express vs @strapi/strapi vs sails
Node.js Frameworks and CMS Comparison
1 Year
express@strapi/strapisailsSimilar Packages:
What's Node.js Frameworks and CMS?

Node.js frameworks and content management systems (CMS) provide developers with tools and libraries to build scalable web applications and manage content effectively. These packages offer different approaches to application architecture, routing, and data handling, catering to various project requirements. Strapi is a headless CMS that allows for easy content management and API generation, Express is a minimal and flexible Node.js web application framework that provides a robust set of features for web and mobile applications, while Sails is a full-featured MVC framework that is designed for building data-driven APIs and applications with a focus on real-time features.

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express37,224,44666,416221 kB1813 months agoMIT
@strapi/strapi150,61765,2851 MB1,0206 days agoSEE LICENSE IN LICENSE
sails35,93722,8893.26 MB5913 months agoMIT
Feature Comparison: express vs @strapi/strapi vs sails

Architecture

  • express:

    Express is minimalistic and unopinionated, allowing developers to structure their applications as they see fit. It provides a thin layer of fundamental web application features, enabling developers to build applications with their preferred architecture.

  • @strapi/strapi:

    Strapi follows a headless CMS architecture, separating the backend from the frontend. It provides a RESTful or GraphQL API out of the box, allowing developers to use any frontend technology while managing content through a user-friendly admin interface.

  • sails:

    Sails follows the MVC (Model-View-Controller) architecture, providing a structured approach to building applications. It includes built-in support for WebSockets, making it suitable for real-time applications.

Extensibility

  • express:

    Express is known for its extensibility through middleware. Developers can add various middleware to handle requests, responses, and error handling, allowing for a modular approach to application development.

  • @strapi/strapi:

    Strapi is highly extensible, allowing developers to create custom plugins and extend its functionality. It supports various databases and can be integrated with other services easily, making it adaptable to different project needs.

  • sails:

    Sails is also extensible, providing a robust plugin system. Developers can create custom blueprints and policies to extend the framework's functionality, making it suitable for complex applications.

Real-time Capabilities

  • express:

    Express does not inherently provide real-time capabilities, but it can be easily integrated with Socket.io or similar libraries to add real-time features to applications, allowing for dynamic user interactions.

  • @strapi/strapi:

    Strapi does not natively support real-time features but can be integrated with libraries like Socket.io to achieve real-time functionality, making it versatile for modern applications that require live updates.

  • sails:

    Sails has built-in support for real-time features through WebSockets, allowing developers to create applications that require live updates and real-time communication out of the box.

Learning Curve

  • express:

    Express has a relatively low learning curve due to its simplicity and minimalism. Developers familiar with Node.js will find it easy to get started, as it requires minimal setup and configuration.

  • @strapi/strapi:

    Strapi has a moderate learning curve, especially for developers familiar with CMS concepts. Its user-friendly admin panel simplifies content management, making it easier for non-developers to use.

  • sails:

    Sails has a steeper learning curve compared to Express due to its MVC architecture and conventions. However, developers familiar with frameworks like Ruby on Rails will find it easier to adapt.

Community and Support

  • express:

    Express has a large and mature community, with extensive documentation and a wealth of middleware available. Its popularity ensures that developers can find support and resources easily.

  • @strapi/strapi:

    Strapi has a growing community and extensive documentation, providing ample resources for developers. The community is active, and there are numerous plugins available to extend its functionality.

  • sails:

    Sails has a smaller community compared to Express but still offers solid documentation and support. The community is focused on real-time applications, providing resources tailored to that use case.

How to Choose: express vs @strapi/strapi vs sails
  • express:

    Choose Express if you want a lightweight and unopinionated framework that allows for maximum flexibility in building web applications and APIs, particularly when you want to create a custom architecture without the overhead of a full-fledged framework.

  • @strapi/strapi:

    Choose Strapi if you need a headless CMS that allows for easy content management and API creation, especially for projects that require flexibility in content types and a user-friendly admin panel.

  • sails:

    Choose Sails if you are building a data-driven application that requires a strong MVC architecture and real-time capabilities, especially if you are familiar with the conventions of Ruby on Rails.

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