fastify vs express vs koa vs next-connect
Node.js Web Frameworks
Search packages..
fastifyexpresskoanext-connectSimilar Packages:

Node.js Web Frameworks

Node.js web frameworks provide a structured way to build web applications and APIs using JavaScript. They simplify the development process by offering tools and libraries that handle common tasks such as routing, middleware management, and request/response handling. These frameworks are designed to enhance productivity, maintainability, and scalability of applications, allowing developers to focus on building features rather than boilerplate code.

Npm Package Weekly Downloads Trend

3 Years

Github Stars Ranking

Stat Detail

Package
Downloads
Stars
Size
Issues
Publish
License
fastify6,125,61035,9262.78 MB1235 days agoMIT
express068,87075.4 kB1964 months agoMIT
koa035,73765 kB3415 hours agoMIT
next-connect01,65844.9 kB433 years agoMIT

Feature Comparison: fastify vs express vs koa vs next-connect

Performance

  • fastify:

    Fastify is built for performance, boasting a highly optimized request/response cycle. It uses asynchronous hooks and schema-based validation to minimize overhead, making it one of the fastest Node.js frameworks available.

  • express:

    Express is lightweight and fast, but it may not be as performant as some newer frameworks due to its middleware handling. It is suitable for most applications, but performance can degrade with a large number of middleware layers.

  • koa:

    Koa is designed to be lightweight and modular, focusing on performance by using async/await for middleware. This results in less overhead and improved performance compared to traditional callback-based frameworks.

  • next-connect:

    Next-Connect is built on top of Express and allows for a flexible middleware approach. While it may not be as fast as Fastify, it provides a good balance of performance and ease of use, especially for Next.js applications.

Middleware Support

  • fastify:

    Fastify also supports middleware, but it emphasizes a plugin architecture that allows for better encapsulation and performance. Plugins can be loaded on demand, which can help keep the application lightweight.

  • express:

    Express has a robust middleware system that allows developers to add functionality to their applications easily. It supports a wide range of third-party middleware, making it highly extensible for various use cases.

  • koa:

    Koa's middleware is based on async functions, allowing for a more modern and cleaner approach. It encourages the use of small, reusable middleware functions that can be composed together, making it highly modular.

  • next-connect:

    Next-Connect offers a middleware pattern similar to Express but with a focus on Next.js applications. It allows for easy integration of middleware, making it suitable for building APIs that work seamlessly with Next.js.

Learning Curve

  • fastify:

    Fastify has a moderate learning curve, especially for those unfamiliar with its plugin architecture. However, its focus on performance and schema validation can provide significant benefits once learned.

  • express:

    Express has a gentle learning curve, making it accessible for beginners. Its simplicity and extensive documentation help new developers get started quickly, while still offering advanced features for experienced users.

  • koa:

    Koa may have a steeper learning curve due to its reliance on async/await and a more modern approach to middleware. Developers familiar with JavaScript promises will find it easier to adapt.

  • next-connect:

    Next-Connect is easy to learn for those already familiar with Express, as it maintains a similar API. Its integration with Next.js features makes it straightforward for developers working within that ecosystem.

Community and Ecosystem

  • fastify:

    Fastify's community is growing rapidly, and it has a strong focus on performance. While it may not have as many plugins as Express, its ecosystem is expanding with high-quality contributions.

  • express:

    Express has a large and active community, resulting in a rich ecosystem of middleware and plugins. This extensive support makes it a reliable choice for various projects.

  • koa:

    Koa has a smaller community compared to Express, but it is still active. The ecosystem is more focused on modern JavaScript practices, which can be appealing to developers looking for a fresh approach.

  • next-connect:

    Next-Connect benefits from the Next.js community, which is vibrant and supportive. While it may not have as many standalone plugins, it integrates well with the Next.js ecosystem.

Flexibility

  • fastify:

    Fastify offers flexibility through its plugin architecture, allowing developers to extend functionality without cluttering the core application. This modularity helps maintain clean codebases.

  • express:

    Express is highly flexible, allowing developers to structure their applications as they see fit. This flexibility can lead to inconsistencies if not managed properly, but it empowers developers to create tailored solutions.

  • koa:

    Koa is designed for flexibility, encouraging developers to create their own middleware and structure their applications in a way that suits their needs. This can lead to highly customized solutions.

