Which Framework Should Beginners Learn First: A Comprehensive One or a Minimalist One?

Before jumping into any framework, I'd recommend getting a solid grip on the core programming language you're using. You need to understand the fundamentals first. Learning the language well, like Python or JavaScript, makes it easier to pick up any framework later.

It really depends on your goals. If you want to become a better web developer by understanding how frameworks work, minimal frameworks might be good for you. But if your aim is to get a web app up and running without drowning in details, then a comprehensive framework is the way to go. Either path will teach you a lot!

Some people suggest starting with a minimalist framework because it has less complexity to deal with. It’s less overwhelming at first, allowing you to grasp the fundamental concepts without all the extra features.

Going with a fully-featured framework is usually the better choice for beginners. With something like Django or Spring Boot, you won't need to get bogged down in picking third-party packages for basic tasks like database access or authentication. It saves you from making choices that can be overwhelming if you're not yet familiar with them. It lets you focus on learning the structure and customization of the framework first before you start exploring other options.

Honestly, for beginners, starting with no framework at all can be quite liberating. Just understanding the basics of HTTP communication can take some of the fear out of web development. You can always switch to a comprehensive framework later when you're more comfortable.