Game of Codes. Difference Between Angular and React.js: Which is Better and Why?

Difference Between React and Angular: A Detailed Breakdown

Before we answer the question “Angular or React – which is the best?”, it is crucial to list all the differences between these two front-end technologies. So, let’s take a look. 

Frequency of Use

When considering Angular vs React, React emerges as the more widely sought-after choice, evident in its prominence based on Google Trends search data. Additionally, according to a Statista survey conducted in 2023, React claims the second position among the most utilized web frameworks globally, only falling behind Node.js.

Angular enjoys favor among developers and users due to its pre-built solutions. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that both of these front-end development frameworks maintain a significant presence and reputation within the industry.

Type of Library/Framework

Angular is a complete, opinionated, and full-featured framework for building web and mobile applications. It encompasses many tools and features, including routing, forms, HTTP handling, etc.

React is a JavaScript library for building user interfaces. It focuses primarily on the view layer of an application and is often used in conjunction with other libraries or frameworks for complete app development.

Language

Angular uses TypeScript, which is a statically typed superset of JavaScript. TypeScript offers strong typing and additional features for better code quality and tooling.

React uses plain JavaScript or JSX (JavaScript XML), a syntax extension for JavaScript. JSX allows developers to write HTML-like code within their JavaScript.

Data Binding

Angular uses two-way data binding, automatically synchronizing data between the model and the view. Changes in the view update the model and vice versa, simplifying data management.

React uses one-way data binding, meaning data flows unidirectionally from parent to child components. It can make data flow more predictable but may require more effort to manage complex interactions.

Learning Curve

Angular has a steeper learning curve due to its comprehensive framework and TypeScript. It requires developers to understand various concepts and dependencies.

React has a relatively shallow learning curve, especially for those familiar with JavaScript and HTML. Its simplicity and focused nature make it easier for developers to get started.

Flexibility

Angular is less flexible regarding architectural choices because it follows a more opinionated structure. It can be advantageous for maintaining consistency but may limit flexibility in some scenarios.

React is highly flexible and allows developers to make architectural decisions based on their project requirements. It can be easily integrated with other libraries and tools.

Document Object Model (DOM)

The Document Object Model is a graphical representation of a user’s current web browser view. Skilled web developers manipulate the DOM to modify what users see, but these modifications can have performance costs. Consequently, both frameworks endeavor to minimize the performance overhead associated with DOM updates by enhancing how the DOM refreshes the view after an alteration.

In all honesty, both frameworks rely on the DOM, but they employ different strategies. 

Angular uses a real DOM, where any change triggers an update to the entire tree structure. Angular addresses this potential drawback by implementing change detection mechanisms to identify and target components that require updates. 

Conversely, React utilizes a virtual DOM, allowing it to alter a single element without necessitating updates to the entire tree structure. This approach contributes to React’s efficiency in managing DOM changes.

Componentization

Angular promotes component-based architecture and provides tools for creating reusable components. It enforces a more structured approach to building applications.

React is centered around component-based development, and its lightweight nature encourages the creation of reusable UI components.

Ecosystem

Angular offers a comprehensive ecosystem with features like Angular CLI, Angular Material, and a robust set of official tools. It provides a one-stop solution for various development tasks.

React has a rich ecosystem of third-party libraries and tools. Developers can choose and integrate the tools that best fit their project’s needs.

Community and Support

Angular has a large and active community, and it is backed by Google. It receives long-term support and regular updates.

React has a massive community and is maintained by Facebook. It also receives continuous updates and improvements.

Mobile Development

Angular offers options for mobile app development, including Angular Mobile Toolkit and integration with frameworks like Ionic. However, mobile apps are more frequently built with React Native (see below). 

React can be used for mobile app development through React Native, a separate library for building native mobile applications.

