Top 10 Vue.js Backends To Know About

Are you dazed about choosing a Vue backend for your upcoming project? Or do you need clarification on multiple backend technologies that support Vue.js?

Read this article thoroughly. We are going to discuss the best backends for Vue with their core features.

However, before we commence our debate regarding the best backend options, it is important to understand what exactly Vue.js is and what its pros and drawbacks are.

Let’s begin.

What is Vue?

Vue.js or Vue is a JavaScript-based open-source framework released in 2014. It follows Model–View–ViewModel (MVVM) and is considered a lightweight alternative to React and Angular.

You can utilize this client-side JS library for crafting single-page apps and user interfaces on the fly.

A recent survey of Stack Overflow listed Vue among the top ten web frameworks, with ratings of 16.38%. Similarly, it has ample community support and owns 43.7k repository stars on GitHub. 

The global tech giants that use Vue are Adobe, Facebook, Netflix, Alibaba and Behance. 

Advantages of Vue?

• Vue offers its users an outstanding user experience with great SEO properties because of its lightweight nature. The minimum downloadable file size of Vue is only 16KB. This lightweight nature also fastens the rendering speed.
  
• It is easy to begin using Vue because it is simple and highly adaptable. You can also leverage the available libraries and components scripted in CSS, JavaScript and HTML to support your projects.
  
• Although Vue’s default settings fully back one-way data binding but, it lets you enable bidirectional data binding options according to the needs of your projects. 
  
• Virtual Document Object Model (DOM), strong ecosystem, gentle learning curve, developer-friendly interface and ample community support are further advantages of using Vue.  

Disadvantages of Vue?

• Vue.js is considered a suitable choice for single-page and small applications. It doesn’t provide enough support for large-level projects.
  
• The major enterprises that use Vue are Alibaba and Xiaomi. These are Chinese companies, and most of the developers’ experiences are shared on Chinese platforms. So, resources and community discussions are usually available in Chinese language.
  
• Lack of flexibility and seasoned developers are also drawbacks of this framework.

Best 10 Backend for Vue JS

Let’s discuss the top Vue backends:

1. Back4app

Back4app is one of the preferred low-code Vue backend solutions that comes with BaaS and CaaS offerings.

Its BaaS product provides you with a real-time database, cloud code functions, APIs, authentication, file storage and SDKs to build and publish powerful backends for your Vue apps.

Similarly, you can host and deploy your Vue.js applications through Back4app Containers. Developers simply need to bring their code, and this platform will host apps in smart containers on the fly. It also lets you deploy your Git-hosted codes. 

Around 300k developers from 200 countries use Back4app. The renowned giants that are clients of this backend service are Rappi, PayPal, Adobe, and Accenture.

Moreover, to perform all server-side functionalities, it also supports open-source technologies such as Node.js, PostgreSQL, Redis, and Docker. 

Core Features

• Realtime Database – Real-time database support is essential to gather and query data immediately. In this regard, Back4app permits you to delineate relational datasets through SDKs and GraphQL or REST APIs. 

• Authentication – You don’t have to worry about managing users for your Vue app with Back4app. It has an outright user management system. You can seamlessly set up the app registration and log in via multiple social media and email accounts. 

• Storage – Back4app has an efficient storage system. You can backlog a variety of data files, from images to video, on the fly through file storage. Contrarily, if you want to employ a decentralized storage system, you can get a blockchain storage system.

• Push Notifications – These notifications not only help developers authenticate emails but also send messages to engage users. Yes, push notifications can increase customer retention and sales.   

2. Express JS

Express.js is an open-source, free backend framework that was officially released in 2010.

The use of Express.js with the JS runtime environment NodeJS is considered highly valuable for creating a backend for Vue applications. This combo allows you to craft highly scalable and powerful Vue.js apps on the fly.

Moreover, when you use NodeJS with Express, it becomes seamless to deploy real-time and high-traffic applications. On the other hand, you can utilize Express and Vue for building full-stack applications. 

You need to deploy Vue Client on the client side initially. Then, you can employ an Express server on the server side to perform backend tasks.

