The term framework generally describes a class of tools in JavaScript that help you make user interfaces for websites, web applications, mobile apps, desktops, and other devices users will interact with directly. These kinds of tools are some of the most popular and commonly used libraries in JavaScript. Learn more about what a framework is in general and some examples of most commonly used frameworks.
A brief description of a framework
A framework is generally one or more libraries that together help you accomplish a large task, like creating a user interface. There are arguably frameworks for other tasks, but for the purposes of this course, the word framework will be used to describe tools for creating user interfaces.
Why use a framework?
Frameworks provide lots of already-written, already-tested code that you can use to do common tasks so you do not have to write the code yourself. Sure, you can write code to do anything, but using an existing tool with a large community of supporters and developers saves you a great deal of time and helps you make better-quality applications. Frameworks take care of all the busy-work you would have to do when programming so you can focus on writing code that will do something unique and valuable for your users.
Frameworks are also great to learn for professional developers since proficiency in a popular framework can help you find work or jobs with companies that use that framework for their website or web application.
Frameworks can also be a great way to learn about more complex programming and development topics in a more structured, gentler fashion than if you tried to learn on your own from scratch.