Angular and React comparing JavaScript frameworks

Do you want to create a dynamic and interactive website that doesn't take forever to load? In that case, it seems difficult to do without a suitable web framework. MooTools, Vue, Svelte and the .NET framework are among the most popular JavaScript frameworks and libraries, as are Angular and React. Both of these solutions have a large following and offer a multitude of advantages, but also some less obvious disadvantages. In order to make the right choice, various factors need to be taken into account. Discover with us the similarities and differences of these solutions to decide whether React or Angular is the best option for you. Angular and React: what are they?

To make a proper comparison between Angular and React, let's first look at these two opponents. Angular is a framework for mobile applications. It was developed in 2016 and is based on TypeScript and developed since 2016. It is the successor to Angular JS and is the result of a whole community, which includes Google, among others. Angular is an open source solution that can run on any platform. Unlike the previous version, Angular uses JavaScript. Google is not the only company to use this popular framework: let's not forget, for example, Microsoft, IBM, PayPal or Samsung.

Strictly speaking, React is not a JavaScript framework, but rather a library. React was first developed in 2013, by and for Facebook, and operates under the MIT license, which makes it also an open source solution. React is suitable for web and mobile applications and can also be combined with other libraries. React stands out for its comparison functionality known as "DOM diffing": no additional Document Object Model is created, React simply updates the modified part. In addition to the Meta world (i.e. Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other programs), React is also used by Netflix, Dropbox and the New York Times, among others. Angular and React: common points

If you compare Angular and React, you'll start to realise that these two solutions share many similarities. If you're looking for the best option for your project, don't be alarmed if you find that both options look the same. We'll show you some of the commonalities.

• Open source: as you already know, Angular and React are both open source solutions. In addition to being free, they are therefore developed and controlled by large communities. Thanks to this, they are regularly improved and any possible problem is quickly solved.

• Structure: Angular and React use the same components and therefore adopt a similar approach, making them particularly easy to use. Each individual component can also be examined and tested separately. In addition, they are all reusable at will.

• Application areas: Both solutions are used to develop the front-end of a website or mobile application.

• Use: Angular and React can be used on different platforms. Both solutions are particularly suitable for single page applications. They also allow you to work with web components.

• Updating: Both options are regularly updated. This means that any errors can be quickly corrected or avoided altogether. You will have no trouble working on a project with either of these solutions. Angular and React: differences
  

In order to decide in favour of React or Angular, it is however necessary to take into account the differences between these two frameworks.

• Approach: the main difference between Angular and React, which is also the most obvious, concerns their nature. While Angular is a true framework in the true sense, React is more of a library. Their scope is therefore not the same.

• Features: Overall, the Angular framework offers more features than its opponent. You can take advantage of templates, views and controllers, but also Ajax support solutions, the Angular CLI automated development tool and a focus on TypeScript to avoid errors and other problems. React, however, is not to be outdone, notably thanks to the aforementioned virtual DOM, the cross-platform React Native framework for mobile applications and its declarative user interface.

• Integration: while the Angular framework has the advantage of being very complete, its integration is inevitably a little more complex. In the case of React, additional libraries are most of the time necessary, but its integration is much easier.

• Syntax: when choosing between Angular and React, syntax can also be important. Angular relies entirely on TypeScript, while React is a bit more user-centric and uses JSX.

• Getting started: so which of React or Angular is easier to get started with? As an extended framework, Angular, for which the use of TypeScript is required, is more demanding. In comparison, React is much simpler, but it also takes time to get used to its additional features, which is ultimately more time-consuming than a jQuery tutorial, for example.

• Tools: Both opponents use and offer different tools. It is therefore important for developers to know the specificities of these two solutions. Angular uses code editors such as VS Code, the Angular CLI already mentioned, Angular Universal (for rendering) and Protractor (for the testing phase). In addition to VS Code, React also supports Create React App, Jest (for testing) and the Next.js framework (for rendering).

• Performance: In principle, there is not much difference between Angular and React. However, React's virtual DOM is advantageous for large applications and allows for better performance. Angular may lose some points in this respect.-

• Extensions: Many extensions are available for both solutions. The main difference is that Angular is naturally very complete and already offers many features, while React is more minimalist. It is therefore necessary to install a few extensions to get started. However, the large developer communities surrounding these solutions both offer many additional possibilities for various uses.
  

  
  

Which solution for which project?

Each project requires a different approach, so the winner of the comparison between Angular and React necessarily depends on the intended use. If you want to develop an application from scratch, Angular is certainly the best solution, especially if the back-end plays an important role. This recommendation is even more relevant if you already master TypeScript. The multitude of features offered by the framework can also be advantageous for very large projects.

On the other hand, it is recommended to choose React for managing your existing applications or a strong focus on your front-end. If you need to integrate a lot of interactive elements into your project, the React library is also a good choice. In addition, it is much more flexible and easier to learn. In summary: Angular and React are two convincing solutions

Who wins this duel between Angular and React? It all depends on your project, your knowledge and your requirements. Both technologies are among the best and offer you a wide range of different options. Developers have the chance to choose between these two solutions and even to include a third opponent in this competition. So, are you Angular, React or Vue? Whatever you decide, JavaScript is able to offer you countless possibilities thanks to its different resources.