In summary, Angular is a comprehensive framework with a steeper learning curve, offering a structured approach to building applications. React.js is a more focused library that prioritizes flexibility, making it suitable for various project architectures. The choice between Angular and React.js depends on the specific requirements and preferences of the development team and project.

React or Angular: Which is The Best One?

As mentioned above, everything depends on project specifics in the Angular vs. React.js debate. Nevertheless, why React is better than Angular?

Angular is a full-fledged framework suitable for complex web and mobile app development. It features two-way data binding and leverages TypeScript for strong typing. With robust enterprise support, Angular offers a comprehensive solution, including features like routing, forms, and an official CLI. However, learning it can be complex, and its real DOM approach may impact performance.

While React is often preferred over Angular in specific scenarios due to its flexibility and performance optimizations, that is why at Binerals, we focus on React more. 

React’s lightweight nature and library status allow developers to choose the tools and project structure that best fit their needs, promoting customization and flexibility.

As for React vs Angular performance, React’s virtual DOM and efficient update process lead to faster rendering, making it suitable for applications with frequent updates. React Native extends React’s capabilities to mobile app development, enabling the creation of native iOS and Android apps with shared code.

React’s one-way data binding ensures predictable data flow, which is particularly valuable in complex applications. Finally, it is widely adopted by prominent companies, showcasing its scalability and reliability. It can be used for software of various complexity levels to build an eCommerce website or job search engine like Glassdoor. Besides, you can learn more about how to create a job search engine. 

But, of course, keep in mind that Angular may be more suitable for projects that require a comprehensive framework with strong typing.

React.js vs. Angular: Selecting the Right One for Your Needs

Thus, we must consider when to choose what. 

Choose React JS when:

• Flexibility matters: If you need the flexibility to pick and choose libraries and tools to tailor your project’s architecture, React’s lightweight and library-like nature is a better fit.

• Performance is critical: React’s virtual DOM and efficient rendering make it a strong choice for applications with frequent updates and a need for high performance.

• Cross-platform development: If you plan to develop web and mobile applications with shared code, React, combined with React Native, allows you to do so efficiently.

• Component reusability is essential: React’s component-based architecture encourages the creation of reusable UI components, making it ideal for projects where component reusability is crucial.

• Large and active community: React boasts a vast and active developer community, ensuring ample resources, third-party libraries, and support.

Choose Angular when:

• Comprehensive solution needed: If you prefer an all-in-one solution with a comprehensive set of features, including routing, forms, and built-in tools, Angular provides a more opinionated framework.

• Strong typing is required: For projects where strong typing and strict code quality are essential, Angular’s use of TypeScript provides these benefits out of the box.

• Enterprise-level applications: Angular’s robust architecture, extensive documentation, and Google’s long-term support make it well-suited for large-scale and enterprise applications.

• Opinionated structure desired: If you prefer a structured project architecture with conventions and best practices enforced, Angular’s opinionated approach can be advantageous.

• End-to-end Solution: When looking for an integrated solution that includes CLI tools for project creation, building, and deployment, Angular’s official CLI simplifies development tasks.

So, answering the question “which is better – React or Angular?”, we can say that we use React predominantly. However, Angular can help solve other tasks, so we cannot ignore it or reduce its value. 

Drawing The Line

In the Angular vs React.js debate, we’ve embarked on a detailed journey to uncover the nuances that set these two front-end development technologies apart. Both Angular and React.js have carved out significant niches in the web development landscape, each with its own strengths and characteristics.

The decision between Angular and React.js ultimately hinges on your project’s specific needs and your development team’s expertise. Angular excels in structured, comprehensive solutions, while React.js empowers developers with flexibility, a vibrant community, and optimal performance.

At Binerals, we use React for many projects we build, and we use this technology predominantly since it allows us to deal with most development challenges, and there are specific advantages of React over Angular. So we prefer using React, and our developers have substantial experience in it to build any software. In addition, there are many advantages to working with Ukrainian dev teams, so you should know why you need to hire Ukrainian developers.