express vs koa vs fastify vs hyper-express
Node.js Web Frameworks Comparison
1 Year
expresskoafastifyhyper-expressSimilar Packages:
What's Node.js Web Frameworks?

Node.js web frameworks are libraries that simplify the process of building server-side applications by providing a robust set of features for handling HTTP requests, routing, middleware, and more. These frameworks enhance developer productivity by abstracting common tasks and offering a structured way to build applications, allowing developers to focus on business logic rather than low-level details. Each framework has its unique strengths, catering to different use cases and developer preferences.

Package Weekly Downloads Trend
Github Stars Ranking
Stat Detail
Package
Downloads
Stars
Size
Issues
Publish
License
express41,828,83366,951197 kB183a month agoMIT
koa3,827,91535,48063.6 kB1415 days agoMIT
fastify2,402,97533,7232.6 MB11224 days agoMIT
hyper-express24,7581,922240 kB155 months agoMIT
Feature Comparison: express vs koa vs fastify vs hyper-express

Performance

  • express:

    Express is lightweight but can become slower with extensive middleware usage. It is generally suitable for most applications but may require optimization for high-performance needs.

  • koa:

    Koa is also performance-oriented, leveraging async/await to streamline middleware execution. Its lightweight design allows for efficient handling of requests, making it suitable for high-performance applications.

  • fastify:

    Fastify is built for speed, boasting one of the fastest HTTP frameworks in the Node.js ecosystem. It uses asynchronous programming and a highly optimized routing mechanism to achieve low latency and high throughput.

  • hyper-express:

    Hyper-Express is designed for maximum performance, utilizing a minimalistic approach that reduces overhead and focuses on speed. It is particularly effective for applications that require rapid response times.

Middleware Support

  • express:

    Express has a rich ecosystem of middleware, allowing developers to easily add functionality such as authentication, logging, and error handling. This extensibility is one of its key strengths.

  • koa:

    Koa's middleware is based on a more modern async/await pattern, allowing for better control over the flow of requests and responses. This modular approach makes it easy to compose middleware.

  • fastify:

    Fastify supports middleware through its plugin architecture, enabling developers to create reusable components. However, it encourages a more structured approach to middleware compared to Express.

  • hyper-express:

    Hyper-Express offers a minimalistic middleware system, focusing on speed and simplicity. It allows for quick integration of middleware but may lack the extensive ecosystem found in Express.

Learning Curve

  • express:

    Express has a gentle learning curve, making it accessible for beginners. Its straightforward API and extensive documentation help new developers get started quickly.

  • koa:

    Koa has a steeper learning curve due to its use of async/await and a more functional programming style. However, developers who embrace its modular approach often find it rewarding.

  • fastify:

    Fastify has a moderate learning curve, particularly due to its plugin architecture. However, once understood, it offers powerful features for building scalable applications.

  • hyper-express:

    Hyper-Express is easy to learn for those familiar with Node.js, as it maintains a simple API. Its minimalistic design allows developers to grasp its concepts quickly.

Community and Ecosystem

  • express:

    Express has a vast community and a rich ecosystem of middleware and plugins, making it a safe choice for many projects. Its long-standing presence in the Node.js ecosystem ensures plenty of resources and support.

  • koa:

    Koa has a dedicated community and a decent ecosystem, though it is not as large as Express. Its modern approach attracts developers looking for a more elegant solution.

  • fastify:

    Fastify is gaining popularity and has a growing community. While its ecosystem is not as extensive as Express, it is rapidly expanding with a focus on performance-oriented plugins.

  • hyper-express:

    Hyper-Express has a smaller community and ecosystem compared to the others. It is relatively new, which may limit available resources and third-party integrations.

Extensibility

  • express:

    Express is highly extensible, allowing developers to integrate a wide range of middleware and third-party libraries. This flexibility makes it suitable for various application types.

  • koa:

    Koa's modular design allows for significant extensibility, enabling developers to compose middleware in a flexible manner. This makes it suitable for applications that require custom functionality.

  • fastify:

    Fastify's plugin architecture promotes extensibility, enabling developers to create and share reusable components easily. This makes it a good choice for large applications with complex requirements.

  • hyper-express:

    Hyper-Express is designed to be lightweight and extensible, but its minimalistic nature may limit some advanced extensibility options compared to more established frameworks.

How to Choose: express vs koa vs fastify vs hyper-express
  • express:

    Choose Express if you need a minimalistic and flexible framework that allows you to build web applications quickly. It has a large ecosystem of middleware and is well-suited for small to medium-sized applications.

  • koa:

    Choose Koa if you prefer a modern, modular approach to building web applications. Koa uses async/await for better control over the flow of middleware and is ideal for developers looking for a more refined and elegant way to handle HTTP requests.

  • fastify:

    Choose Fastify if performance is a critical factor for your application. It is designed to be extremely fast and efficient, making it ideal for high-throughput applications. Fastify also provides a rich plugin architecture for extensibility.

  • hyper-express:

    Choose Hyper-Express if you want a lightweight framework that emphasizes speed and simplicity, particularly for microservices or applications where performance is paramount. It is designed for developers who prefer a minimalistic approach without sacrificing functionality.

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 Downloads OpenSSF Scorecard Badge

import express from 'express'

const app = express()

app.get('/', (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 18 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 the migration guide to v5

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 @ladjs/consolidate, you can quickly craft your perfect framework.

Examples

To view the examples, clone the Express repository:

git clone https://github.com/expressjs/express.git --depth 1 && cd express

Then install the dependencies:

npm install

Then run whichever example you want:

node examples/content-negotiation

Contributing

Linux 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:

npm install

Then run npm test:

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