You’ve decided that you want to create a website or application, and you know that you want to do it using the latest front-end framework or library. But which one should you choose? Whether you’re trying to decide between Angular vs React JS, or other frameworks like Vue and Ember, it can be hard to make up your mind when there are so many options with unique selling points to consider.
Finding an answer to this question
Which framework should I use? How do they differ from each other? and Which one is better? may seem like a pretty straightforward task. Most articles you can find on these topics are filled with subjective opinions from developers who have used either framework in a limited capacity, or have only dabbled in both. That’s not what we want! In an effort to truly determine which front-end framework is superior for large scale web development projects, let’s start by comparing apples to apples.
Understanding why there are so many articles out there
There are two major front-end frameworks out there for web developers, that is, languages and environments used to create websites and apps. The two front-end frameworks under consideration here are ReactJs and AngularJs. Not only do they differ in terms of design philosophy, they also have differing views on programming paradigms.
What is Angular.js?
Angular.js is a Model-View-Controller (MVC) JavaScript framework, maintained by Google and community contributors, that assists with running complex web applications. It facilitates both one-way data binding and two-way data binding, which in simple terms means that it helps synchronize your application’s data between its views and model components.
Is it worth learning?
Which front-end framework is best? And, more importantly, which one is right for you? It’s a question we’re often asked here at WebDevStudios. Both Angular and React have risen to popularity within just a few years, and both have ardent supporters who will tell you that their own choice is The One True Framework. (And both have detractors.) But when it comes down to brass tacks—what makes one better than another for your business? Or your project?
Benefits you get by learning it
Learning either Angular or React will make you a better developer because they both change your perspective on building applications. You’ll learn how to think differently about code organization, and that’s always valuable. Plus, having deep knowledge in one (or both) will help you find new positions if you ever decide to switch teams.
Popularity and market share
It’s important to consider both how popular a framework is and what percentage of developers are using it in their projects. This provides insight into whether or not your future team will know how to help you if you get stuck. Popularity is also an indicator that there are enough people using it for you to find answers when needed.
Cons of using Angular.js in 2019
Although there are plenty of positives to using Angular, it’s important to keep in mind that it is no longer being actively developed. If you do plan on building an application today, we recommend sticking with one of our recommended frameworks. However, if you are looking to create a new app soon (in less than 5 years), then there is no reason why you shouldn’t choose Angular.
Can be used with other libraries and frameworks
Unlike jQuery, Vue and other libraries and frameworks, which you can use on their own (you don’t have to use another front-end framework with Vue, for example), you do need to know some basics about other languages if you plan to learn Angular or React. It’s not that big a deal—Google is your friend—but it does mean it takes longer before you can get your hands dirty building an app from scratch. At least that’s true for beginners!
Best practices for Angular development
While developing with any front-end framework, it’s important to understand how best to employ its features. In other words, how should you use Angular? The basic answer is that you should use it because it makes your life easier; if there are some tasks that would be more difficult without using an MVC framework (such as Angular), then by all means, make use of it.
What about Vue.js – Should I learn it instead or just stick with what I have learned?
Vue.js is an exciting new addition to front end frameworks that’s gaining a lot of traction. Vue, which can be used alongside other frameworks, has been around since 2014 but only recently has started to gain in popularity. There are a number of reasons why Vue may be gaining popularity so quickly now, but one big reason is that it takes some concepts from both React and Angular – and combines them into something different.
