Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

hapi.js VS Koa.js

Compare hapi.js VS Koa.js and see what are their differences

hapi.js logo hapi.js

Server Framework for Node.js

Koa.js logo Koa.js

Next generation web framework for node.js
  • hapi.js Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-18
  • Koa.js Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-10-16

hapi.js features and specs

  • Configuration-Centric
    hapi.js promotes a configuration-centric approach, allowing developers to define and manage server settings, routes, and plugins through a clear and concise configuration object.
  • Plugin Architecture
    hapi.js has a robust plugin system which provides an easy way to extend functionality, modularize code, and manage dependencies. This makes it simple to add new features without altering the core structure.
  • Security Features
    hapi.js includes built-in security features such as input validation, authentication, and protection against common vulnerabilities like Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) and Cross-Site Scripting (XSS).
  • Detailed API Documentation
    hapi.js provides extensive and well-organized documentation, making it easier for developers to understand and utilize its features effectively.
  • Flexibility
    hapi.js offers high flexibility with optional middleware, allowing developers to choose how they want to handle requests and responses, integrate third-party libraries, and more.
  • Support for Asynchronous Code
    hapi.js has strong support for asynchronous programming, making it easier to handle non-blocking I/O operations and build scalable applications.

Possible disadvantages of hapi.js

  • Steep Learning Curve
    For developers unfamiliar with its configuration-centric approach or those coming from simpler frameworks, hapi.js can be more difficult to learn and master.
  • Reduced Ecosystem
    While rich in features, the ecosystem around hapi.js is not as extensive as some other Node.js frameworks like Express.js. This may lead to fewer ready-to-use plugins and community-driven tools.
  • Verbosity
    The configuration-centric nature of hapi.js can lead to more verbose code. This might be seen as a drawback for developers who prefer the minimalistic approach of other frameworks.
  • Performance Overhead
    hapi.js' rich feature set and abstraction layers can sometimes result in slight performance overhead compared to more minimalistic frameworks.
  • Community Size
    hapi.js has a smaller community compared to more popular Node.js frameworks, which may result in less community support, fewer tutorials, and slower issue resolution.

Koa.js features and specs

  • Lightweight
    Koa.js is designed to be a smaller, more expressive, and more robust foundation for web applications and APIs, minimizing the middleware interface.
  • Modern JavaScript
    Koa.js is built using modern JavaScript features, such as async/await, making the code more readable and easier to maintain.
  • Modularity
    Koa provides a suite of methods that make writing servers fast and enjoyable. Additionally, it doesn't come with middleware, so you can pick and choose the pieces you need, resulting in a more tailored application.
  • Error Handling
    Koa has improved error handling mechanisms compared to some other Node.js frameworks, streamlining the process of catching and managing errors.
  • Performance
    Due to its lightweight nature and the absence of bundled middleware, Koa generally has better performance metrics in terms of speed and memory consumption.

Possible disadvantages of Koa.js

  • Steeper Learning Curve
    Koa's minimalist approach and reliance on new JavaScript syntax can be challenging for beginners or those who are more accustomed to frameworks like Express.js.
  • Lack of Middleware
    Although its lack of built-in middleware promotes modularity and flexibility, it also means that developers have to spend additional time incorporating necessary middleware components.
  • Smaller Ecosystem
    Koa has a smaller ecosystem compared to more mature Node.js frameworks like Express.js. This could result in less community support and fewer third-party plugins and extensions.
  • Less Documentation
    While Koa.js has its official documentation, there are fewer tutorials, guides, and comprehensive resources available compared to some other more established frameworks.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Given that Koa.js leverages modern JavaScript features, it may not be compatible with all Node.js versions or legacy systems, necessitating careful consideration during adoption.

hapi.js videos

Hapi.js Framework Crash Course

Koa.js videos

TRAVELER'S GUIDE to KOA Campgrounds

More videos:

  • Review - GS Mini Koa ★ Detailed Guitar Review
  • Review - ESP Ltd M-1000 Koa Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to hapi.js and Koa.js)
Web Frameworks
46 46%
54% 54
Developer Tools
47 47%
53% 53
Python Web Framework
61 61%
39% 39
JavaScript Framework
37 37%
63% 63

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare hapi.js and Koa.js

hapi.js Reviews

10 Best Next.js Alternatives to Consider Today
Hapi.js stands out as a robust framework for building applications and services with JavaScript. Known for its emphasis on configuration-driven development, Hapi.js offers a flexible and modular structure, simplifying the creation of RESTful APIs and server-side applications. Its extensive plugin system and detailed documentation make it an attractive option for developers...
The 20 Best Laravel Alternatives for Web Development
With Hapi, you get to mold your server framework like clay — sculpting routes, plugins, and the whole deal without breaking a sweat. It’s about building API artistries that are not just functional but fundamentally solid.
Top 10 Best Node. Js Frameworks to Improve Web Development
Hapi.js advances a comprehensive replacement for Express.js plus awards the extraordinary capacity to produce a server with astonishing characteristics with one particular IP. This presents Hapi.js as the commonly favored option for the Node.js frame.
Top Node.js Frameworks To Use In 2021
Hapi.js works like a charmer to construct safer, more extensible, more real-time application and social media. Developers typically use it to develop dynamic API explorer and proxies.
Top 14 Node.JS Frameworks: Which Will Rule in 2020?
Hapi provides an incredible capacity for building a server with great features like onPreHandler on a particular IP. This is why it is known as the most favorable option for the Node.js server framework.

