express vs koa vs fastify vs @expressots/core vs sapper vs hapi
Node.js Web Frameworks Comparison
1 Year
expresskoafastify@expressots/coresapperhapiSimilar Packages:
What's Node.js Web Frameworks?

Node.js web frameworks are libraries designed to simplify the process of building web applications and APIs. They provide a set of tools and conventions that help developers create robust server-side applications efficiently. Each framework has its unique features, strengths, and use cases, catering to different development needs and preferences.

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express36,945,61566,421221 kB1773 months agoMIT
koa3,728,85035,36661.8 kB266 days agoMIT
fastify2,327,32433,1512.57 MB922 months agoMIT
@expressots/core107,8631,724496 kB163 months agoMIT
sapper37,2796,982536 kB259-MIT
hapi33,69814,670-786 years agoBSD-3-Clause
Feature Comparison: express vs koa vs fastify vs @expressots/core vs sapper vs hapi

Performance

  • express:

    Express is known for its lightweight and unopinionated nature, which contributes to good performance. However, performance can vary based on the middleware used and the complexity of the application.

  • koa:

    Koa's performance is enhanced by its use of async/await, allowing for non-blocking I/O operations. This leads to improved performance in handling requests compared to traditional callback-based frameworks.

  • fastify:

    Fastify is built for speed, boasting one of the fastest HTTP frameworks available. It achieves high performance through a low-overhead architecture and efficient request handling, making it ideal for high-load applications.

  • @expressots/core:

    @expressots/core inherits Express's performance characteristics while adding TypeScript benefits. It allows for type-safe middleware and request handling, enhancing developer productivity without significant overhead.

  • sapper:

    Sapper optimizes performance through server-side rendering and code-splitting, ensuring that only the necessary code is sent to the client, which reduces load times and improves user experience.

  • hapi:

    Hapi provides a balance of performance and features. While it may not be as fast as Fastify, it offers robust capabilities for building scalable applications with a focus on configuration over code.

Extensibility

  • express:

    Express has a vast ecosystem of middleware, making it highly extensible. Developers can easily add functionality through third-party libraries or custom middleware.

  • koa:

    Koa's middleware approach allows developers to create custom middleware easily, providing flexibility in extending functionality while maintaining a clean codebase.

  • fastify:

    Fastify's plugin architecture allows for easy extensibility. Plugins can encapsulate functionality and be reused across applications, promoting modular design.

  • @expressots/core:

    @expressots/core allows for easy integration of TypeScript-compatible middleware, making it highly extensible for developers familiar with TypeScript.

  • sapper:

    Sapper is built on top of Svelte and allows for the creation of custom routes and endpoints, making it extensible for developers looking to enhance their Svelte applications.

  • hapi:

    Hapi's built-in plugin system enables developers to create reusable components, enhancing the framework's extensibility and allowing for a structured approach to application development.

Learning Curve

  • express:

    Express is known for its simplicity and minimalism, making it easy to learn for beginners. Its straightforward API allows developers to quickly build applications without steep learning curves.

  • koa:

    Koa's use of async/await can be a learning curve for developers unfamiliar with modern JavaScript. However, its minimalist approach allows for quick understanding of core concepts.

  • fastify:

    Fastify has a slightly steeper learning curve due to its unique concepts like schema-based validation and the plugin system, but it is well-documented and designed for ease of use.

  • @expressots/core:

    @expressots/core has a moderate learning curve, especially for developers familiar with TypeScript. The added type safety can enhance understanding but may require some initial setup.

  • sapper:

    Sapper has a moderate learning curve, especially for those new to Svelte. Understanding server-side rendering and routing concepts is essential, but the framework is well-documented.

  • hapi:

    Hapi has a more complex API compared to Express, which can result in a steeper learning curve. However, its comprehensive documentation and built-in features can help mitigate this.

Community and Ecosystem

  • express:

    Express has one of the largest communities and ecosystems in the Node.js world, with a wealth of middleware, tutorials, and support available for developers.

  • koa:

    Koa has a smaller community compared to Express but is supported by a range of middleware and has a solid base of contributors, making it reliable for developers.

  • fastify:

    Fastify's community is rapidly growing, and it has a solid ecosystem of plugins and tools that enhance its functionality, though it is smaller compared to Express.

  • @expressots/core:

    @expressots/core is part of the growing TypeScript community, benefiting from the broader Express ecosystem while catering specifically to TypeScript developers.

  • sapper:

    Sapper is part of the Svelte ecosystem, which is growing quickly. While its community is smaller than more established frameworks, it is vibrant and supportive.

