Ext JS explained + Advantages vs. Disadvantages 

Ext JS has been actively discussed among JavaScript communities over the last years. While some developers are vocal in advocating for Ext JS versatility, others are complaining about its sophisticated architecture.

What is Ext JS? What components does it include? What projects does it fit best?

This article answers these questions — and more. We discuss advantages and disadvantages of Ext JS and where it is used.

First, let’s unwrap what this abbreviation stands for.

Ext JS is a JavaScript framework that lets developers create web applications and user interfaces (UI) with cross-browser compatibility. This framework uses methods like Ajax, DHTML, and Document Object Model (DOM).

Ext JS represents a single platform supporting development of desktop and mobile applications. This framework is based on MVC/MVVM (The-Model-View-Controller, and Model View ViewModel, accordingly) architecture. This architecture is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended to comply with it.

Sticking to the suggested architecture makes your code well-structured, organized, and easy to maintain.

Ext JS app files are contained in your project JavaScript folder.

Ext JS helps developers organize and manage web application elements and perform accurate and efficient settings of such elements. The framework is also capable of separating application logic and its data from the visual part by adjusting the MVC template to web applications.

Ext JS works perfectly for creating both Single Page Applications and Rich Internet Applications. The framework delivers a rich (apologies for the tautology) interface that are:

A comprehensive visual components library is one of the aspects ensuring such a sought-for UI. Let’s have a look at these components in more detail.

Ext JS web application interface comprises widgets, known as components.

The components have a DOM data representation of objects. The lifecycle of each component includes the following three stages:

Initialization. Register the component with Ext.ComponentManager and define if rendering will take place.

Rendering. Build the DOM tree and add a component into the DOM hierarchy.

Destruction. Eliminate the DOM and unregister the component from Ext.ComponentManager.

Ext JS provides developers with the following essential advantages:

In the chart below, you can see the list of available UI components for Ext JS:

As we can see, the components library looks quite comprehensive. Of note: the components have subcomponents, thus developers can find many and varied options for their frontend routine.

As to the coding, Ext JS is a laconic-syntax framework. Let’s compare what it takes a developer to code a typical form component using Ext JS versus Angular:

ExtJS

ANGULAR

With Ext JS, we get the same functionality with half the code compared to the Angular framework. Plus, there is no need to work with HTML. Such a difference is extremely beneficial when it comes to the development of complex interfaces with a large number of components.

Now, having figured out what Ext JS is, let’s discuss where it is used.

Ext JS is designed for building data-intensive enterprise web applications. This framework shines best for applications that include multiple complex tables (which often can be found in enterprise-level projects). Creation of such complex tables is also possible in other frameworks (e.g., React, Angular), but it’s a real chore compared to Ext JS.

Simplification of the web app development process is achieved through an extensive component library almost eliminating the need for coding components on one’s own. Just take ready-made grids and tables and partially customize them, if necessary. The same works for templates. There are many to choose from, and you can tweak them to your needs. This significantly speeds up the development process.

Ext JS possesses one of the most versatile UI libraries in the industry. You can generate charts (column, bar, line, area, scatter, radial, and many others) in Canvas and in SVG. An enterprise web application can cover all its interface requirements due to Ext JS’s carousel, forms, trees, pivots, exporter, and other design assets.

Sencha Ext JS admin dashboard, the section for charts:

Since the Ext JS framework ensures fast project delivery and reduces development costs, it is widely used for diverse business domains. Let’s have some examples of how the following industries can consume Ext JS graphic libraries:

The list goes on. The key to success is to find a reliable, experienced tech vendor.

Regarding Ext JS, some developers criticize it, arguing it is heavy, expensive, and glitchy. As a rule, most problems are related to improper environment configuration. When configured correctly and used with Sencha Cmd, a project with all its CSS and images will fill 1Mb in the production on average.

Check out the list of the framework’s essential advantages and disadvantages, so you can make a well-informed decision whether the pros outweigh the cons.

Ext JS pros:

Ext JS cons:

Comparing the advantages and disadvantages of the framework, we can conclude Ext JS is a time and money saver for enterprise-level projects. A speeded-up development process equals fewer billing hours. However, the challenge for businesses is finding advanced, highly qualified tech specialists to operate within this environment.

Ext JS supports configurable graphic elements for charts, forms, grids, and others. Thus, it is possible to calibrate existing fancy components precisely to the app interface requirements.

Technical documentation of Ext JS is far more extended and detailed compared to the other JavaScript frameworks. It includes examples of codes that can be changed and tested. Hence, developers can perform fast when using such code templates.

A large community of the framework is another prominent aspect. When bottlenecks happen—and they happen with everyone—developers can troubleshoot in topical forums. Or, if there is no such resolution, they can submit an issue. Other members of the community will help to figure it out. Collaboration is a superpower, you know.

IT Craft has 40 positive feedbacks on Clutch and is a top-rated tech provider on independent sources Upwork and GoodFirms.

Ext JS is one of the most feature-rich frameworks allowing businesses to create rich UI applications. It is designed for data-intensive enterprise web apps. Companies from different industries successfully release Ext JS’s potential. Although the price for the license is high, the fast development process eventually translates into money saved.