React and Angular are the two most popular front end development frameworks in today’s market. These have been listed among the top 15 JavaScript Frameworks in 2019. They are seen to have similar architectures, are almost equal in popularity, and are both based on JavaScript. It is really a tough task to choose between React and Angular.
In Web application development, it is hard to distinguish any one tool as the best. Each one will have its own merits and demerits. A feature which is beneficial in one instance might prove to be an impediment in another. In order to avoid increased development time, it is imperative to select the right framework. This calls for diligently considering them according to the situation.
Comparison Between Angular and React
There’s no outright way to judge the best among Angular and React. But it is essential to choose one for your project before starting app development for mobile. The following chart illustrates the basic factors in these two frameworks in a comparative way:
FACTOR | ANGULARJS | REACTJS |
Release | 2016 | 2013 |
Type | JS framework | JS Library |
Data Binding | Bidirectional | Unidirectional |
Language | TypeScript | JavaScript |
DOM | Real | Virtual |
Learning Curve | Steep | Flat |
License | MIT License | MIT License |
Maintenance | ||
Abstraction | Strong | Medium |
Architecture | Component-based | Component-based |
Angular, the open-source front-end development framework is supported by Google. ReactJS is the open-source JavaScript library that was introduced by Facebook.
An in-depth Comparison of Angular and React Characteristics
1. Language Expertise
In regard to language expertise, Angular makes use of the comparatively new TypeScript. The TypeScript was released in 2012 and is used by a limited number of people. React makes use of JavaScript released in 1995 that naturally has a far larger number of users. This ensures the possibility to reach a larger community at the time of need.
It must also be considered that while TypeScript language is statically typed whereas JavaScript is dynamically typed. It is up to the decision of the Web Application Development Company to pick one of these frameworks.
However, it is to be noted that statically typed languages that are prone to typos and require more time to fix and debug. Dynamically typed languages help cut down on testing and development times.
2. Architecture
Angular Vs React in the purview of architecture is framework Vs library. Angular happens to be a complete MVC framework, the descendant of AngularJS. On the other hand, React is more of a library that has UX components. Only view component is available, necessitating using other libraries for the other components.
React framework with its minimalistic approach allows adding customized libraries/components. On the contrary, with Angular, pre-existing libraries must be accommodated. If the existing libraries are required for your app, then AngularJS development would be a perfect choice. However, sometimes, the libraries may not be available in both Angular and React. In such a case, this criterion will not be taken as the deciding factor.
Web app developers will find a bundle of components such as AJAX requests, XSS protection, routing, and forms available in Angular. React is equipped with minimal in-built features. It thus enables Web application development companies to build libraries themselves according to unique needs.
3. Third-Party Library Use
TypeScript helps counter JavaScript’s steep learning curve. Nonetheless, it becomes a hindrance when third-party libraries are included. TypeScript requires definitions of every library that has to be used. This makes working with third-party libraries inconvenient.
4. Scalability
With robust design and command line interface, Angular proves highly scalable. React being easier to test makes it easy to scale too. Choice of the framework is purely on the developer in this regard.
5. Frameworks
Both React and Angular have their development frameworks. React is equipped with React Native, React Sketchapp, and next.js, whereas Angular has native script and ionic 2.
When it comes to application performance and ease of development, React native proves to be the best framework. While other frameworks work fine too, it is the app developer’s choice and specific needs that drive the decision.
6. Licensing
Angular has free open source license, making it easier for companies to adopt. React—coming from Facebook—initially had certain patent clauses that didn’t suit several enterprises.
However, after being re-licensed under MIT, it became extensively accessible. Anyhow, finer points need to be read through while selecting React.
7. Speed
Angular takes comparatively a little more time for loading on mobiles. Being sleek, React loads faster. Especially after Fiber architecture was introduced, it loads very fast. Even the latest version of Angular is no match to React, as far as loading time is concerned. React Js Development suits those who give priority to speed.
Pros & Cons of AngularJS:-
Angular is a JavaScript MVVM framework, founded in 2009, which is awesome for building highly interactive web applications.
Advantages:
- Detailed documentation provides essential information, empowering developers. Angular JS development gains ground on this factor.
- Includes new features such as RXJS, quick compilation, and new HttpClient launch.
- Model-View-Viewmodel enables developers to work separately by using same data on the same app.
- Two-way binding enables singular behavior, minimizing risks.
Disadvantages:
- Migration issues might come up when moving from older to latest versions.
- Complex syntax meted out from the earlier version.
- Performance of dynamic applications is not good. Bugs and inconvenience in use due to the size of single page applications is possible.
Pros & Cons of ReactJS:-
ReactJS is an open-source JavaScript library, created by Facebook in 2013. It is great for building large dynamic web applications where data is changeable on a regular basis.
Advantages:
- It is simple and easy to learn; its syntax is also simple.
- Downward data binding ensures that child elements do not impact parent data.
- When ReactJS is combined with ES6/7, it is possible to work with high load easily.
- Provides maximum responsiveness and high flexibility.
- With virtual DOM, it is possible to arrange documents in XML, HTML, or XHTML formats in a tree that web browsers accept.
Disadvantages:
- Developers are offered too many options for customizations, making React opinionated.
- ReactJS requires long time for mastering and deep knowledge for integrating the user interface into the MVC framework.
- Insufficient official documentation is an issue.
Conclusion:-
A few major changes have been infused in React. These empower ReactJs Development companies to provide feedback easily on experimental APIs, new features, and JavaScript syntax enhancements. On the other hand, Angular has been witnessing growth in the rate of usage.
Both Angular Js development and React Js Development are here to stay for several years. Choosing the framework for Web application development depends on the complexity and unique app requirements. The experience of the hired app developers is also another factor that influences this choice.