There is many JavaScript frameworks. Having said that, these frameworks usually serve a certain purpose. MeteorJS maybe understood as a platform with a “Best-of”-selection from JavaScript frameworks, MongoDB, and Node.js combined.
MeteorJS is a JavaScript platform build to reduce costs and increase the reuse of software modules in future projects. With MeteorJS you develop web applications with a single language from the database to the server to all clients while placing emphasis on updating all data in real time over all clients simultaneously. Facebook and Twitter are using those techniques but never released an open source solution to the public. The MeteorJS framework is highly scalable and can be applied for all applications where loads of data and application reactivity (real-time) evokes value proposition for innovative services.
Instead of developing their own api, the MeteorJS developers exploited frameworks and reused the code to shape the future of JavaScript frameworks. Included frameworks are wie Amplify, AppCache, Backbone.js, Handlebars, jQuery und Underscore.js, it is also possible to embed CoffeeScript. So this is how the developers of MeteorJS see their creation.
1. Data on the wire:
It means that only data is send through the networks to be included into your HTML. The client-side takes care of how to handle the data and how to display it.
2. One language:
JavaScript is being used on the server and the client-sides’ browser. So you will only have to understand the merits of MeteorJS.
3. Database everywhere:
The database is available on in the browser and on the server. However, only a certain selection will be downloaded to the client.
4. Latency-compensation:
A pre-selection and a model simulation facilitate a latency-free connection to the hosts database.
5. Full stack reactivity:
Live data and reactive applications will become a standard. Preferably all interfaces are construed in an event-driven manner.
6. Embrace the ecosystem:
MeteorJS is an open source and is integrating other open-source frameworks instead of to replace them.
7. Simplicity equals productivity
Convenience is paramount and is a requirement for the developer. The best way to make something look easy is to actually make it easy. This is achieved by applying lightweight and traditional apis.
I recently wrote a post on What are the best use cases for meteorjs and you can find it here: http://www.browserstudios.com/2014/07/09/what-are-best-use-cases-for-meteorjs/. More than any other framework, MeteorJS enables you to develop real-time web apps in a matter of hours. And if you’ve ever done front-end development before, you’ll already be familiar with JavaScript and won’t even need to learn a new language.