Guide · Open source
How to use Ember.js: setup, core features and when to choose it
Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data
Ember.js is an open-source JavaScript framework for building web applications, licensed under MIT and written in TypeScript. This guide explains what it provides out of the box, how to get the source from the official repository, and which parts of the framework you will work with. By the end you will know whether Ember fits a project and where to go next to build your first app.
Ember.jsemberjs/ember.js · ★ 22.6k · MIT Install options & downloads Quick start
- 1Check Node.js. Install Node.js, which the source lists as the prerequisite for Ember.js.
- 2Clone the repository. Run git clone https://github.com/emberjs/ember.js.git to get the framework source.
- 3Read the guides. Work through the routing, components and models sections at guides.emberjs.com.
- 4Learn the API. Use emberjs.com/api to look up exact methods while you build.
- 5Review the release policy. Read emberjs.com/releases to understand LTS releases and the security support window.
- 6Find addons. Search emberobserver.com for rated addons that fit your app, checking each one before use.
What does Ember.js give you out of the box?
Ember.js is designed to reduce the repetitive work in web development by providing common pieces in one framework. The project's README lists routing, HTML-first components, a data layer called Ember Data, and autotracking for deciding what updates on screen.
Routing respects URLs while adding features such as rendering templates, loading data models, handling actions and conditionally redirecting. Ember Data comes with Ember apps by default, and the README notes that other data tools can be used instead.
- Routing: URL-aware routes that render templates and load models
- HTML-first components: start with semantic HTML and add behaviour as needed
- Data layer: Ember Data by default, with adapters and serializers for other backends
- Autotracking: a reactivity model that decides what to update and when
- Zero-config defaults: configuration is optional, with options available when needed
What do you need before you start with Ember.js?
The source README lists Node.js as the prerequisite for working with the project. The README's install instructions show cloning the repository from GitHub; it does not give a full setup walkthrough, so check the official guides for the current steps on creating an app.
- Node.js installed on your machine
- Git, to clone the repository
- Basic knowledge of JavaScript; the README mentions classes, decorators and generators are supported
How do you get the Ember.js source code?
The README's install method is to clone the repository. Run the command below in the folder where you keep your projects. This gives you the full source of the framework to read or build from.
After cloning, follow the contributor guide in the repository's CONTRIBUTING.md file if you plan to change the framework itself.
git clone https://github.com/emberjs/ember.js.gitWhere do you learn the core concepts?
The Ember project maintains guides, an API reference, a community page and a blog, linked from the README. The guides cover topics such as routing, components, models and configuring Ember, and each Ember version has its own documentation.
Use the guides as your main learning path, and check the API section when you need exact method details.
- Guides: guides.emberjs.com
- API reference: emberjs.com/api
- Community: emberjs.com/community
- Blog: emberjs.com/blog
How do you extend Ember with addons?
The README describes a quality addon ecosystem. Addons are rated, and many need no extra configuration. Emberobserver.com, linked in the README, lets you search addons by source code.
Before adding an addon, check its documentation and how it is maintained, since the README does not rate individual addons.
- Search addons by source code on emberobserver.com
- Many addons work without extra configuration, per the README
What should you know before committing to Ember?
Ember is a full framework with its own structure, so it suits large, long-lived apps more than small widgets. The README highlights regular LTS releases and 30 weeks of security fixes, which matters for teams that need stable maintenance.
Expect a learning curve: the framework has many concepts, and the README's emphasis on its own conventions means it is not a drop-in component model for other styles.
- Good fit: large apps, teams wanting built-in routing and data, long maintenance horizons
- Poor fit: adding a small library to an existing page, or a first project for a complete beginner
What people use it for
- Building large, long-lived web applications that need structure
- Creating apps with built-in routing and data loading in one framework
- Teams that want sensible defaults and the option to configure more later
- Adding a data layer with Ember Data or a custom backend through adapters and serializers
Frequently asked questions
Is Ember.js free to use?
Yes. The repository is licensed under MIT, as shown in the README's license badge. Check the LICENSE file in the repository for the full terms.
What do I need to install Ember.js?
The source lists Node.js as the prerequisite. The README's install instruction is to clone the repository from GitHub using git.
What is Ember.js used for?
The README describes it as a framework for building any web application, with an emphasis on large, complex apps. It bundles routing, components and a data layer.
Is Ember.js good for beginners?
It can be a steep start. The framework has many concepts to learn, so a beginner may find a smaller library easier for a first project.
How does Ember.js compare to React or Vue?
Ember is a full framework with built-in routing and data management, while React and Vue are often used as view layers. The source does not compare them directly, so evaluate each against your project needs.
Where can I get help with Ember.js?
The README points to the Ember community page, a Discord server and the official guides and API documentation.
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Our verdict
Ember.js suits developers and teams building large, long-lived web applications who want routing, components and data management in one structured framework. If you need a small library to add to an existing page, or the simplest possible first project, pick a lighter option such as React, Vue.js or Svelte.
Install options & downloads