Meteor
Meteor is a JavaScript full-stack framework for creating both web and mobile applications. We can’t talk about fast without mentioning it. Meteor is the king of fast. It does tie you down to its rules and ways of doing things, but if you aim to get a prototype out there as soon as possible, Meteor’s got your back.![Meteor - Start New Projects Faster](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/15996723521meteor-squashed.jpg)
Sails
Sails is a model-view-controller web application framework. This reduces friction for developers who are already familiar with other MVC frameworks regardless of language or platform. What makes Sails.js unique is how it simplifies the process of creating regular, modern web apps with its simplified data access layer — which is Database agnostic — and REST API blueprints that generate routes and actions based on your application design.![Sails - Start New Projects Faster](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/15996723542sails-squashed.jpg)
MongoDB + Mongoose
If you’re using MongoDB, then you should profit from its loyal companion, Mongoose. This library helps you easily model your data into schemas, and it assists you with casting and validation, among other things. It’s a brilliant way of getting a lot of boilerplate out of the way that would otherwise drag you down.![MongoDb - Start New Projects Faster](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/15996723563mongodb-squashed.jpg)
MongoDB is a general-purpose, document-based, distributed database built for modern application developers and for the cloud era.And to wrap it up, they add:
No database makes you more productive.There you go. What else do you need? Stop procrastinating and get coding!
Lodash
Lodash provides a convenient set of tools to make your everyday coding life more comfortable. It assists you with iterating, ordering, throttling, debouncing, and probably any function that you would end up throwing in a utils file.![Lodash - Start New Projects Faster](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/15996723574lodash.png)
npm install lodash/throttle
If you think you might be using a few of the Lodash functions but you’re unsure of which, and you don’t want the hassle of installing each one separately, you can import them like so:
import throttle from 'lodash/throttle'
This way, the rest of the library won’t get in your bundle, and you can live happily ever after.
Svelte
Svelte is a reasonably new front-end framework that’s been building a lot of hype for some time now, and for a good reason. It’s so easy to use that it could get your toddler nephew to steal your job if you expose them to it. I’m not joking; this is a minimalistic, no-BS framework that will make you wonder why it ever got so complex to build front ends in the first place. Don’t get me wrong: writing front-end code will still be complicated, but not for the wrong reasons. If this is where the future of web development is taking us, then I can’t wait to see what’s next.![Svelte](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/15996723595svelte.png)
Vue.js + Vue CLI
Before Svelte, Vue.js was definitely my top choice for the most straightforward front-end framework. And it can still stand its ground in that arena against the rest of its competitors. Vue.js has the advantage of being mature and reliable. It struggled to get the industry’s trust at first but, we’re now at a point where no one can argue that Vue.js has earned its rightful place at the pole.![Vue - Start New Projects Faster](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/15996723606vue-squashed.jpg)
React + CRA
A close competitor to Vue CLI in the “fast” arena is definitely Create React App, better known as CRA. It’s super fast to get started with, and if you’re already familiar with React, this might be a better choice for you.![React - Start New Projects Faster](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/15996723617react.png)
Three.js
If you’re building anything that requires 3D in the browser, then Three.js is your friend. It’s super easy to use, has a great community, and has as many contributors as stars in the sky. Three.js makes WebGL simple.![Three.js - Start New Projects Faster](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/15996723638three-squashed.jpg)
PixiJS
Need some nice and smooth 2D animations? Pixi is an HTML5 Creation Engine with a super-fast 2D WebGL renderer.![Pixi - Start New Projects Faster](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/15996723659pixi-squashed.jpg)
Parcel
Don’t get me wrong, I love webpack, but if you feel like you’ve had enough of those complicated configuration files, you’re not alone in this world. Parcel is a bundler that works out of the box with no need for configuration. You can customize it if you need to, but the point is that you don’t have to. The default is just fine to get your project up and running.![Parcel - Start New Projects Faster](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/159967236710parcel-squashed.jpg)
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, there’s no one size fits all but, hopefully, you’ve found something in this list that’s suitable for your particular project. I’m leaving many other great solutions out, of course. But as I said initially, the focus, in this case, is not maintainability or scalability, but how fast they can get you up and running. Building something extraordinary doesn’t need to be too hard. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of using the right tools.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Starting New Projects Faster
What is the significance of scaffolding in programming?
