Djafarou Saley Abdou
26 Dec 2022
Angular and React are among the most popular solutions for websites and mobile applications. Angular is a comprehensive framework with a large number of features and an approach that can be described as rigorous. React is a library that is usually used with other libraries. The most suitable solution may therefore differ depending on your project.
Strictly speaking, React is not a JavaScript framework: it is more of a library. It dates from 2013.React stands out for its comparison functionality known as "DOM diffing": no additional Document Object Model is created, React just updates the modified part. It was created by and for Facebook
The common points :
Open source
Structure: They use the same components
Application domain: Both are used for the frontend
Usage: They can be used on different platforms
Differences :
Approach: Angular is a framework and React is more of a library.
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 thinks a bit more about the users and uses JSX.
JSX is a syntax extension to JavaScript.
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: React's virtual dom gives a slight performance advantage
Each project requires a different approach, so the winner of the Angular vs React comparison necessarily depends on the intended use. If you want to develop an application from scratch, Angular is certainly the better 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.
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?