However, the use of MySQL, Redis, SQLite and PostgreSQL could be ideal when it comes to databases. 

Core Features

• Flexibility – Express grants developers more control over the server-side infrastructure. Yes, you have more authority over the script without using a template engine or object-relational mapping. Also, it is simple to inquire about data and perform self-analysis because of GraphQL APIs and self-documentation traits of this web framework. 

• Google V8 Engine Support – This framework provides outstanding backing for multiple V8 engine packages. Google V8 is a WebAssembly and JS engine useful to set up and craft data-intensive, network and real-time applications in minimal duration. With these packages, you can surely improve the overall speed and performance of your Vue app.

• Lean Learning Curve – Express.js is an easy-to-understand and learn backend framework. It lets you script apps with minimal lines of code. Although its design and syntax are seamless but, the use of an express-generator tool could also be very beneficial for developers.

• Cross-Platform Functionality – You can conveniently deploy Express and Node.js backends on a variety of devices and operating systems. Similarly, this framework has excellent compatibility with distinct CSPs such as Azure, Back4app, AWS, etc.

3. Laravel

Laravel is an advanced open-source framework that can aid you in building the Vue backend.

With classic syntax, it also confers file storage, strong caching, routing and validation to perform server-side operations.

Hereof, you can utilize pre-installed boilerplate Vue code to begin development with Laravel quickly. 

Correspondingly, developers also commonly combine Inertia with Laravel to build large Vue or React frontends.

A robust routing system to manage HTTP requests conveniently, as well as browser and API testing, also makes Laravel a reliable backend for JS frontends.  

Core Features

• Authentication – It is easy to authorize and authenticate users with Laravel. You can begin this functionality after setting up an authentication starter kit. Later, you can approach the verified user through the Auth façade. By the way, this PHP framework enables you to tailor the authentication process.

• Eloquent ORM – Database management could be complicated for many startups and new developers. If you are facing the same problem, you can employ Eloquent ORM. This feature lets you communicate with databases and helps in data migration. 

• File Storage – Laravel comes with a powerful file-based cloud storage system. Hereof, you can leverage Laravel Flysystem to connect your storage with Amazon S3, Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) and local filesystems. In addition, it is also straightforward to collaborate with file storage because of Laravel’s clean syntax.

• Notifications – This backend framework also has the ability to carry and transfer notifications on the fly. Yes, you can send notifications to your Vue app users through SMS, Slack, email or in-app messages. The notification façade is the key feature that lets you send multiple or single notifications to app users.

4. Firebase

Firebase is another Google-backend collection of computing services that you can use for server-side development of Vue.js apps.

This is basically a closed-source Backend as a Service (BaaS) solution originally founded in 2011, and Google LLC took over it in 2014. 

This CSP confers a variety of backend services like Cloud Firestore, Realtime Database, Remote Config, Cloud Functions, etc., to deploy and build Vue applications.

The use of VueFire is also suitable for binding your Vue app with the Firebase platform.

The major companies that trust Firebase are Duolingo, Lyft, Venmo, and The Economist.

Core Features

• Databases – Firebase has two DB offerings: Realtime Database and its advanced successor, Cloud Firestore. These powerful databases let you backlog, query and fetch data spontaneously. Hereof, Firebase follows NoSQL data structures and supports iOS, web and Android applications.

• Cloud Functions – Do you want to build a Vue backend without servers? Or managing server-side infrastructure? If yes, Cloud Functions are going to assist you a lot. This feature permits you to add business logic to the Vue app without handling servers.

• Remote Config – This feature allows you full control over display and conduct of your application. With the help of this trait, you can easily customize your Vue app to improve user experience. Tech companies like Halfbrick and Ahoy Games have spiked their revenues using Firebase Remote Config.

• Authentication – A highly protected authentication system is another appealing attribute of Firebase. With end-to-end encryption, you can validate the app users and let them register or sign in using multiple social or email platforms. 

5. WordPress

WordPress is one of the finest no-low backends for Vue, which was founded in 2003.

