When comparing Webix vs CanJS, the Slant community recommends Webix for most people. In the question“What are the best client-side JavaScript MV* frameworks?” Webix is ranked 14th while CanJS is ranked 15th. The most important reason people chose Webix is:
Webix is one of the most extensive UI component libraries, second only to Sencha ExtJS. Not only considering the number of widgets, but also the API methods for manipulating these widgets.
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Pros
Pro A lot of widgets
Webix is one of the most extensive UI component libraries, second only to Sencha ExtJS. Not only considering the number of widgets, but also the API methods for manipulating these widgets.
Pro Views can be constructed using JavaScript without HTML
The most common way of working with webix is to create a JSON configuration of your view in JavaScript. When you use TypeScript, you get complete typechecking and intellisense in your IDE.
Pro Seems to be quite stable
Even the most complicated GUIs are bug-free most of the time.
Pro Webix Jet
The webix Jet library adds all the required features for SPA development (routing, template loading, ...)
Pro Extremely simple to implement.
To get started is extremely simple. It has a low learning curve.
Pro Mature project
Regular updates and releases.
Pro Great support from the webix team
The company behind webix is really quick in answering any questions you have on their forum or via email.
Pro Awesome responsive material skins
Great design and icons pack.
Pro Fast rendering
Update of single element, no diff like react.
Pro Compact and easy syntax
CanJS has an easy to learn syntax.
Cons
Con Commercial license
It's not free for commercial applications.
Con Not very popular
Not really a reason to not recommend it. But it has still a small user base. It deserves a lot more attention.
Con Not modular
The library is not modular (except for some additional more complex widgets). If you only need a few widgets, you still need to include the entire library.
Con Hard to find resources outside of the official ones
Since CanJS is not very popular, it can be hard to find learning resources, tutorials, guides or any other resource that may help development.