React OR Angular – Which Javascript Framework Should I choose?

These days JavaScript frameworks have become an obvious choice when it comes to web development, precisely front-end development. But why, you might wonder!

These frameworks are smart and global support for them is rapidly increasing which makes them more usable. With built-in worry-free designs, they come with intelligently written guidelines to flourish the ease-of-use concept. Applications developed with these frameworks are fast and renders a smooth User Interface experience.

Deciding on which JS framework one should choose is becoming a challenge these days with the availability of a plethora of choices. A head-on comparison between the two most popular JavaScript frameworks, Angular JS and React JS will reveal which is the best choice for you.

Angular JS

AngularJS which came to use in 2009 is an open-source web framework on the client-side. It helps the developers of the Angular platform to resolve issues related to pages (mostly single page) that are viewed multiple times.

This framework is used in Google AdWords, Google Fibre and other Google services and is maintained by Google. Since it is used by such popular services, this framework is likely to be a horse of the long run.

When it comes to features, Angular has more features than React like that of a dependency injection, templates based on HTML version, component CSS encapsulation, provisions for routing and Ajax requests.

With such outstanding features, the pros are:

• Easy to develop a custom Document Model Object
• Has a fantastic User Interface
• Offers Single Routing
• Uses HTML Syntax extension and is easy to build reusable components

On its flip-side are:

• Challenging third-party integration
• Unavailability of resources when it comes to routing

React JS

React JS was introduced in 2013 by the social media giant, Facebook. Just five years into the business, it has already made its market position and is fast gaining popularity. This framework has dynamic open-source JS libraries that help in developing fresh-looking User Interfaces which are constantly reinvented. Maintained by Facebook, it is used in some of their extremely popular subsidiaries like Instagram and WhatsApp.

React JS provides a less-troublesome approach than Angular and this because of its key feature i.e., no dependency injection. In addition to this, it also uses SX instead of classic templates built on top of JavaScript but an XML-like language.

Such features have these pros to offer:

• Reusable code and simple debugging
• Component-based architecture
• React native library support offering an efficient performance
• Supports Android and iOS platforms without any hassle

Though considered one of the best in the market, there are some cons to this framework too, like:

• Lacks proper documentation
• Requires expertise for native modules

Industry Demands

Latest trends reveal a higher demand for React JS as compared to Angular JS.

React is already used by 53% of industries worldwide and a good 32% plan to learn it soon. Only 30% of industries have applied Angular for their processes and a meager 10% have shown interest to learn it.

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According to a survey of 28,000 developers worldwide by the State of JavaScript 2017, most front-end developers already have experience with React and would like to continue using it. Surprisingly a good number of respondents stated that they did not use any framework at all!

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The Way Forward

As a way forward, although React JS seems to gain an edge, it is recommended that you learn both for better job opportunities. It is advocated that you gain a knowledge of ReactJS first and then go on to learn Angular JS. The pure JavaScript environment of React JS gives more flexibility and support to developers with a new learning curve. A combination of both will make projects much easier.