Egg.js vs NestJS: What are the differences?

Introduction

Egg.js and NestJS are both JavaScript frameworks for building server-side applications. While they share some similarities, they also have key differences that set them apart. In this article, we will highlight the main differences between Egg.js and NestJS.

1. Architecture Approach: Egg.js follows a convention-over-configured approach, where it provides a set of predefined conventions and allows developers to focus on business logic. On the other hand, NestJS follows a modular and highly structured approach using decorators and TypeScript to build scalable and maintainable applications.

2. Framework Maturity: Egg.js has been around since 2012 and has gained popularity in the Chinese web development community. It has a mature ecosystem and a large number of plugins. On the other hand, NestJS is a relatively new framework that was released in 2017. While it has gained traction worldwide, its ecosystem and plugin availability are not as extensive as Egg.js.

3. Tech Stack Compatibility: Egg.js is compatible with a wide range of tech stacks and can be seamlessly integrated with front-end frameworks like Vue.js and React.js. It also supports various databases, caching systems, and message queues. On the other hand, NestJS is specifically designed to work with modern TypeScript-based frameworks and libraries, making it an ideal choice for Angular developers.

4. Developer Experience: Egg.js provides a more flexible and loose development experience, allowing developers to choose components and architecture based on their preferences. It provides less out-of-the-box features but offers more customization options. In contrast, NestJS enforces a strict structure and provides a more opinionated development experience. It offers a wide range of built-in features, reducing the need for manual configuration but limiting flexibility.

5. Community Support: Egg.js has a strong community presence, especially in the Chinese web development community. It has a large number of developers contributing plugins and providing support. NestJS, being a newer framework, has a smaller community but is rapidly growing with active contributors and support channels.

6. Learning Curve: Egg.js has a relatively low learning curve, especially for developers familiar with JavaScript and MVC frameworks. It provides a gentle learning curve with its simplified syntax and conventions. On the other hand, NestJS has a steeper learning curve, especially for developers new to TypeScript and decorators. Its more opinionated approach and stronger focus on architecture can require more time and effort to grasp.

In summary, Egg.js and NestJS differ in their architectural approach, framework maturity, tech stack compatibility, developer experience, community support, and learning curve. While Egg.js follows a convention-over-configuration approach with a mature ecosystem, NestJS offers a more structured and opinionated development experience with a growing community. Developers choosing between the two frameworks should consider their specific project requirements and familiarity with the respective tech stacks.