Meteor vs Sails.js: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss the key differences between Meteor and Sails.js. Both Meteor and Sails.js are popular JavaScript frameworks used to build web applications.

1. Client-Side Rendering vs Server-Side Rendering: One of the key differences between Meteor and Sails.js is their approach to rendering. Meteor uses client-side rendering, which means that the HTML is generated on the client side using JavaScript. On the other hand, Sails.js uses server-side rendering, where the HTML is generated on the server and then sent to the client.

2. Full-Stack vs Backend Only: Meteor is a full-stack framework, which means that it covers both the front-end and back-end development aspects of an application. It includes libraries and tools for building both the client-side and server-side components of an application. In contrast, Sails.js is primarily a backend-only framework. It provides a set of tools and conventions for building the server-side of an application, but does not have built-in support for client-side development.

3. Real-Time Communication: Meteor is known for its real-time communication capabilities. It includes a built-in pub/sub system that allows data to be automatically synchronized between the server and the client in real-time. Sails.js also supports real-time communication, but it requires the use of additional libraries or plugins, such as Socket.io, to enable real-time functionality.

4. Data Management and Databases: Meteor has its own data management system called Minimongo, which is a client-side implementation of MongoDB. It allows data to be manipulated and queried on the client side, reducing the need for frequent server round-trips. In contrast, Sails.js does not include a built-in data management system. It supports multiple databases, including MongoDB, but does not provide a client-side data management layer like Minimongo.

5. Build System and Configuration: Meteor has a built-in build system that automatically bundles client-side and server-side code together. It also has a configuration system that allows developers to easily manage environment-specific settings. Sails.js, on the other hand, does not have a built-in build system or configuration system. Developers are expected to use third-party tools or libraries for these tasks.

6. Community and Ecosystem: Meteor has a large and active community, with a wide range of packages and resources available for developers. It has been around for a longer time and has gained popularity in the JavaScript community. Sails.js also has a strong community, but it is relatively smaller compared to Meteor. As a result, the number of available packages and resources may be more limited in Sails.js compared to Meteor.

In summary, the key differences between Meteor and Sails.js include their approach to rendering, their scope of functionality, their real-time communication capabilities, their data management systems, their build systems and configurations, and the size and activity of their respective communities.