Scaffolding in programming is a technique used by many modern web frameworks to speed up application development. It involves the automatic generation of basic code structure that developers can build upon. This can include code for basic CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations, views, and even database migrations. By providing a basic structure, scaffolding allows developers to focus on the unique aspects of their application, rather than the repetitive boilerplate code.
How does Yeoman help in starting new projects faster?
Yeoman is a powerful tool that helps developers to kick-start new projects quickly. It provides a generator ecosystem, which means it provides templates for various types of applications. These templates or ‘generators’ can be used to quickly set up a new project with a basic structure, dependencies, and even some boilerplate code. This significantly reduces the time and effort required to set up a new project from scratch.
What are the benefits of using a project starter like Yeoman?
Using a project starter like Yeoman has several benefits. Firstly, it saves time by automating the process of setting up a new project. Secondly, it ensures consistency across projects by using the same structure and coding standards. Thirdly, it reduces the risk of errors and bugs by using tried and tested code. Lastly, it allows developers to focus on the unique aspects of their project, rather than the setup and configuration.
How does scaffolding compare to traditional programming methods?
Traditional programming methods often involve writing every piece of code from scratch. This can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Scaffolding, on the other hand, provides a basic structure and boilerplate code to start with. This not only speeds up the development process but also ensures consistency and reduces the risk of errors. However, it’s important to note that scaffolding is not a replacement for understanding the underlying code and programming concepts.
Can I customize the code generated by scaffolding?
Yes, the code generated by scaffolding is fully customizable. The purpose of scaffolding is to provide a starting point, not a finished product. Developers are expected to modify and build upon the generated code to create their unique application. In fact, understanding and customizing the scaffolded code is a great way to learn about the framework and the programming concepts involved.
Is scaffolding suitable for all types of projects?
Scaffolding is particularly useful for projects that follow common patterns, such as web applications with CRUD operations. However, for unique projects with unconventional requirements, scaffolding may not be as beneficial. In such cases, developers may prefer to write their own code from scratch to have full control over the application’s structure and behavior.
What are some popular scaffolding tools?
Some popular scaffolding tools include Yeoman, Rails Generators, Django’s startproject and startapp commands, and Laravel’s Artisan command line tool. These tools support a wide range of programming languages and frameworks, and offer various templates or ‘generators’ for different types of applications.
How can I learn to use scaffolding tools effectively?
The best way to learn to use scaffolding tools effectively is through practice. Start by reading the documentation and tutorials for the tool you’re interested in. Then, try to use it in a small project. Experiment with different generators, customize the generated code, and see how it affects the application. Over time, you’ll gain a better understanding of how scaffolding works and how to use it effectively.
Are there any drawbacks to using scaffolding?
While scaffolding can speed up development and ensure consistency, it’s not without its drawbacks. One potential issue is that it can lead to bloated code if the generated code includes features that are not needed for the project. Another issue is that it can create a dependency on the scaffolding tool, making it harder to switch to a different tool or framework in the future. Lastly, it can be a crutch for developers who don’t fully understand the underlying code and concepts.
How does scaffolding contribute to faster project completion?
Scaffolding contributes to faster project completion by automating the creation of repetitive code and structure. This allows developers to focus on the unique aspects of their project, rather than spending time on setup and configuration. Additionally, by using tried and tested code, scaffolding reduces the risk of errors and bugs, which can also speed up the development process.
Aside from being a software developer, I am also a massage therapist, an enthusiastic musician, and a hobbyist fiction writer. I love traveling, watching good quality TV shows and, of course, playing video games.