Quasar Framework – A Complete Full-Stack Cross-Platform Development Solution

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Table of Contents

Introduction

In today’s digitally-evolving landscape, smartphones are dominating the everyday life of people. From managing events to banking and shopping, mobile apps simplify countless tasks. This increased reliance on mobile and web applications has led to a staggering rise in app development. Businesses are indeed grabbing this opportunity by delivering seamless digital experiences through web and mobile platforms.

However, developing web and mobile apps for multiple platforms requires extensive resources, separate teams, and of course, sturdy budgets. This is where the Quasar framework steps in as a game-changer to bridge the gap with a single, unified solution. Yes, Quasar allows developers to use a single codebase to develop cross-platform solutions efficiently. It eliminates the need for separate development teams and streamlines the app development process. So, let’s move ahead and understand what the Quasar framework is all about.

What is Quasar Framework?

Quasar is basically an open-source framework that has been developed in the Vue.js framework. This Vue.js-based framework allows developers to build high-performing web apps and mobile apps by following the motto, “Write once, deploy anywhere”. It enables programmers to create single-page applications (SPA), server-side rendered apps (SSR), progressive web apps (PWA), mobile apps, and desktop applications. Released in 2016, the Quasar framework has gained significant popularity due to its comprehensive set of tools, components, and robust ecosystem.

With over 8.8k stars and 2.5k forks on GitHUb, Quasar has been gaining traction due to its ability to combine Vue’s capabilities with its extensive toolset and components for cross-platform platform app development. The framework provides the exact productivity enhancements, performance optimizations, and numerous features that developers need to build dynamic, responsive user interfaces. The MIT-licensed Quasar framework also eliminates the need for multiple external libraries or tools like Bootstrap or Webpack, offering everything in one framework.

Quasar Framework - The Rise of A Unified Cross-Platform Development Solution

The inception story of Quasar began with Razvan Stoenescu, the creator of Quasar. Razvan was no different from most corporate world developers. He was troubled by conflicts and inconsistencies. This was around 2015 when he was trying out different software development tools to execute various kinds of projects. He was working on iOS apps, android apps, Apple desktop apps, Windows desktop apps, websites, and so much more, all using different software solutions.
He kept looking for a solution to reduce all the complexities and develop different types of apps using a single codebase. He couldn’t find any such tool, so he started to build it from the starch. Razvan’s undertaking was not easy, so we wanted a strong base on which he could build a robust framework. He wanted to expand and enhance the system comprehensively to attain all the characteristics he was looking for in a master solution. That was when Razvan came across Vue.js which was quite in demand at that time.

Stoenescu chose Vue.js as the foundation and utilized its simplicity and flexibility to build the Quasar framework. The result was a robust, flexible framework that not only streamlines development but also enables scalability and customization. From then, the Quasar framework serves as an all-in-one solution when it comes to cross-platform app development.

A quick check on the Quasar framework launch

• Initial release: February 2015

• Stable release : 2.9.1 / October 3, 2022

Why Choose Quasar For Cross-Platform Development?

The Quasar framework is an easy-to-use, powerful UI kit for building responsive apps for multiple platforms without compromising quality or functionality. It comprises a lot of UI components, layout elements, and helpers, which together provide a complete toolset for building responsive front-end apps. With Quasar, developers would not have to make use of distinct UI libraries, but they could develop cross-platform apps with a single codebase. Here’s why Quasar is a preferred choice for cross-platform development for businesses and developers alike.

1. Single Codebase for Multiple Platforms

One of the most significant reasons to choose the Quasar framework is it lets developers build apps for the web, mobile (iOS and Android), and desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux) by using a single codebase. Selecting this open-source framework would not only save development time but also reduce the complexity while ensuring consistency across all platforms.

2. Built on Vue.js

Quasar has the ability to combine the power of Vue.js, one of the most lightweight and versatile JavaScript frameworks. The Quasar framework leverages Vue’s component-based architecture with its rich feature set to accelerate app development and maintain optimal performance.

3. Comprehensive Built-in Tools

Quasar brings a vast comprehensive set of tools and components to the table. It eliminates the need for multiple external libraries and tools. With built-in support for UI components, responsive layouts, animations, and state management, the Quasar framework allows developers to build user-centric apps without worrying about third-party integrations.

4. Supports Multiple Types of App Development

Quasar supports cross-platform app development, allowing developers to create numerous types of applications by using just one codebase. The framework provides an app-building layout so that the developers will only have to modify it structure as per the project requirements. Quasar enables the development of:

• Single-Page Applications (SPAs) for dynamic web experiences.
• Server-Side Rendered (SSR) Applications for better SEO and faster load times.
• Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) for an app-like experience on the web.
• Android or iOS apps using Cordova or Capacitor.
• Desktop apps using web technology, such as Electron.

5. Cost-Effective Development

Quasar allows for reusing the code across multiple platforms, which reduces the need for different development teams to build web, mobile, and desktop apps. Due to the code reusability and streamlined process, Quasar helps significantly cut development costs. This approach makes the Quasar framework an excellent choice for startups and enterprises aiming for a high return on investment (ROI).

6. Performance Optimization

Quasar is designed with performance and responsiveness in mind. Hence, apps that are built with this framework are highly optimized by default. There are various features that Quasar offers like lazy loading, tree shaking, minification, and code splitting. These startling features help ensure your app runs smoothly, even on resource-constrained devices.

