Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

hapi.js VS Nest.js

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

hapi.js logo hapi.js

Server Framework for Node.js

Nest.js logo Nest.js

A progressive Node.js framework for building efficient, reliable and scalable server-side applications.
  • hapi.js Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-18
  • Nest.js Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-03-26

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.

Nest.js features and specs

  • Modular Architecture
    Nest.js uses a modular architecture which is highly organized and maintainable. This allows for better separation of concerns and makes it easier to manage large-scale applications by dividing them into smaller, reusable modules.
  • TypeScript Support
    Nest.js is built with TypeScript, providing strong typing and compile-time checks. This leads to fewer runtime errors and improved code readability and maintainability.
  • Dependency Injection
    The framework includes a powerful dependency injection system, which enables better testability and easier management of application components.
  • Built-in Middleware
    Nest.js supports middleware out of the box, allowing developers to easily add additional request-processing logic at different points in the request lifecycle.
  • Extensive Documentation
    Nest.js offers comprehensive and detailed documentation, which helps developers quickly get up to speed and resolve issues more efficiently.
  • Scalability
    The framework is designed to be scalable, making it suitable for projects of varying sizes—from small applications to large enterprise-level systems.
  • Integration with Modern Libraries
    Nest.js seamlessly integrates with modern libraries and frameworks such as GraphQL, WebSockets, and TypeORM, extending its capabilities and allowing for versatile development options.
  • Active Community
    An active and growing community around Nest.js means there are plenty of resources, tutorials, and third-party tools available to assist with development.

Possible disadvantages of Nest.js

  • Learning Curve
    Due to its rich feature set and use of TypeScript, Nest.js can have a steep learning curve for developers who are not familiar with these technologies.
  • Overhead
    The reliance on the decorators and classes can introduce additional overhead, potentially making simple projects more complex than necessary.
  • Limited Flexibility
    Nest.js follows an opinionated architecture pattern, which can be restrictive for developers who prefer a more flexible or unstructured approach.
  • Performance
    While Nest.js is generally performant, the abstraction layers and TypeScript compile steps can introduce slight performance overhead compared to more lightweight alternatives.
  • Dependency on TypeScript
    The heavy reliance on TypeScript can be a drawback for developers who prefer to use plain JavaScript, or who are not familiar with TypeScript.
  • Community Compared to Mainstream Frameworks
    Although the Nest.js community is active and growing, it is still smaller compared to more established frameworks like Express.js or Koa, potentially limiting the amount of shared knowledge and third-party packages available.

hapi.js videos

Hapi.js Framework Crash Course

Nest.js videos

Why I chose Nest.js over Express.js in 2020

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to hapi.js and Nest.js)
Web Frameworks
32 32%
68% 68
Developer Tools
35 35%
65% 65
JavaScript Framework
14 14%
86% 86
Python Web Framework
100 100%
0% 0

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 Nest.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.

Nest.js Reviews

Top JavaScript Frameworks in 2025
Nest (NestJS) is a framework for building efficient and scalable server-side backend applications using Node.Js. Internally, it actually makes use of JavaScript Back-end frameworks like Express (which is the default, and optionally Fastify can be configured to use as well!
Source: solguruz.com
10 Best Next.js Alternatives to Consider Today
For TypeScript aficionados seeking a framework with a modular, scalable architecture, NestJS stands out. Built on top of Node.js, NestJS offers a powerful set of abstractions for building server-side applications. Its modular structure facilitates the creation of scalable and maintainable codebases, making it a preferred choice for enterprise-level applications where a...
The 20 Best Laravel Alternatives for Web Development
NestJS is a Node.js framework that’s inspired by Angular, and guess what? It’s written in TypeScript. Building with Typescript is like you’re navigating with the stars. It’s all about sturdy architecture, a server-side framework that enjoys the scripting superness while piling on extra sturdiness.
Top 10 Best Node. Js Frameworks to Improve Web Development
It is a structure, which is used for making expert, versatile Node.js applications on the server-side. It employs powerful JavaScript plus designed with TypeScript. Working with TypeScript indicates Nest brings uninterrupted writing and incorporates elements like the following
Top 14 Node.JS Frameworks: Which Will Rule in 2020?
Nest utilizes Express.JS and provides an unusual app architecture that allows for the easy development of easily maintainable, loosely paired and highly scalable and testable apps. Developers can use Nest CLI for developing NestJS apps with different features.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Nest.js should be more popular than hapi.js. It has been mentiond 217 times since March 2021. 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 / 11 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

Nest.js mentions (217)

  • Next.js vs Nest.js: Understanding the Difference
    Read more about Next.js here and Nest.js here. - Source: dev.to / about 2 months ago
  • Secure Your REST API Using Keycloak Role-Based Access Control
    In this article, we will walk through a step-by-step process to secure a Nest.js RESTful API using Keycloak. This includes setting up an application client and configuring authentication and RBAC for your API endpoints. - Source: dev.to / about 2 months ago
  • Next.js vs Nest.js: What to Choose in 2025?
    The rapid evolution of web development in 2025 makes it imperative to choose a framework that truly fits your project. Whether this involves a dynamic web application, scalable API, or high-performance SaaS product, the decision to select Next.js or Nest.js becomes all the more key. While both do their thing really well, in this sense, they don't do the same thing. - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago
  • Why Ruby on Rails still matters
    Ok, you're right. I was referring to the usual ones (Next, Nuxt, SvelteKit, Remix, etc). Joytick looks cool. Besides this there's also NestJS https://nestjs.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 3 months ago
  • Secure Your NestJS App: Implementing Authentication with Auth0
    Basic knowledge of NestJS and Javascript/Typescript. - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing hapi.js and Nest.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...

Laravel - A PHP Framework For Web Artisans

Django - The Web framework for perfectionists with deadlines

Adonis JS - AdonisJs is a Node.js web framework with breath of fresh air and drizzle of elegant syntax on top of it

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