  • next-connect:

    Next-Connect provides a flexible middleware composition similar to Express, allowing for easy integration of various middleware while maintaining compatibility with Next.js features.

How to Choose: fastify vs express vs koa vs next-connect

  • fastify:

    Choose Fastify if performance is a critical factor for your application. Fastify is designed for speed and low overhead, with built-in schema-based validation and serialization, making it ideal for high-performance APIs.

  • express:

    Choose Express if you need a minimalistic and flexible framework that allows you to build web applications and APIs quickly. It has a vast ecosystem of middleware and is widely adopted, making it a safe choice for most projects.

  • koa:

    Choose Koa if you prefer a modern approach to middleware and want to leverage async/await for cleaner code. Koa provides a more expressive and modular foundation, allowing you to create custom middleware easily.

  • next-connect:

    Choose Next-Connect if you are building APIs that require a more flexible middleware composition similar to Express but want to take advantage of Next.js features. It allows for easy integration with Next.js applications.

Similar Npm Packages to fastify

fastify is a web framework designed for Node.js that focuses on speed and low overhead. It is built to be highly performant while providing a robust set of features for building web applications and APIs. Fastify's architecture allows developers to create scalable applications with minimal effort, making it an excellent choice for high-performance server-side applications.

While Fastify offers a powerful framework for building web applications, there are several alternatives in the Node.js ecosystem that also provide robust solutions. Here are a few notable alternatives:

  • express is one of the most popular web frameworks for Node.js. It is known for its simplicity and flexibility, allowing developers to create web applications and APIs with minimal setup. Express provides a wide range of middleware options, making it easy to extend its functionality. If you are looking for a well-established framework with a large community and extensive documentation, Express is a great choice.
  • hapi is another powerful framework for building applications and services in Node.js. It is known for its rich plugin system and configuration-driven approach, which allows for a high degree of customization. Hapi is particularly well-suited for building large-scale applications where maintainability and organization are critical. If you need a framework that emphasizes configuration over code, Hapi might be the right fit for your project.
  • koa is a lightweight and expressive middleware framework created by the same team behind Express. Koa is designed to be minimalistic, allowing developers to build web applications and APIs using a more modern approach with async/await syntax. If you prefer a more modular and flexible framework that allows you to compose middleware easily, Koa is an excellent option.
  • sails is a full-featured MVC framework for Node.js that is built on top of Express. It is designed for building data-driven APIs and applications, providing a powerful ORM and built-in support for WebSockets. Sails is particularly useful for developers who want to create real-time applications or need a framework that follows the MVC pattern. If you are looking for a comprehensive framework that provides a lot of built-in functionality, Sails is worth considering.

To explore how Fastify compares with Express, Hapi, Koa, and Sails, check out the comparison: Comparing express vs fastify vs hapi vs koa vs sails.

Similar Npm Packages to express

express is a fast, unopinionated, and minimalist web framework for Node.js, designed for building web applications and APIs. It provides a robust set of features for web and mobile applications, making it one of the most popular frameworks in the Node.js ecosystem. Express is known for its simplicity and flexibility, allowing developers to create server-side applications with ease. However, there are several alternatives that also offer unique features and capabilities. Here are a few notable ones:

  • hapi is a rich framework for building applications and services in Node.js. It is designed to be highly configurable and comes with built-in support for input validation, caching, authentication, and more. Hapi emphasizes a more structured approach to building applications, which can be beneficial for larger projects where maintainability and scalability are crucial. If you prefer a framework that provides more out-of-the-box features and a robust plugin system, hapi is a great choice.

  • koa is a lightweight and expressive middleware framework for Node.js, created by the same team behind Express. Koa aims to be a smaller, more expressive, and more robust foundation for web applications and APIs. It leverages modern JavaScript features, such as async/await, to provide a more elegant way to handle asynchronous operations. If you are looking for a minimalistic framework that allows you to build applications with a more modular approach, Koa is worth considering.

  • sails is a full-featured MVC (Model-View-Controller) framework for building Node.js applications. It is designed to make it easy to build data-driven APIs and applications, with a focus on convention over configuration. Sails comes with built-in support for WebSockets, making it a suitable choice for real-time applications. If you are developing a large-scale application that requires a comprehensive framework with a lot of built-in functionality, Sails may be the right fit for your needs.

To compare these frameworks further, check out the comparison link: Comparing express vs hapi vs koa vs sails.