7. Active Community and Support

When it comes to community, there is no need to worry about it. Quasar has a thriving and active community of passionate developers who consistently contribute to its development and provide essential support to fellow users. If you need assistance with comprehensive documentation, tutorials, or other resources, the dedicated community helps developers get started and troubleshoot issues.

Key Features of Quasar Framework

The Quasar framework offers a rich set of features which can help programmers build responsive apps and enhance their functionality as well as performance. With support for multiple platforms like web, mobile, and desktop, Quasar can streamline development and enhance productivity. Here is the list of some compelling Quasar framework features:

All in One Solution

As mentioned earlier, Quasar gives you the ability to develop functional code once, and with that, your development task is done. You can use this same code on all other platforms and enjoy native behavior on desktops and Quasar mobile apps. The Quasar framework enables using a single codebase to develop mobile apps for Android and iOS, as well as desktop apps for Mac, Linux, Windows, and other operating systems. It also allows you to create progressive web apps (PWAs) and single-page applications (SPAs) efficiently.

Top Class, Fast Web Responsive Components

With the Quasar framework, you get a unique development component for each distinct web development need. Your users will get fantastic experience and responsiveness with your Quasar application. This open-source framework offers pre-built, fast-loading components designed for diverse web development needs.

Best Practices Compliance

Quasar developers get overwhelming built-in features like code minification, source mapping, cache busting, code-splitting, tree shaking, ES6 transpiring, lazy loading, linting code, accessibility features, etc. The community encourages you to use Quasar Best Practices. The best part is that you can implement all these features without any configuration, and ensure top-notch performance and code quality.

Full RTL support

Quasar offers right-to-left scripting, which is so rare compared to other frameworks. Most of the frameworks only avail left-to-right scripts. So, this feature is handy to developers who prefer this style of coding, RTL scripting for languages like Arabic and Hebrew. Moreover, your CSS code is also converted to RTL form if you use an RTL language pack.

Two Themes

Quasar framework supports the two most famous themes – Material theme and iOS theme. Thus, developers have the freedom to choose the most suitable theme during app development. Choosing between the two themes Material Design and iOS, can ensure your apps look native on every platform.

Progressively Migrate Your Existing Project

The Quasar Framework uses the Unified Module Definition UMD version, which enables you to add HTML, Javascript, and CSS code to your existing project and have it ready to use. This helps developers gradually enhance the existing app with Quasar’s functionality, making the migration process smoother without disrupting any ongoing development efforts.

Quasar CLI

Quasar developers are blessed to have a command-line interface that enables them to edit the code and see the impact in real time almost instantly. This Hot Module Reload HMR feature uses the error-compilation overlay technology. Hence, developers do not need to refresh to see the updated changes in real time. You can install Quasar CLI with Node JS installation and avail of the following benefits:

• Error Overlay by State-preserving Compilation
• For code-linting, you can use Lint-on-save with ESLint
• Transpiling ES6 code
• Source maps
• Changing build options- no need for manual reload
• Leading-edge tools and techniques

Quasar vs Vuetify: Which One Is Best For Cross-platform Development?

As you now know, Quasar is built on top of Vue.js. Similarly, Vuetify can be used as a Quasar framework alternative. John Leider created Vuetify based on Google’s material design specifications. Here’s the quick comparison of Quasar vs Vuetify shown in the table below:

• Size: The Quasar framework is comparatively lightweight with a 437 KB framework, whereas Vuetify is 815 KB.
• Performance: Quasar apps load faster than apps built with Vuetify because of its lightweight framework size.
• Documentation: Vuetify’s documentation lacks precision regarding many of its features and functionalities. Quasar has comprehensive and well-written documentation.
• Material Design: Vuetify strictly obeys the design principles and hence, it leaves no room for customization. However, Quasar opens up an unlimited possibility of customization and accepts other functionalities and material designs.
• RTL Support: Quasar provides full right-to-left (RTL) support, which makes it easy to develop apps for languages like Arabic and Hebrew that use RTL scripts. On the other hand, Vuetify has limited RTL support and may require additional customization for a seamless RTL experience.
• Components: Quasar offers a wide variety of customizable, responsive components designed for mobile, desktop, and web apps. It ensures a consistent UI across different platforms. Vuetify, on the other end, offers a rich set of Material Design components. But, components offered by Vuetify is strictly web-focused, limiting flexibility for non-web platforms.

Comparing Quasar and Vuetify, we can conclude that Quasar is the most suitable framework for developers looking to build cross-platform apps by utilizing a single codebase. However, if you are more into Material Design-based web apps, Vuetify is the perfect framework.

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of applications can I develop using Quasar?

Quasar can help developers build a wide range of platforms, including:

• Progressive Web Apps (PWA)
• Single-page Applications (SPA)
• Server-Side Rendered (SSR) Apps
• Native Mobile Apps (iOS and Android) through Cordova or Capacitor
• Desktop Apps (Windows, macOS, Linux) through Electron

Is Quasar compatible with Vue.js?

Yes, Quasar is built on top of Vue.js and fully utilizes its ecosystem. If you are familiar with Vue.js, using Quasar will feel a little easier as it extends Vue.js with additional components, features, and utilities.

Does Quasar offer RTL (Right-to-Left) support?

Quasar provides full RTL support, which is rare to find and that’s what makes it a great choice for building apps in languages that use right-to-left scripts, such as Arabic or Hebrew.