. PHP has an all-in-one solution in Laravel, while JavaScript lacks a similar framework, leading to its ecosystem's complexity.

Lack of All-in One Solution in JavaScript

In the JavaScript ecosystem, several frameworks have attempted to replicate the success of Laravel in providing a full-stack solution but have not gained traction. RedwoodJS, initiated by a GitHub co-founder, and Blitz both aim to offer comprehensive solutions but lack the customization options present in Laravel. Similarly, AdonisJS follows a similar approach but has not become widely adopted. These frameworks' inability to cater to the diverse needs of JavaScript developers has led to their lack of popularity. The unique variety of solutions available in the JavaScript ecosystem presents distinct benefits compared to Laravel, which should be carefully evaluated based on individual project requirements.

Benefits of JavaScript Frameworks

JavaScript frameworks and libraries, developed by programmers to save time and effort, have been prominent since the 2000s. Notable frameworks like React, Svelte, Angular, NextJS, and Vue have emerged over time. While having various options, the effectiveness of JavaScript frameworks is not solely determined by their abundance. Below, the advantages of using JavaScript frameworks and the lack of success of all-in-one solutions in the JavaScript ecosystem will be explored.

Versatility

The JavaScript ecosystem offers numerous options for different solutions, such as authentication. With options like Clerk, Auth0, AuthJS, NextAuth, and Supabase, developers have the flexibility to choose the most suitable tool for their specific needs. This abundance of options allows for easy switching between frameworks to find the best fit. For example, if one dislikes a particular framework's approach to authentication, they can readily switch to another solution. This versatility has hindered the success of frameworks like Blitz, as developers can easily explore and transition to alternatives.

NPM

The JavaScript ecosystem excels in providing a wide range of packages and libraries for diverse solutions, from the smallest to the most complex. This is in contrast to other languages, where building tools for others is not as straightforward. Additionally, multiple registries offer unique packages and features, reflecting JavaScript's versatility. However, the abundance of options raises questions about reliability.

Startups

The landscape of startup funding involves VC firms and Angel Investors supporting specific problem-solving solutions. JavaScript-based startups are equipped with the financial backing and resources to conduct thorough research and recruit top talent for developing customised solutions. These solutions are tailored to address the specific needs of developers. In turn, developers pay for these solutions, incentivising startups to continuously enhance their offerings for the overall ecosystem.

The Common Dev

The JavaScript ecosystem enables developers to create and sell bespoke solutions. Startups promote the idea of paying for such tailored products and developers like Marc Lou have achieved significant success in this field. If these benefits seem abstract, there are alternative opportunities in web development, such as Laravel.

Laravel

Laravel, introduced by Taylor Otwell in 2011, is a comprehensive PHP framework offering authentication, debugging, serverless deployment, user-friendly form systems, starter kits, and more. It is a server-side technology that has gained popularity, particularly in countries like India. Many developers appreciate Laravel's all-in-one solutions, preferring it over combining and switching between various technologies. While PHP competes directly with JavaScript, Laravel's widespread adoption has reshaped the tech stack landscape. Its robust nature makes it an attractive choice for developers and organizations aiming to expedite development without the need to constantly learn new technologies.

Benefits of Laravel

One-Stop Solution

Laravel is a comprehensive framework designed to meet all the needs of developers. It provides a complete package for building efficient and reliable solutions, eliminating the need to search for external libraries and frameworks. For those prioritising speed of deployment, Laravel is the optimal choice. Additionally, PHP developers using Laravel benefit from seamless integration, reducing the need to learn new syntax and libraries.

Less Wasted Time

The PHP ecosystem is known for offering fewer specific solutions for problems, leading developers to opt for all-in-one solutions rather than investing time in finding bespoke ones. This approach saves time and effort by providing everything in one place. When starting a new project, developers typically choose Laravel as their go-to option. Similarly, in the JavaScript realm, developers either use existing solutions or tech stacks or embark on finding or creating new ones.

Stable and Robust

Web Applications created using PHP are considered robust due to the battle-tested nature of the framework, allowing for the creation of a wide range of applications. Unlike JavaScript projects, where one wrong choice of library or framework can sabotage the entire application, Laravel is less prone to such risks due to its fewer solutions.

No Catching Up

The PHP framework Laravel provides stability and reduces the need to constantly learn new technologies and frameworks. Unlike JavaScript, which has more frequent updates, Laravel offers a more reliable ecosystem for developers to work in without the constant need to catch up with new versions. This stability allows developers to focus on using existing features without worrying about rapidly changing frameworks or libraries.

Massive Community

Laravel, which was introduced ten years ago, has become increasingly popular among PHP developers. This has led to the formation of developer communities focused on sharing ideas and providing assistance to one another.

Free Solutions

Most PHP frameworks and libraries are open-source and free to access. Startups are rare in the PHP ecosystem, and bespoke solutions offered by developers are mostly public and free. PHP developers can utilize these open-source solutions, contribute to them, and extend their functionality further.

Differences between JavaScript Frameworks and Laravel

Features	JavaScript Frameworks	Laravel
Beginner Friendly	They often use TypeScript, which is beginner-friendly and beneficial for developers switching from C, C#, Java, and C++	Laravel is easier to adopt if you have a grasp of PHP or other JavaScript frameworks.
Flexibility	High flexibility with the ability to choose different tools and libraries.	Less flexibility but provides a cohesive, opinionated structure.
Salary	Developers using JavaScript frameworks have higher salaries.	Laravel developers get a generally lower salary than JavaScript/TypeScript developers.
Availability of Tools	JavaScript frameworks are widely available and ready-to-use. You can download them from the NPM registry and start immediately.	Laravel offers solutions for a wide range of problems, but if you encounter issues with their built-in solutions, you have fewer alternatives.
Security	Depends on the back-end setup of the respective framework, but there are options to choose from if the security measures lack.	It has built-in security features like CSRF and encryption.
Documentation	Depends on the framework. React, NextJS, and a few other frameworks have the most detailed documentations with code snippets and explanations.	Laravel has a structured and organised documentation with code snippets and explanations.
Testing & Debugging	JavaScript frameworks have multiple testing libraries, like Jest.	Laravel has built-in tools, like PHPUnit intergration for testing.
Learning Curve	JavaScript frameworks have a higher learning curve due to frequent and significant updates, as well as the regular release of new frameworks.	Laravel has a gentle learning curve because its built-in solutions are easy to adopt, even for those familiar with JavaScript frameworks.
Scalability	JavaScript frameworks are highly scalable, allowing you to swap libraries as needed to maximize performance.	Laravel has limited options to modify and swap solutions. Hence, it is less scalable, but reliable.
Deployment & Hosting	JavaScript frameworks can be deployed with any VPS, or using Vercel with a few clicks. However, it requires NodeJS on the server.	Laravel projects can be hosted on any server supporting PHP.
Customisation	JavaScript frameworks allow for easy swapping and customization, enabling you to tailor libraries or frameworks to suit your needs.	Laravel solutions are limited and cannot be modified.
Performance	JavaScript frameworks have high-performance for dynamic, interactive Uls.	Laravel has high-performance for back-end processes and server-side rendering.
Future	JavaScript frameworks continue to grow, with more startups being founded and developers launching their own solutions.	Laravel continuously evolves, releasing new sub-frameworks and solutions to address problems in the most effective way possible.