A framework or software infrastructure serves as a basis for developers to facilitate their work. It takes the form of a program framework or skeleton, which can then be enriched to meet customer requirements. These frameworks not only streamline the development process but also incorporate robust data security measures and authentication protocols to protect user information and ensure secure access.
This software infrastructure thus offers a set of software components and tools (predefined codes, CRUD grid, tree structure, library, etc.) capable of standardizing and facilitating the development of applications, websites, etc.
Different types of frameworks can be used, depending on the developer’s needs:
- System infrastructure frameworks: for the development of graphical interfaces, operating systems, communication tools, etc.
- Interoperability frameworks: for federating applications that operate independently.
- Content management frameworks: for processing digitized information.
- Enterprise frameworks: dedicated to applications developed for companies.
There are therefore frameworks for every type of project, whether it’s the development of a website, a game, a mobile application, or even the creation of a plug-in.
As a rule, they’re offered in a specific programming language.
This set of tools and components helps to increase productivity by avoiding the need to start from scratch when developing an application.
It also offers great flexibility to developers, who can choose whether or not to use the proposed components.
The framework also enables the use of clean, fully functional code and the support of a large online community that can help fix bugs.
A large number of frameworks are available to assist developers in their work. Among the best-known are
- Apache Cocoon: a JAVA/XML environment for web development
- Catalyst: an open-source PERL programming language framework for application software
- Django: an open-source Python-based framework for the web
- Microsoft .NET: proposed by Microsoft for the development of application software, web applications and software components
- Ruby on Rails: written in the Ruby language
- Symfony: PHP language for web development
