Express

What Express is

Express is an open-source backend framework for building with JavaScript. It supports server-side rendering (SSR), making it an option for developers whose applications need that rendering mode. The framework is free, and its listed platforms are Linux, macOS, and Windows. Express is deployed to a self-hosted environment, so teams need to provide the environment where their application will run. Its listed framework type and language give it a focused role in a software stack: backend development using JavaScript. Express does not include an ORM or built-in authentication. Developers choosing it should account for those capabilities separately if their application needs them. The listed scope is concise: a backend framework, JavaScript as its primary language, SSR support, and self-hosted deployment. This can suit projects that want an open-source framework without a paid plan and can manage their own deployment. The supported operating systems cover the environments listed for the framework, while the self-hosted target keeps deployment under the team's control.

Who it suits

Express suits developers building JavaScript backends who need server-side rendering and want an open-source framework with no plan cost. It is a fit for teams prepared to self-host and to provide any ORM or authentication capability they need separately.

Getting started

1. Visit https://expressjs.com/.
2. Choose a listed platform: Linux, macOS, or Windows.
3. Set up a self-hosted deployment environment.
4. Build with JavaScript and use SSR if needed.

Verdict

Choose Express if you need a free, open-source JavaScript backend framework with SSR and can manage self-hosted deployment. Look elsewhere if an included ORM or built-in authentication is a requirement.