This is an open-source content management system (CMS) that deals with all backend functions without scripting code. Yes, it manages data, creates roles and grants permissions.

Especially WordPress is famous for developing headless WP environments for the backend and utilizing Vue for the client side.

Hereof, you need to use WordPress API to perform server-side tasks. The further prerequisites could be npm, Node.js, a WordPress account and an understanding of Vue and JS.

In addition, you can also find numerous resources on GitHub to support your project because of the open-source nature of WP. 

Core Features

• Flexible – WordPress is a highly flexible platform that you can use to develop any website. It gives you complete freedom to deploy any template and utilize a variety of APIs to customize the website. Besides, you can insert multiple media, content, and files on the fly with a simple UI.

• Multiple Users – We know different teammates work on application projects, and with conventional backends, it is complex to assign them different roles. However, WordPress made it easy with 6 pre-installed roles. Indeed, you can set the user role from administrator to editor and subscriber. 

• Search Engine Optimization – Unconventional SEO support is another appealing attribute of WordPress. You can employ SEO plugins to make your site search engine friendly on the breeze. 

• Community Support – WordPress is a widely used CMS, which is why it is seamless to find quality resources, documentation and error-handling solutions on the internet. So, it could be an ideal choice for startups.

6. Heroku

Heroku is a Salesforce-backed PaaS platform that permits you to deploy Vue code through the Git repository.

Although the interface of this cloud Platform as a Service (PaaS) is developer-friendly but, you must have the knowledge of the npm package manager and Git before proceeding with this platform.

You can simply follow three basic steps to deploy, manage and scale before starting to use Heroku for the Vue app. THINKMD, ClickMechanic and Hotel Engine are key customers of the Heroku platform. 

Core Features

• Data Services – Compared to other cloud computing vendors, Heroku provides data support to SQL and NoSQL structures. Indeed, you can employ Heroku Postgres to back SQL datasets and choose Redis for NoSQL databases. Apache Kafka is the third offering under the Data Services category.

• Heroku DX – Heroku delivers an outstanding developer experience to its customers. In this regard, its dashboard displays and handles all data related to resource consumption and the overall performance of the Vue app. Similarly, you can access a wide range of Heroku buttons to conduct dev actions on the fly.

• Dyno – The smart containers that Heroku uses to deploy and run Vue applications in an isolated environment refers to Dynos. It is easy for developers to manage and scale dyno resources.

• Third Party Support – You can robustly get third-party support for your Vue.js projects. In this regard, Heroku can integrate with third-party plugins and several other services. 

7. Serverless

With 45.9k repository stars on GitHub and 164 million downloads, the Serverless framework is an economical solution to craft backends.

This command-line tool (CLI) utilizes YAML syntax to set up Vue scripts efficiently on popular CSPs such as AWS Lambda. 

Indeed, you can deploy your apps using Serverless on cloud platforms, and you don’t have to manage infrastructure and pay the additional costs. The major companies using Serverless are Nordstrom, Expedia Group, Reuters and Coca-Cola.  

Core Features

• Easy Deployment – With the availability of numerous Serverless Framework plugins and using a FaaS platform like AWS Lambda, it becomes superfast to deploy an application. This backend service depends upon a single command to perform serverless deployment.

• Debugging Tools – It doesn’t only provide different app tracking features but also allows you to investigate and fix the glitches in a breeze. In this regard, you can also benefit from the debugging functionalities of AWS Lambda.

• CI/CD – Serverless framework promises automated deployments. You simply need to connect your Serverless account with GitHub and Lambda to proceed with the development and deployments.

• Secure – Military-grade encryption and pre-built security are attractive features of this backend. You can backlog your value or key pair in a secret context. Later, you can access them through Serverless configuration. 

8. Django

If you need a batteries-included backend framework for your Vue app, the use of Django could be optimal.

This is a Python-based framework which is famous for its fast and secure development and clean design. Founded in 2005, Django follows the model-template-views (MTV) pattern.

