React.js vs. Angular: Overall comparison
What is React.js?
React is the most popular front-end JavaScript library in the field of web development. It is used by large, established companies and newly-minted startups alike (Netflix, Airbnb, Instagram, and the New York Times, to name a few). React brings many advantages to the table, making it a better choice than other frameworks like Angular.js.
What is Angular?
Angular JS is an open source Model-View-Controller framework which is similar to the JavaScript framework.
Angular JS is probably one of the most popular modern day web frameworks available today. This framework is used for developing mostly Single Page applications. This framework has been developed by a group of developers from Google itself.
Because of the sheer support of Google and ideas from a wide community forum, the framework is always kept up to date. Also, it always incorporates the latest development trends in the market.
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Differences:
Type:
React is a JavaScript library, and it is much older compared with Angular. Angular is a complete framework.
DOM Usage:
React.js uses virtual DOM (Document Object Model — allows accessing and changing document contents, layout, and even structure). While Angular 2 operates on real DOM.
Imagine you want to update user profile details, let’s say, their last name. Real DOM, instead of changing just that bit of info, updates the entire tree structure of HTML tables until it reaches the needed data. In our case, it’s the last name.
While virtual DOM allows us to update the changes without rewriting the entire HTML doc virtually. This renders updates much faster and ensures fast performance — no matter of the apps’ size.
Learning Curve:
React has an easier learning curve compared to others for, developers don’t need to spend a ton of time re-learning the programming language. In other words, React is built on what developers already know– JavaScript. Thanks to its simple design, use of JSX (an HTML-like-syntax), and highly detailed documentation, React is the best library that makes web development easier to implement and iterate.
The learning curve of Angular is considered to be much steeper than of React. Angular is a complex and verbose framework with many ways to solve a single problem. It has intricate component management that requires many repetitive actions.
Data Binding:
React language uses one-way data binding, which means that the Ul elements can’t be changed without updating the corresponding model state.
Angular, on the other hand, uses the two-way data binding method. It helps you to ensure that the model state automatically changes when any change is made.
Languages:
Angular is written using TypeScript language, which is basically a superset for JavaScript. It fully compiles to JavaScript, but helps spot and eliminate common mistakes when actually typing the code.
React is written using JavaScript language.
Which one is better?
Angular is a full-fledged mobile and web development framework. React is a framework only for UI development, which can be turned into a full-fledged solution with the help of additional libraries.
React seems simpler at first sight, and it takes less time to start working on a React project. However, that simplicity as the main advantage of React is neutralized because you have to learn to work with additional JavaScript frameworks and tools.
Angular itself is more complex and takes quite some time to master. Yet, it is a powerful tool that offers a holistic web development experience, and once you learn how to work with it, you reap the fruits.
There is no better framework. Both are updated continuously to keep up with the competitor. For instance, while React was believed to win because of its virtual DOM, Angular equaled the score by implementing change detection. While Angular was considered to be winning because of being developed by such an authoritative company as Google, the immense devoted React community fully compensated for Google’s reputation and made React similar to Angular.
In the end, React vs. Angular is all a matter of personal preference, a matter of skills and habits. As a beginner in programming, you would probably benefit more from starting with React. As an experienced developer, you just keep working with what you know better.
Do not forget to challenge yourself and start learning a new framework, React or Angular. As a Project Manager or a business owner outsourcing developers, you should talk to your web development team and together choose the framework that suits all of you best, whether it be Angular or React.
