golden-layout is a powerful layout manager for web applications that allows developers to create complex, responsive, and draggable layouts. It is particularly useful for applications that require a dashboard-like interface, where users can rearrange panels and components dynamically. Golden Layout provides a flexible and customizable way to manage the arrangement of components, making it a popular choice for applications that need a sophisticated UI layout.

However, there are several alternatives to golden-layout that also offer layout management capabilities. Here are a few notable options:

• jquery-ui is a popular library that extends jQuery with user interface interactions, effects, and widgets. It includes features for draggable and resizable elements, making it suitable for creating interactive layouts. While jquery-ui is a solid choice for projects already using jQuery, it may not be the best fit for modern React or Vue applications due to its reliance on jQuery.
• muuri is a versatile layout library that provides a grid-based layout system with drag-and-drop capabilities. It is designed for modern web applications and supports responsive layouts, filtering, and sorting. Muuri is lightweight and works well with frameworks like React and Vue, making it a great choice for developers looking for a flexible grid layout solution.
• packery is a layout library that allows for a grid layout with draggable and resizable items. It offers a masonry-style layout, where items can be placed in a way that optimizes space. Packery is suitable for applications that require a more dynamic and fluid layout, but it may not provide the same level of customization as golden-layout.
• react-dnd is a powerful library for implementing drag-and-drop functionality in React applications. While it is not a layout manager per se, it can be used in conjunction with other layout libraries to create interactive and dynamic layouts. React DnD is ideal for applications that require complex drag-and-drop interactions.
• react-grid-layout is a responsive grid layout system for React applications. It allows for draggable and resizable grid items, making it easy to create complex layouts. React Grid Layout is highly customizable and works well for dashboard-like interfaces, making it a strong alternative to golden-layout.
• vue-grid-layout is a grid layout system specifically designed for Vue.js applications. It offers similar features to react-grid-layout, allowing developers to create draggable and resizable grid items. If you are working with Vue and need a grid layout solution, vue-grid-layout is a great option.

For a comprehensive comparison of these packages, check out the following link: Comparing golden-layout vs jquery-ui vs muuri vs packery vs react-dnd vs react-grid-layout vs vue-grid-layout.