Similar Npm Packages to koa

koa is a lightweight and flexible web framework for Node.js, designed to build web applications and APIs. Created by the team behind Express, Koa aims to be a smaller, more expressive, and more robust foundation for web applications and APIs. It leverages modern JavaScript features, such as async/await, to simplify middleware management and improve error handling. Koa's minimalist approach allows developers to create applications with a clean and modular architecture, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer to have more control over their application's structure.

While Koa is a powerful framework, there are several alternatives in the Node.js ecosystem that also provide robust solutions for building web applications. Here are a few notable alternatives:

  • express is one of the most popular web frameworks for Node.js. It is known for its simplicity and flexibility, allowing developers to create web applications and APIs quickly. Express provides a wide range of middleware options and a large ecosystem of plugins, making it suitable for both small and large applications. Its extensive documentation and community support make it an ideal choice for developers who want a well-established framework with plenty of resources.
  • fastify is a high-performance web framework for Node.js that focuses on speed and low overhead. It is designed to be highly extensible, allowing developers to create plugins to enhance functionality. Fastify's architecture is optimized for performance, making it a great choice for applications that require high throughput and low latency. If you are looking for a framework that prioritizes performance while still providing a rich feature set, Fastify is worth considering.
  • hapi is another powerful framework for building web applications and services in Node.js. It is known for its robust plugin system and built-in support for input validation, caching, authentication, and more. Hapi is particularly well-suited for large-scale applications that require a high level of configuration and customization. If your application needs a comprehensive framework with a strong focus on configuration and extensibility, Hapi is a solid choice.

To explore how Koa compares with Express, Fastify, and Hapi, check out the comparison: Comparing express vs fastify vs hapi vs koa.

Similar Npm Packages to next-connect

next-connect is a middleware framework for building APIs in Next.js applications. It allows developers to create modular and composable middleware functions, making it easier to handle requests and responses in a clean and organized manner. While next-connect provides a flexible approach to middleware in Next.js, there are several alternatives in the Node.js ecosystem that also offer robust solutions for building web applications. Here are a few notable alternatives:

  • express is one of the most popular web frameworks for Node.js. It provides a simple and minimalistic approach to building web applications and APIs. With a rich ecosystem of middleware and a large community, express is highly extensible and suitable for a wide range of applications, from small projects to large-scale enterprise solutions. Its straightforward API and extensive documentation make it a go-to choice for many developers.
  • fastify is a fast and low-overhead web framework for Node.js that is designed for high performance. It offers a powerful plugin architecture, built-in schema-based validation, and a focus on speed, making it an excellent choice for applications that require high throughput and low latency. fastify is particularly well-suited for building REST APIs and microservices, providing a robust set of features while maintaining simplicity and performance.
  • koa is a lightweight web framework created by the same team behind Express. It leverages modern JavaScript features, such as async/await, to provide a more expressive and robust middleware system. koa is designed to be minimal and unopinionated, allowing developers to build applications with greater flexibility. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to create custom middleware and have more control over the request/response cycle.

To explore how next-connect compares with express, fastify, and koa, check out the comparison: Comparing express vs fastify vs koa vs next-connect.

README for fastify

CI Package Manager CI Web site neostandard javascript style CII Best Practices

NPM version NPM downloads Security Responsible Disclosure Discord Contribute with Gitpod Open Collective backers and sponsors


An efficient server implies a lower cost of the infrastructure, better responsiveness under load, and happy users. How can you efficiently handle the resources of your server, knowing that you are serving the highest number of requests possible, without sacrificing security validations and handy development?

Enter Fastify. Fastify is a web framework highly focused on providing the best developer experience with the least overhead and a powerful plugin architecture. It is inspired by Hapi and Express and as far as we know, it is one of the fastest web frameworks in town.

The main branch refers to the Fastify v5 release. Check out the 4.x branch for v4.

Table of Contents

Quick start

Create a folder and make it your current working directory:

mkdir my-app
cd my-app

Generate a fastify project with npm init:

npm init fastify

Install dependencies:

npm i

To start the app in dev mode:

npm run dev

For production mode:

npm start

Under the hood npm init downloads and runs Fastify Create, which in turn uses the generate functionality of Fastify CLI.

