Advice on loopback.js vs express js

Question

Planning to build an enterprise level application using node js. Have already worked on express js for a few projects.

When researching for other possible frameworks, came across loopback js. Loopback.js, a new framework(3-4 years) built over express framework. The initial configuration and set up of the application was so quick, as i able to set up api endpoints, basic crud, acl, user auth, jwt in few hours. The documentation is bit complex and coid maintenance not good.

But for a bigger application, is loopback.js scalable and how about performance and its default ORM? With express we can write everything the way we want and in a custom way.

Need some advise and points on this. loopback.js vs express js

Answer 1

As you've pointed out, Loopback is built on top of express. Whatever you wish to do with express, can be done with loopback.

The default ORM is capable of handling basic crud and querying across different datasources. If you need, You can write native queries for atleast mongodb, and mysql (I haven't checked all connectors).

Loopback is centred around models. https://loopback.io/doc/en/lb3/LoopBack-core-concepts.html

If your application can be broken down into model like entities, then you should go with loopback in my opinion. It saves development time, and comes with a lot of functionality built in.

I personally like their documentation. For general use cases, its enough.

Loopback is a bit opinionated framework. They have a cli tool for generating models, remote-methods, datasources etc. They even have an own eslint style guide. I find it reasonable however.

I have used loopback in production at 2 companies, we never ran into 'scaling' problems

Answer 2

The requirements of your application determines, will loopback.js a good, choice for your use.

Ask yourself the following question, before switching to any new framework:

1. Learning Curve
2. Does it satisfies the business requirements
3. Available Community Support
4. Demand in Industry

Loopback.js is a javascript based framework, build as an enhanced version of Express.js, as it makes it simpler to manage API's, database, tables and models.

Multiple Node.js based Framework already exist and are continuously being improved. For example, 1. Express.js - Popular with web development 2. Loopback.js - Popular with API Application Apart from these two, various frameworks exist, you have found which satisfies your requirement.

Loopback.js is node base framework and will be compatible with the majority of operating systems, such as: 1. Windows 2. Linux 3. Mac Both javascript and the Node.js frameworks are widely used in the industry, resulting in vast community support on StackOverflow, and the documentation page. Further, loopback is used by many companies to create scalable API manager and web application. The documentation of loopback.js provides detail on how to create, develop and manage application

Answer 3

If you're working for a small brochure application which needs some minimal APIs and content management you should be using Express.js with some npm package for SQL (Database). But if you're working on an Enterprise application where you need to work on some complex data models you should definitely go with Loopback.js.

Loopback is based on Data Models where we can specify relationships / migrations / seedings. So its the application type which should ideally decide on which framework to choose. We cannot differentiate these frameworks as Loopback is built above Express framework.

Hope this helps. :-)