Development Tools

6 Top Free and Open Source C Web Frameworks

One of the types of software that’s important for a web developer is the web framework. A framework “is a code library that makes a developer’s life easier when building reliable, scalable, and maintainable web applications” by providing reusable code or extensions for common operations. By saving development time, developers can concentrate on application logic rather than mundane elements.

A web framework offers the developer a choice about how to solve a specific problem. By using a framework, a developer lets the framework control portions of their application. While it’s perfectly possible to code a web application without using a framework, it’s more practical to use one.

C is a general-purpose, procedural, portable, high-level programming language that is one of the most popular and influential languages. It was designed to be compiled using a straightforward compiler, to provide low-level access to memory, to provide language constructs that map efficiently to machine instructions, and to require minimal run-time support. Many programming languages owe a considerable debt to C. It has become something of the lingua franca in the programming world.

Here’s our verdict captured in a LinuxLinks-style chart. Only free and open source software is eligible for inclusion.

Ratings chart

Let’s explore the 6 C web frameworks. For each program we have compiled its own portal page, a full description with an in-depth analysis of its features, together with links to relevant resources. Click the links in the table below to learn more about each framework.

C Web Frameworks
KoreSecure web application framework for writing web APIs in C or Python
facil.ioHigh performance web application C framework
OnionLibrary to create simple HTTP servers and web applications
libreactorExtendable event driven high performance C-abstractions
UlfiusHTTP Framework for REST Applications in C
DudaEvent-driven and high performant web services framework

This article has been revamped in line with our recent announcement.

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Dan
Dan
1 year ago

You’ve forgotten Vely.

Erik Karlsson
Editor
1 year ago
Reply to  Dan

I don’t think Eilidih ‘forgot’ about the framework in question although I’ve not spoken to her about it (as she’s away). From my personal perspective, I had never heard of Vely. Thanks for the heads-up.

I’m sure Eilidih will take a look at it at some point.

I’m not keen that the author doesn’t accept code contributions though, seems a little short-sighted.

And don’t forget, our series of software isn’t designed to include every open source project. Many of them fall into one or more of the categories:

– Abandoned software (although these are not automatically excluded)
– In an early stage of development
– Flawed in some way

Many open source projects don’t warrant inclusion. We focus on the cream!

Terry Brown
Terry Brown
1 year ago

I second Vely. Easy to work with as it generates the code for you. Functionally rich, much like PHP, but way faster and smaller.