Install

To install Fastify in an existing project as a dependency:

npm i fastify

Example

// Require the framework and instantiate it

// ESM
import Fastify from 'fastify'

const fastify = Fastify({
  logger: true
})
// CommonJs
const fastify = require('fastify')({
  logger: true
})

// Declare a route
fastify.get('/', (request, reply) => {
  reply.send({ hello: 'world' })
})

// Run the server!
fastify.listen({ port: 3000 }, (err, address) => {
  if (err) throw err
  // Server is now listening on ${address}
})

With async-await:

// ESM
import Fastify from 'fastify'

const fastify = Fastify({
  logger: true
})
// CommonJs
const fastify = require('fastify')({
  logger: true
})

fastify.get('/', async (request, reply) => {
  reply.type('application/json').code(200)
  return { hello: 'world' }
})

fastify.listen({ port: 3000 }, (err, address) => {
  if (err) throw err
  // Server is now listening on ${address}
})

Do you want to know more? Head to the Getting Started. If you learn best by reading code, explore the official demo.

Note

.listen binds to the local host, localhost, interface by default (127.0.0.1 or ::1, depending on the operating system configuration). If you are running Fastify in a container (Docker, GCP, etc.), you may need to bind to 0.0.0.0. Be careful when listening on all interfaces; it comes with inherent security risks. See the documentation for more information.

Core features

  • Highly performant: as far as we know, Fastify is one of the fastest web frameworks in town, depending on the code complexity we can serve up to 76+ thousand requests per second.
  • Extensible: Fastify is fully extensible via its hooks, plugins, and decorators.
  • Schema-based: even if it is not mandatory we recommend using JSON Schema to validate your routes and serialize your outputs. Internally Fastify compiles the schema in a highly performant function.
  • Logging: logs are extremely important but are costly; we chose the best logger to almost remove this cost, Pino!
  • Developer friendly: the framework is built to be very expressive and help developers in their daily use without sacrificing performance and security.

Benchmarks

Machine: EX41S-SSD, Intel Core i7, 4Ghz, 64GB RAM, 4C/8T, SSD.

Method: autocannon -c 100 -d 40 -p 10 localhost:3000 * 2, taking the second average

FrameworkVersionRouter?Requests/sec
Express4.17.3✓14,200
hapi20.2.1✓42,284
Restify8.6.1✓50,363
Koa2.13.0✗54,272
Fastify4.0.0✓77,193
-
http.Server16.14.2✗74,513

These benchmarks taken using https://github.com/fastify/benchmarks. This is a synthetic "hello world" benchmark that aims to evaluate the framework overhead. The overhead that each framework has on your application depends on your application. You should always benchmark if performance matters to you.

Documentation

Ecosystem

  • Core - Core plugins maintained by the Fastify team.
  • Community - Community-supported plugins.
  • Live Examples - Multirepo with a broad set of real working examples.
  • Discord - Join our discord server and chat with the maintainers.

Support

Please visit Fastify help to view prior support issues and to ask new support questions.

Version 3 of Fastify and lower are EOL and will not receive any security or bug fixes.

Fastify's partner, HeroDevs, provides commercial security fixes for all unsupported versions at https://herodevs.com/support/fastify-nes. Fastify's supported version matrix is available in the Long Term Support documentation.

Contributing

Whether reporting bugs, discussing improvements and new ideas, or writing code, we welcome contributions from anyone and everyone. Please read the CONTRIBUTING guidelines before submitting pull requests.

Team

Fastify is the result of the work of a great community. Team members are listed in alphabetical order.

Lead Maintainers:

Fastify Core team

Fastify Plugins team

Emeritus Contributors

Great contributors to a specific area of the Fastify ecosystem will be invited to join this group by Lead Maintainers when they decide to step down from the active contributor's group.

Hosted by

We are an At-Large Project in the OpenJS Foundation.

Sponsors

Support this project by becoming a SPONSOR! Fastify has an Open Collective page where we accept and manage financial contributions.

Acknowledgments

This project is kindly sponsored by:

Past Sponsors:

This list includes all companies that support one or more team members in maintaining this project.

License

Licensed under MIT.

For your convenience, here is a list of all the licenses of our production dependencies:

  • MIT
  • ISC
  • BSD-3-Clause
  • BSD-2-Clause
npm-compare.com is an independent website designed to help developers choose the most suitable npm packages. We are not affiliated with npm, Inc, the official website for the npm registry. Note that npm is a registered trademark of npm, Inc. Please share your feedback via our GitHub repository. For more details, please refer to our Terms & Privacy.