  • hapi:

    Hapi has a dedicated community and a range of plugins, but its ecosystem is not as extensive as Express. However, it provides strong support and documentation.

Middleware Support

  • express:

    Express has a rich middleware ecosystem, allowing developers to easily integrate third-party middleware for various functionalities such as authentication, logging, and error handling.

  • koa:

    Koa's middleware is designed to be lightweight and modular, allowing developers to create custom middleware easily and control the flow of requests and responses.

  • fastify:

    Fastify has its own set of plugins that serve as middleware, focusing on performance and schema validation, which can be a different approach compared to traditional middleware.

  • @expressots/core:

    @expressots/core supports existing Express middleware, allowing developers to leverage the extensive middleware ecosystem while benefiting from TypeScript.

  • sapper:

    Sapper integrates seamlessly with Svelte's component-based architecture, allowing for middleware-like functionality through its routing and server-side rendering capabilities.

  • hapi:

    Hapi has built-in support for various functionalities, reducing the need for external middleware. Its plugin system allows for modular middleware integration.

How to Choose: express vs koa vs fastify vs @expressots/core vs sapper vs hapi
  • express:

    Choose Express if you need a minimal and flexible framework that is widely adopted, has a large ecosystem of middleware, and is suitable for building both simple and complex applications quickly.

  • koa:

    Choose Koa if you prefer a lightweight and modular framework that uses async/await for cleaner code, allowing you to build APIs and web applications with more control over the middleware stack.

  • fastify:

    Choose Fastify if performance is a top priority, as it is designed for speed and low overhead, with built-in schema-based validation and a powerful plugin architecture for extensibility.

  • @expressots/core:

    Choose @expressots/core if you are looking for a TypeScript-first approach to building applications with Express, leveraging type safety and modern JavaScript features while maintaining compatibility with existing Express middleware.

  • sapper:

    Choose Sapper if you are building a Svelte application and want a framework that provides server-side rendering, routing, and code-splitting out of the box, optimizing performance and user experience.

  • hapi:

    Choose Hapi if you require a rich set of features out of the box, such as input validation, caching, and authentication, along with a robust plugin system for building scalable applications.

README for express

Express Logo

Fast, unopinionated, minimalist web framework for Node.js.

This project has a Code of Conduct.

Table of contents

NPM Version NPM Install Size NPM Downloads OpenSSF Scorecard Badge

const express = require('express')
const app = express()

app.get('/', function (req, res) {
  res.send('Hello World')
})

app.listen(3000)

Installation

This is a Node.js module available through the npm registry.

Before installing, download and install Node.js. Node.js 0.10 or higher is required.

If this is a brand new project, make sure to create a package.json first with the npm init command.

Installation is done using the npm install command:

$ npm install express

Follow our installing guide for more information.

Features

  • Robust routing
  • Focus on high performance
  • Super-high test coverage
  • HTTP helpers (redirection, caching, etc)
  • View system supporting 14+ template engines
  • Content negotiation
  • Executable for generating applications quickly

Docs & Community

PROTIP Be sure to read Migrating from 3.x to 4.x as well as New features in 4.x.

Quick Start

The quickest way to get started with express is to utilize the executable express(1) to generate an application as shown below:

Install the executable. The executable's major version will match Express's:

$ npm install -g express-generator@4

Create the app:

$ express /tmp/foo && cd /tmp/foo

Install dependencies:

$ npm install

Start the server:

$ npm start

View the website at: http://localhost:3000

Philosophy

The Express philosophy is to provide small, robust tooling for HTTP servers, making it a great solution for single page applications, websites, hybrids, or public HTTP APIs.

Express does not force you to use any specific ORM or template engine. With support for over 14 template engines via Consolidate.js, you can quickly craft your perfect framework.

Examples

To view the examples, clone the Express repo and install the dependencies:

$ git clone https://github.com/expressjs/express.git --depth 1
$ cd express
$ npm install

Then run whichever example you want:

$ node examples/content-negotiation

Contributing

Linux Build Windows Build Test Coverage

The Express.js project welcomes all constructive contributions. Contributions take many forms, from code for bug fixes and enhancements, to additions and fixes to documentation, additional tests, triaging incoming pull requests and issues, and more!

See the Contributing Guide for more technical details on contributing.

Security Issues

If you discover a security vulnerability in Express, please see Security Policies and Procedures.

Running Tests

To run the test suite, first install the dependencies, then run npm test:

$ npm install
$ npm test

People

The original author of Express is TJ Holowaychuk

List of all contributors

TC (Technical Committee)

TC emeriti members

TC emeriti members

Triagers

Triagers emeriti members

Emeritus Triagers

License

MIT