It is also considered a compatible Vue backend because of its quick JSON responses and API development features. Ample community support and Python libraries also make it a fine backend. 

The credible websites using Django are Bitbucket, Instagram Nextdoor and Mozilla. 

Core Features

• Python-based – Python is an easy-to-understand and learn programming language. With built-in security features, rich libraries and APIs, it is seamless to code backends with Python.

• Excellent Documentation – Django has an edge over other server-side frameworks because of its out-of-the-box documentation trait. This credible documentation helps developers in crafting apps efficiently.

• Highly Scalable – This open-source framework is simple to scale. It allows you to extend resources or data size without facing any technical issues. So, you can utilize Django for larger projects without worries.

• SEO Optimized – This framework also comes with SEO capabilities. It generates understandable URLs so it becomes seamless for sites to get top rankings on the search engines. 

9. DigitalOcean App Platform

Although DigitalOcean is an IaaS platform but, App Platform is its pure PaaS product.

App Platform is basically a serverless infrastructure that has the ability to deploy, manage, create and run backends. Hereof, it provides visualization, storage, network, and servers.

You can bring your Git-hosted Vue.js code, and the App Platform will deploy your app. However, it is significant to link your GitLab or GitHub account with this PaaS platform before making your app live. 

Core Features

• Affordable – Unlike the other CSPs, the App Platform is considered more economical. It has a free tier that offers GitHub deployments, global CDN and several other features for nothing. Correspondingly, the starting cost of its Basic plan is only $5/month.

• Storage – You can find object and block storage on DigitalOcean. If you need affordable storage options, then you can choose object storage. However, block storage could be beneficial if you need SSD-backed storage options.

• Load Balancers – This feature apportions the app’s traffic on different servers. In this way, you always find the loading speed fast, regardless of a surge in incoming traffic. High availability is the ultimate advantage of using load balancers.

• Droplets – These are virtual machines that you can deploy within moments. You can use CLI, APIs, Terraform Provider or DigitalOcean’s user interface to communicate with Droplets. The use of these servers is also valuable in reducing cloud computing costs.

10. Rails

Ruby on Rails or Rails is one of the leading backends for Vue.js, mainly if you need robust development and automated testing.

Released in 2004, Rails is an excellent server-side framework that has 54.6k repository stars and 21.2k forks on GitHub.

RoR is also considered a full-stack web framework that provides client-side and backend toolsets to its users.

With active community support, it grants hundreds of libraries known as ‘Gems’. Similarly, it enables you to upgrade databases, administer live pages, built-in security and cloud storage.

The satisfied customers of Rails are Hulu, Airbnb, GitHub and Shopify.

Core Features

• Automated Testing – RoR conducts several tests such as integration, back-to-back and unit testing to build and deploy error-free apps. Hereof, it utilizes testing tools, including RSpec, Factory Bot, WebMock and Capybara.

• MVC Architecture – Developers can conveniently distribute the business logic, UI and data into distinct sections because Rails follows the MVC pattern. In this way, it becomes straightforward for dev teams to administer and upgrade the app.

• Highly Secure – RoR is a reliable choice when it comes to cyber-attacks. It has pre-install safety features such as Prevention of Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) password encryption, protection from SQL injections and Protection Against Cross-Site Scripting (XSS). 

• Database Support – It lets the developer employ a suitable database according to the requirements of a Vue project. It backs all popular databases. MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, SQLite and Microsoft SQL Server are a few of them. 

Conclusion

This article displays different types of Vue.js backends for businesses, developers and startups.

Likewise, if you want a low-code BaaS solution to build, deploy and host your Vue backend, Back4app should be your choice. However, if you like coding Python, then you can employ Django as a server-side framework.

Some other backend frameworks for Vue could be Express, Rails, and Laravel. On the contrary, if you like using no-code backends for Vue apps, you can choose WordPress. This CMS will create a fully customized backend for you. 

Similarly, Heroku and App Platform are suitable PaaS solutions that you can consider if you need a fully managed infrastructure for your Vue app.

All in all, this guide discusses all possible options in detail, and you should pick a backend according to your requirements.