Koa.js Reviews

The 20 Best Laravel Alternatives for Web Development
Koa — from the creators of Express — rolls out with new riffs in web application craftsmanship. It’s lighter, nimbler, and has ditched the middleware weight to give you more control. Call it Express’s leaner, meaner sibling.
Top 10 Best Node. Js Frameworks to Improve Web Development
It is another Node.js frame that was created by the designers following Express. It uses ES2017 async functions and thought as an expressive, and a frequently important reason for building APIs and web applications. In addition, Koa doesn’t possess any middleware in the center. This indicates that the middlewares are frequently streamlined and every line of cryptogram is...
Top 10 Phoenix Framework Alternatives
Despite being developed by the same teams, Koa is a simpler and a more customizable alternative to ExpressJS.
Top Node.js Frameworks To Use In 2021
When your online application demands performance critically, you need Koa. The framework allows building massive applications with large and experienced development teams, especially for a huge project. Koa has shown itself to be faster than Express in some circumstances.
Top 14 Node.JS Frameworks: Which Will Rule in 2020?
Koa does not package a middleware inside the center. Hence, the middlewares are progressively streamlined and every code line is granular and rich. Similarly, it considers you for structuring the parts the way you require.

Social recommendations and mentions

Koa.js might be a bit more popular than hapi.js. We know about 40 links to it since March 2021 and only 29 links to hapi.js. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

hapi.js mentions (29)

  • Deno's Decline
    > To me, peak JS era was express and koa.js. I cherish those times of calmer waters. At the time I had high hopes for Hapi.js (https://hapi.dev), created by Walmart folks. But I don't hear much about it these days. - Source: Hacker News / 10 days ago
  • Ask HN: Is Express still "de-facto" for building Node back ends?
    I tend to use hapi (https://hapi.dev) instead of Express if I need to write a quick backend for something these days. Fastify looks nice too but I haven't used it. Been burnt by full-stack frameworks in the past (e.g. Meteor) but they can be a good option for some. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Unlocking the Power of NoSQL: Building a Todo API with Hapi.js and DynamoDB
    Hapi.js commonly referred to as "hapi," is an open-source web application framework for building web and application server systems in Node.js. It was created by Walmart Labs and is designed to provide a flexible and robust foundation for building web applications, APIs, and other networked software. - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • Node JS Microservice Frameworks for Developing Scalable Web Apps.
    Hapi – The Simple, Secure Framework Developers Trust. Source: about 2 years ago
  • 10 Node.js Frameworks Every Developer Should Know
    Hapi.js is one of the best Node.js web framework, which is used for developing application program interfaces. Thanks to a strong plugin system Hapi.js, you can fully manage the development process. Hapi.js motivates the devel­oper to focus on the reuse logic instead of spending time building the infrastructure. - Source: dev.to / over 2 years ago
View more

Koa.js mentions (40)

  • Introduction to hono.dev - Building a Serverless API Easily
    Hono.dev is quite similar to express.js or koa.js. Hono focuses on simplicity, routing, and middleware. Using hono is similar to the REST API libraries you've been using for a long time. - Source: dev.to / 8 months ago
  • Mastering Node.js
    Koa is a new web framework designed by the team behind Express.js, which aims to be a smaller, more expressive, and more robust foundation for web applications and APIs. - Source: dev.to / 10 months ago
  • Low-code drag-and-drop tool for building RESTful APIs with in minutes.
    Koa: A NodeJs backend web framework for the development of the backend server, setting up the routes endpoint for the RESTful API, etc. - Source: dev.to / 10 months ago
  • How to generate dynamic OG (OpenGraph) images with Satori and React
    The endpoint is simple and is like any other endpoint that you already implemented. Based on our stack, we will be using Koa.js to implement it:. - Source: dev.to / 11 months ago
  • Instrumenting AWS Lambda functions with OpenTelemetry SDKs
    In this example, we're using the serverless framework to quickly set up the Lambda function along with an API gateway for the entry point. The lambda function is a simple Koa REST API with a few functional endpoints. - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing hapi.js and Koa.js, you can also consider the following products

ExpressJS - Sinatra inspired web development framework for node.js -- insanely fast, flexible, and simple

Ruby on Rails - Ruby on Rails is an open source full-stack web application framework for the Ruby programming...

Django - The Web framework for perfectionists with deadlines

Node.js - Node.js is a platform built on Chrome's JavaScript runtime for easily building fast, scalable network applications

Laravel - A PHP Framework For Web Artisans

Meteor - Meteor is a set of new technologies for building top-quality web apps in a fraction of the time.