Top 10 Elixir Web Frameworks in 2024

Elixir web frameworks, like Phoenix and Nerves, etc, have really made Elixir a top choice for global software and web app development. Thanks to its stand-out features such as scalability, clear code, and speedy API integration-Elixir has become a popular choice.

Also, its robust frameworks containing super features are suitable for the development of digital solutions that cannot only increase visibility but efficiency too. Eventually, this leads to better results such as an increase in user base and more conversions. 

However, with so many frameworks to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming for developers to select one that is suitable for their project. So, this blog will share top Elixir frameworks, starting with well-known Phoenix to help you choose what suits you best.

Let’s get started. 

1. Phoenix

The Phoenix framework of Elixir is the number one choice for many Elixir development needs. Due to its dynamic features, it is used in modern web app development. 

Features Of Phoenix

Some of the notable features that make Elixir the most popular framework are given below

• Versatility

Phoenix comes with all the capabilities of a web development interface and employs Erlang to help with better connections within the servers. It also benefits from Erlang to eradicate managing layers of cache to decrease operating complexities.

• Continuous User Management

It keeps track of the connected users on all nodes, possessing built-in “Channels and Presence” technology ensuring that all active users are tended to and accounted for.

• Toolkits

It has several tools that make it a number-one choice for developers including the presence of a dashboard that facilitates the development of enterprise apps.

• MVC like Pattern

Phoenix is one of the web development frameworks that deploys functionality similar to MVC  (Model View Controller) architecture. It has the dynamic ability to focus on the business domain with its functionalities and promotes productivity. Also, the amazing code comprehension endorses maintainability within any portfolio.

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2. Sugar

Elixir is one of the highest-paying programming languages and Sugar is its super framework released in 2014 and the best option for web app development. Modularity supports a good amount of customizability for several options, functions, and configurations. 

Features Of Sugar

The developers are sweet on Sugar because of the number of features given below.

• Efficiency

It has efficient memory management making it faster and its modular nature loads the features & functionalities that are being used.

• Convenience

Sugar is convenient because it's easy to use, containing a simple interface that can be used by any developer wishing to use it.

• Toolkit

Sugar has a diverse toolkit consisting of several options that can be loaded into IDE or final application.

3. Plug

The Plug is a framework that facilitates the communication between other frameworks. By giving pipelines or connections between web servers & frameworks. Enabling the Erlang Servers to be integrated with any Elixir Framework. 

Features Of Plug

The properties of Plug that make developers plug it into their development process are below.

• Testing Modules

It comes with testing modules such as “Plug. Test”, which aids in testing the routers, coding discrepancies, and connections. This also helps in coding and with the creation of an error-free code that does not need much effort on the developer’s part.

• Easy Documentation

Plug has proper first-party documentation available which is easy and walks through the basic code and implementation of the framework.

• Helper Modules

This framework contains many helper modules that aid in debugging errors whilst assisting in coding and programming. Also, it helps the developers to add content on pages that can be redirected in case of a crash.

• Support Erlang VM

It allows easy communication between the server and the web framework. Plug also backs the frameworks and servers that use Erlang VM. All in all, it’s an easy framework.

4. Nerves

Nerves is a super Elixir framework released in 2017 and is used in app development that needs to be embedded. It can build applications that are smooth and lightweight plus have no or little space on local memory.

Features Of Nerves

The prominent features that make Nerves robust are given below.

• Low Effort

This framework requires very little effort to set up and aims to integrate network communication, discovery, and much more, in a simple, packaged app.

• Linux VM Boot

This is a standalone project that boots into Virtual Machine making it faster, less error-prone, and more friendly to use the resources that it is given with.

• Toolkit

Nerves contain numerous build management applications that can help manage and employ frameworks. This also ensures that loaded features into Nerves can run efficiently.  Plus the command-line interface ensures that the developers spend less time configuring the workspace.

• IDE & CLI Based Interface

It’s ready to go, with integrated CLI and IDE making it a complete package that can be used in app development swiftly. Without any hassle of having to set up the application and frameworks first.

• Swift Booting

The apps made on the Nerves framework are less likely to have errors because the resources it utilizes are properly mapped out. Each step from development to debugging is completed on the VM with an integrated environment and shallow background memory usage.

5. Flowex

Flowex is a robust framework that was initially released in 2016. It is one of the rare frameworks added to this list of Elixir web frameworks. It enables the user to utilize the Flow-based programming paradigm.

Features Of Flowex

The intrinsic features making Flowex one of the top choices of developers are below

• Piping

The piping enables every request or process to be assigned to a pipeline and removes any chance of error for more data-dependent tasks.

• Use Of ROP

ROP enables a more streamlined use of memory and can help ensure that each part of the program is playing its due role sequentially.

• Efficiency

The Elixir GenStage Basis bestows efficiency on each aspect of the program. This is only possible because the framework is based on the same language as desired.

6. Kitto

Kitto was released in 2016 making it one of the latest Elixir language web frameworks. It is a dashboard framework that allows the Elixir apps written with a focus on data to be shown. 

Features Of Kitto

The super features of Kitto are below for you to see.

• Simple Deployment

It is easy to deploy as most of the features and functionalities are built into this framework. It is an efficient yet simple development environment that does not require much time to get used to.

