A well-chosen framework creates a strong, future-proof foundation, while the wrong choice can lead to frustration, technical debt, and an ongoing struggle with updates. Making a wise decision requires careful consideration of your product's long-term needs and the goals of your entire organization.

Whether your focus is on attracting top talent to your development team or fostering effective cross-department collaboration, selecting the right framework is a decision that deserves your full attention.

Here are five essential factors to guide your choice:

1. Maturity and reliability

If longevity is your goal, select a framework that has stood the test of time. While new and trendy frameworks might seem exciting, they often come with limited documentation and small developer communities, leaving you stranded when issues arise.

Tip: Stick to frameworks with a long history of reliability if you want your product to thrive in the long run.


2. Dependencies hell or heaven?

Lightweight frameworks may initially seem ideal, but they often rely on multiple external libraries to function, which can lead to "dependency hell" This occurs when updates create conflicts and chaos, making troubleshooting a nightmare. Opting for a framework that minimizes external dependencies by managing most tasks internally can save you from significant headaches down the road.

As one developer (boisheep) explained on r/webdev:

> I dust some ancient javascript code that ran jquery and it still works, I dust some C++ old code I wrote as a teenager and it still compiles; I take a 2 year old modern project and I get segmentation fault core dumped while doing npm install and my browser has a mini-stroke and a gazillion warnings. 

 

3. Updates: A blessing or a curse?

Frequent updates and new versions can seem promising, but they often come with challenges, particularly when changes aren’t backward-compatible. Upgrading, for example, from React 16 to 19 might sound simple, but depending on your application’s complexity, it could involve rebuilding substantial parts of your product.

Frameworks with heavy reliance on external components also demand regular attention to dependencies, making updates even more labor-intensive.

Pro Tip: Investigate whether the framework has significant Dependabot activity. High levels of activity can signal that frequent updates—and the workload they require—are likely.


4. Structure and discipline lead to success

A great framework provides more than just tools; it establishes a structure that guides how your team collaborates. Frameworks that enforce strong organization and discipline help streamline teamwork, especially for projects with tight deadlines or limited budgets.

The more structured and rigid the framework is, the easier it becomes to maintain code, onboard new developers, and ensure long-term consistency.


5. AI tools and their impact

The growing role of AI tools is influencing how frameworks are chosen. Tools like GitHub Copilot, Windsurf, and Cursor enable developers to work smarter and more efficiently, automating repetitive tasks and reducing the need for external dependencies.

These AI tools not only enhance productivity but also make it easier to create custom code that’s tailored to your project’s needs. They can even assist with solving complex logical problems in your codebase, lowering the barrier to innovation.

Bonus: By using AI tools, you can reduce dependency challenges and streamline development workflows.


Conclusion: Make a smart choice

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing a development framework. However, there is a "right" choice for your project. Evaluate your specific needs, long-term goals, and priorities before making a decision, and prioritize enduring value over short-term convenience.

At 99x, we have years of experience working with a wide range of frameworks and technologies. Do you have questions about selecting the right framework for your next project? Reach out to us at websolutions@99x.io - we’d be delighted to help!