Full Stack Web Frameworks

Full-stack frameworks provide a complete set of tools for building both the frontend (user interface) and backend (server, database, logic) of a web application in a unified environment.

Architecture Reference

For a deep dive into Rendering Models (SSR, SSG, CSR, ISR) and Application Structures (SPA vs MPA) used by these frameworks, see the Web Application Architectures guide.

JavaScript / TypeScript Ecosystem

The JavaScript ecosystem is currently dominated by meta-frameworks that allow you to write both frontend and backend code in a single language.

Next.js

The most popular React-based full-stack framework. It provides features like Server-Side Rendering (SSR) and Static Site Generation (SSG).

• Primary Models: SSR, SSG, ISR, and CSR.
• API Routes: Build serverless endpoints in the same project.
• Example Sites: Hulu, TikTok, Netflix (Marketing pages), Twitch.

TanStack Start

A full-stack React framework focusing on high performance and end-to-end type safety.

• Primary Models: SSR (with full hydration for CSR/SPA feel), and SSG.
• Built-in Query/Router: Deep integration with the TanStack ecosystem.
• Example Sites: TanStack Documentation, Tiptap.

Astro

An all-in-one web framework for building fast, content-focused websites.

• Primary Models: SSG and SSR (using “Island Architecture”).
• Multi-Framework: Use React, Vue, Svelte, or solid in one project.
• Example Sites: The Guardian (Engineering), Firebase Blog, Trivago.

Nuxt

The intuitive Vue framework. It provides a similar experience to Next.js but for the Vue ecosystem.

• Primary Models: SSR, SSG, and CSR.
• Auto-imports: Automatically imports components and composables.
• Example Sites: Upwork, Bitpanda, OpenAI.

PHP Ecosystem

PHP has been a staple of web development for decades, focusing on server-side rendering and rapid development.

Laravel

Laravel is known for its expressive, elegant syntax and massive “batteries-included” ecosystem.

• Primary Models: SSR (Blade), but supports CSR via Inertia.js (SPA-feel).
• Eloquent ORM: Elegant database interaction.
• Example Sites: Fathom Analytics, Laracasts, Koel.

Symfony

A high-performance PHP framework for web development and a set of reusable PHP components.

• Primary Models: SSR.
• Modular: Used by major projects like Drupal and Magento.

Python Ecosystem

Python frameworks are widely used for everything from simple websites to complex data-heavy applications.

Django

The “framework for perfectionists with deadlines.” It provides almost everything you need out of the box.

• Primary Models: SSR (Templates).
• Admin Panel: An industry-leading CMS built-in.
• Example Sites: Instagram, Pinterest, Disqus, Bitbucket.

Flask

A lightweight WSGI web application framework. It is designed to make getting started quick and easy.

• Primary Models: SSR (Jinja2).
• Micro-framework: Minimalist core, extensible by plugins.
• Example Sites: Reddit (originally), Lyft, Patreon.

Ruby Ecosystem

Ruby on Rails

The original full-stack framework that influenced many others. It emphasizes “Convention over Configuration.”

• Primary Models: SSR (with Hotwire/Turbo for SPA-like speed).
• Rapid Prototyping: Excellent for getting an MVP off the ground.
• Example Sites: GitHub, Shopify, Airbnb, Basecamp.

Java Ecosystem

Java is the backbone of many enterprise-level applications, known for its robustness, performance, and strong typing.

Spring Boot

The most widely used Java framework for building microservices and web applications.

• Primary Models: SSR (Thymeleaf/JSP) or acts as an API backend for CSR.
• Auto-configuration: Intelligent defaults to get you started quickly.
• Example Sites: Ticketmaster, Intuit, Zillow.

Jakarta EE (formerly Java EE)

A set of specifications that extend the Java SE with specifications for enterprise features such as distributed computing and web services.

• Primary Models: SSR (JSF/JSP) or API Backend.
• Standardized: Provides a standard platform for building enterprise applications.

Quarkus

A Kubernetes-native Java stack tailored for OpenJDK HotSpot and GraalVM.

• Primary Models: SSR (Qute) or API Backend.
• Fast Startup: Optimized for low memory usage and fast boot times.
• Developer Joy: Includes features like live coding for immediate feedback.