• Code Reloads

Among other Elixir web frameworks, this automatically reloads the code to support updates, allowing efficient updation.

• Fail-Safe

Kitto helps in the prevention of crashes, and automatically comprehends and recognizes any potential errors within data translation. 

• Low Resource Consumption

It enables streaming SSE, which means optimization of certain data to allow shorter loading times leading to less memory consumption. This helps in the creation of efficient apps that are designed as per the physical capabilities of the machine they are running on.

7. Trot

It is an Elixir microframework that has become popular over the last few years since its release in 2015. Inspired by the Flask and Sinatra framework, it aims to create APIs easily.  Moreover, it can make the coding practices easier without any compromise on the flexibility of the code.

Features Of Trot

The features that make Trot well-known among other Elixir web frameworks are below.

• Documentation

A set of standard documentation is available for Trot on GitHub that ensures functionalities are properly implemented. Allowing the proper documentation of functionalities.

• Fast Implementation 

This Elixir web framework allows speedy implementation of basic or more commonly used functionalities. It also significantly reduces the need to code and adds all adapter functionalities that Plug initially comes with.

• Functionality

The development of APIs is a very easy task as it requires less focus on coding and more on results. This helps the developers easily include the basic requirements that accompany the use of Plug Framework.

8. Hedwig

Hedwig is a bot creation Elixir framework that is generally used in the automation and streamlining of processes. Thus eliminating the need for humans to do redundant tasks it is itself a Chatbot supported by Hubot. 

Features Of Hedwig

The top features that help Hedwig stand among the top 10  Elixir web frameworks are elaborated below.

• Adapters

Hedwig supports third-party adapters and this makes it the best option to be included in an already-running website. It comes with SMS and IRC.WIP, Flowdock, and many others.

• Application Support

Several adapters in this framework make it easy to integrate into apps. Also, it can support some apps that are deployed already. 

• Testing Capabilities

The bot also presents several testing options as it changes responders according to the app and developers' requirements.

9. Placid

It is a REST toolkit, released in 2014, and allows developers to develop highly scalable APIs. Placid allows easy generation of HTTP APIs to be integrated into apps.

Features Of Placid

Some of the top features of Placid are given below.

• Functionalities

It gives several unique modules that help expand the functionalities and these modules include several options such as: 

• Routing
• Handling
• CORS
• Handles
• Configuration
• Rendering
• Internalization  
  
  
• Scalable

The APIs built with this framework are highly scalable allowing the developers to make changes as users increase. This makes it a top choice for any project.

• Support Available

Placid has proper documentation available on GitHub like other Elixir web frameworks such as Trot. This allows the developers to discuss their development-related issues.

10. Maru

Inspired by Grape, Maru is a REST API developed to be run on Plug. Released in 2015, this framework can be integrated into existing apps for the development of RESTful APIs. 

Features Of Maru

Among Elixir web frameworks, the features that make Maru stand out are:

• REST Features

It comes equipped with REST functionalities, including manipulation of HTTP requests and more. These features not only distinguish but also provide a competitive edge. 

• Integration of Plug

The utilization of Plug for the framework to run is the best choice for any Elixir framework. It is also an essential part of the nature and coding of this tool.

• Robust Toolkit

 It comes packed with several unique REST and Plug features.

• Parameter validation & coercion
• Process response
• Supplementary unit test
• Process response

 

• HTTP Request Routing

HTTP request routing and other HTTP manipulation features make it a top unique choice and it can exert more control over HTTP  because of the REST capabilities.

Take Away

The popularity of Elixir web frameworks cannot be denied. Its use within both large and small enterprises over the past years has witnessed a great surge. So if you are looking to build scalable and secure apps then Hire Elixir developers for high concurrency, low latency, and awesome fault tolerance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is The Elixir Framework?

Elixir is a programming language that leverages Erlang VM, developed for constructing scalable and maintainable apps. Popular because of its fault tolerance and concurrency support, the language excels in building distributed and real-time systems. 

2. Are Elixir Frameworks Used For Frontend Or Backend?

Elixir is a back-end programming language and Phoenix is its primary framework that is specifically designed for developing scalable and robust backends. Also, it is not typically used for front-end development but it can be paired with front-end technologies such as JavaScript frameworks to create full-stack apps.

3. What Is The Most Popular Elixir Framework?

Phoenix is the most well-known Elixir framework that is built on Elixir’s strengths and excels in creating high-performance, real-time apps. It follows the Model-View-Controller (MVC) and emphasizes convention over configuration. That’s why it is widely used in modern web app development.

4. How To Use The Elixir Phoenix Framework?

Well, to use the Elixir framework you have to follow these steps.

• Install Phoenix and Elixir using a package manager
• Start a new Phoenix project with the mix phx.new command.
• Navigate to the project directory & set up a database.
• Run the development server with mix phx.server.
• Visit localhost:4000 in your browser to view the default Phoenix page.
• Define  routes, controllers and see MVC patterns, and begin building your app

5. Who Uses The Phoenix Framework?

This framework is utilized by famous companies like Moz, Discord, Pinterest, and Bleacher Report. These companies leverage Phoenix for its scalability, performance, and for handling large number of users.