Vue.js
Vue.js is a progressive JavaScript framework for building user interfaces. It combines a low barrier to entry with the power of a full framework for single-page and complex web applications.
Since its release in 2014 by Evan You, Vue.js has become one of the three major JavaScript frameworks alongside React and Angular. Its progressive approach stands out: you can use it as a simple view library or scale to a full framework with routing, state management and build tools. Clear documentation, a gentle learning curve and a well-designed API have made Vue a favourite among developers worldwide.
What is Vue.js?
Vue.js is an open-source JavaScript framework based on the MVVM pattern (Model-View-ViewModel) that simplifies building reactive user interfaces. A core concept is Single File Components (SFC) that combine template (HTML), logic (JavaScript/TypeScript) and styles (CSS) in one .vue file. Vue uses a reactive data system: when data changes, the UI updates automatically. Vue 3 introduces the Composition API for more flexible logic organization and an optimized virtual DOM with compiler-based optimizations. The ecosystem includes Vue Router, Pinia (state), Nuxt.js (SSR/SSG meta-framework) and Vite (build tool).
How does Vue.js work?
Vue uses a reactive system that detects data changes and updates the affected parts of the UI. In the template, data is bound to the DOM via directives (v-bind, v-if, v-for). When a reactive variable changes, Vue computes which DOM nodes need updating and applies minimal changes. The Composition API lets you group related logic into reusable composables. Vite provides very fast Hot Module Replacement (HMR) during development.
Practical Examples
A company site uses Nuxt.js (Vue) with SSG for a fast, SEO-friendly marketing page with dynamic components.
An internal dashboard shows business metrics in real time with Vue and chart libraries like ECharts.
An online product configurator uses Vue's reactivity to update price and preview on every selection change.
An e-commerce platform uses Vue with Pinia for cart state and Vue Router for category navigation.
A form builder uses Vue's component system to build nested, dynamic forms with drag-and-drop.
Typical Use Cases
Single Page Applications (SPAs) for business tools, dashboards and interactive web apps
Server-Side Rendering (SSR) and static sites with Nuxt.js for SEO and e-commerce
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) that work offline and feel like native apps
Migrating jQuery or MPA projects: Vue's progressive approach allows step-by-step adoption
Design systems and component libraries reused across projects
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Gentle learning curve: Vue's intuitive API and documentation get you productive quickly
- Progressive: From a simple widget to a complex enterprise app – Vue scales with needs
- Performance: Vue 3 with compiler optimizations and tree-shaking delivers small bundles and fast render
- Single File Components: HTML, JS and CSS in one file simplify development and maintenance
- Strong ecosystem: Nuxt.js, Pinia, Vue Router and Vite form a coherent toolset
Disadvantages
- Smaller ecosystem than React: Fewer third-party libraries and integrations
- Less enterprise adoption: In large corporations React and Angular dominate
- Vue 2 to 3 migration: Composition API and breaking changes required updates in existing projects
- Community-driven: Vue is maintained mainly by Evan You and the community, not a large tech company
Frequently Asked Questions about Vue.js
What is the difference between Vue.js, React and Angular?
Is Vue.js suitable for large projects?
What is Nuxt.js and when do I need it?
Related Terms
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