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.