ReactJS or Angular- Which one to opt for?

A basic website is required to extract data from the backend and present it to the users. For instance, in simpler terms, if we open a website all we do is request the server to send all the files related to the URL entered.Tools like HTML, CSS, and Javascript are quite useful when the count of visitors to the website is low. But if a large number of people are visiting your website at the same time, these tools won’t be helpful. These tools will request pages from the backend one by one. Consequently, the server will be loaded with requests resulting in a longer wait for the users. This is when tools like ReactJS or Angular come useful. 

Why use React JS and Angular?

ReactJS and Angular require the developers to write the code following their syntax and rules. They will provide the developers with static files that need to be deployed on the server. The single-page applications made by these frameworks will display content through Javascript running in the background. Henceforth, the users will be able to access the website within seconds.

We have now seen why there is a stark need to learn different frameworks to build complex frontend applications. However, developers often get confused as to which one among ReactJS and Angular should they learn. This article contains facts about ReactJS and Angular. By the end of this article, the readers will be able to decide which one among the two will be best for their business. 

What is Angular Development?

Angular is a TypeScript framework, which is based on Model View Controller (MVC). It is created and maintained by Google. This framework includes standardized and pre-written code. This facilitates developers in building their websites. Angular is a comprehensive solution for developers. It contains everything that a developer needs to build web pages. The framework comes with a command to generate components for the developers. It provides the developers with CSS files, HTML files, Typescript files as well as Test files. From routing to handling requests, everything can be done with Angular. 

The versions below Angular 2 are called AngularJS and the versions above are called Angular 2, 4, 5, or simply Angular. 

What is ReactJS Development?

ReactJS is a JavaScript library. It is used for building user interfaces. This JavaScript library is created and maintained by Facebook. ReactJS is pretty easy for beginners. However, developers need to get basic packages for almost everything that they need. This technology gives developers the ability to create a custom-made stack. 

So far, there are three versions of ReactJS- React-dev tools, ReactJS.Net, and React Native. 

Key Features of both Angular and ReactJS

Below is tabulated the key features of both Angular and ReactJS that developers need to know before starting their web development journey. 

Key Differences between Angular and ReactJS

Architecture

The angular framework is based on a fixed structure. The entire framework is based on three layers- Model, View, and Controller. The developers while using this framework, break down the app’s code in different files. This enables them to reuse templates or components in different parts of the application. However, ReactJS on the other hand offers the development of web pages through simple components. This library comes along with declarative component definitions. In this, the developers, do not need to write code in a specific way. 

Comprehensiveness

The angular framework is a comprehensive solution for developers. It is a full-fledged framework that does not require the inclusion of any library. Everything can be done using the already existing packages. However, the same does not apply to ReactJS. While working with ReactJS, the developers need to call for additional libraries like- React Router, Redux, or Helmet. 

Languages

To be adept at using the Angular framework in developing web pages, the developers need to learn TypeScript and angular-specific concepts as well. This enables them to catch bugs ahead of time. Typescript comes with a learning curve which might not be that fruitful for beginners. ReactJS can be used without learning anything new. Web applications can be developed by following basic rules of Javascript as well. 

User Interface

The angular framework comes with already built-in components of material design. This enables the development of the user interface fastly and elegantly. However, in ReactJS, UI tools are developed by its community. Developing single-page web applications becomes comparatively tough using ReactJS. 

Level of Difficulty

In the Angular framework, syntaxes are complex and sophisticated. This makes it difficult for the budding developers to comprehend. However, in ReactJS, logic, and templates are explained at the end of every component. It allows the developers to use code without completely knowing its syntax. 

Testing Tools

Angular Framework uses only one testing tool. The developer can choose any one among Karma, Protractor, or Jasmine for testing. However, ReactJS uses multiple tools for different elements to test the final product. This gives Angular Framework an edge over ReactJS. 

Both of these frameworks are expected to rise rapidly in terms of usage in the future. In this article, the key points and differences between the two most important frameworks were presented. Now developers will be in a better position to choose the best among the two. As “best” is quite a subjective term, the developers should keep in mind some facts and their business requirements to come to the right decision.