What Is the Difference Between ReactJS And AngularJS | Complete Guide

Before differentiating between ReactJS and AngularJS, a brief overview of both terms is important.

AngularJS and ReactJS are both JavaScript frameworks.

AngularJS is built using Typescript, while ReactJS is built with JSX.

Angular is basically used to build complex enterprise-level grade apps such as progressive web apps and single-page apps.

React is used for building and enabling UI components in an app with frequently variable data.

Nowadays, every enterprise type has started adopting digital technologies for smooth function.

Not only small-scale and large-scale enterprises, the start-ups even prefer building web-based software or applications with robust features.

The ultimate goal is to make things reliable for the employees and customers. 

Every software is built with a rich framework and fully-loaded features.

If you are in the urge to build an application using JavaScript, then you must know about the most popular frameworks, AngularJS and ReactJS.

Before selecting the best suitable one, you should compare and understand the difference between them. 

Overview Of ReactJS And AngularJS:

ReactJS is also an open-source JavaScript library for building user interfaces in Single Page Applications.

The framework is responsible for the application’s view layer.

It assists web developers in composing complex user interfaces from an isolated code known as “components.”

This JavaScript library is built of two parts – components and an HTML document.

The components contain HTML codes. The HTML document is the place where all components are rendered. 

AngularJS is defined as a fully-featured JavaScript framework that developers use to build dynamic web applications.

The framework was initially developed by Misko Hevery and Adam Abrons in 2009, but now it is maintained by Google.

The framework is based on JavaScript and HTML for building Single Page Applications.

AngularJS is included in the HTML page with a tag <script>.

The framework can extend HTML with built-in attributes and binds data to HTML along with Expressions.

ReactJS Vs AngularJS – Based On Key Characteristics:

The below difference between ReactJS and AngularJS is based on key characteristics.

• Performance Analysis

AngularJS – It uses real DOM and is preferred as the right choice for single-page applications. The framework uses a two-way data binding process for replicating the modifications. It is transformed into views efficiently with enhanced security.

ReactJS – React library uses virtual DOM. Due to this, it enhances the application’s performance despite the factors such as size and frequency of content. For example, Instagram. It can run precisely on a single-direction data flow. It is available in a package with zero additional cost. ReactJS reduces errors and problems because of the slow performance of DOM. It further offers the best control on development works.

• Popularity

AngularJS – The framework ensures easy availability of ready-to-use solutions.

ReactJS – It is popular enough but the occurrence of potential issues because of less preference for collaborations and contributions.

• Community Support

AngularJS – The Global community support is highly beneficial for Angular. It made it the go-to framework for enterprises.

ReactJS – It has great community support on GitLab and GitHub.

• Scalability

AngularJS – It is easier to scale up on its own design. It has a very powerful Command Line Interface.

ReactJS – With the help of virtual DOM and library, it ensures scalable development. The framework is preferred to build scalable components.

• Testing

AngularJS – It is faster and easy because of its built-in features and functionalities. It can integrate dependency injection and testing tools for hassle-free and smooth components testing.

ReactJS – The framework uses Redux for testing applications and logs data changes faster.

• Dependency Injection

AngularJS – In this JavaScript framework, the Hierarchical Dependency Injection system is used.

ReactJS – This framework doesn’t use any Dependency Injection concept.

• Migration

AngularJS – As earlier discussed, it features in-built commands (a command line interface). It makes it convenient for application upgradation to the latest Angular version. This automatic upgradation makes the developmental process less time-consuming and tedious.

ReactJS – The framework provides seamless transitions and depends on external libraries for the migration of third-party components. Here, the web developers need to pay attention and constantly focus on third-party libraries to make them compatible with the latest versions. Therefore, it is a bit of a complex and time-consuming task.

• Development Lifecycle 

AngularJS – The JavaScript framework extends the HTML application to the web development code. It further reduces the learning dependency time. It offers smooth development with less effort.

ReactJS – The framework combines the smaller components into bigger ones for a final and complete view. Every component acts as an independent unit with a unique logic. Therefore, the changes made don’t affect the other parts. The updates are easy for management and assist the web developers in re-using the elements. The development lifecycle is time-saving and utilizes less effort.  

• Written Language

AngularJS – It is written in the Typescript language of Microsoft; it is a superset of ES6 -ECMAScript 6.

ReactJS – It is written in JavaScript language.

• Learning Curve

AngularJS – The learning curve of the framework is steep. The IO framework provides many efficient ways of solving problems. But it has a complex component management system. It demands good command of various languages.

ReactJS – Here, the learning curve is relatively easy. It facilitates quick app development.

Best For Front End-Developers – AngularJS Vs ReactJS:

The usage of web applications is highly fueling up in every industrial sector.

If you are wondering which best JavaScript framework is best for the frontend developer, here is the answer for the difference between ReactJS and AngularJS.

Both the frameworks are immensely popular and adopted by web developers worldwide. 

ReactJS’s smooth function has taken over the majority of popularity among the developers.

However, AngularJS is not lacking behind; it is considered and made its position among the top JavaScript Framework.

The ability of ReactJS is still tested for websites with higher complexity.

The presence of prompt rendering and JSX makes it a resultant workflow stack, a highly impactful JavaScript library. 

The JavaScript framework which fits the frontend application development depends on the end-user’s requirements.

Based on the requirement factor, the web developer can make the right choice. 

AngularJS Vs ReactJS – Based On The Project Requirement:

The JavaScript frameworks – AngularJS and ReactJS have great support from their respective community.

Both are suitable for web application projects as they have strong documentation but with different philosophies and features.

This completely relies on how the application is addressed for development.

Based on the above characteristics, here is the difference between ReactJS and AngularJS to decide which is best for different project types. 

You can go for ReactJS when your project plan is to expand the application’s functionalities in the future.

If your application project has dynamic content and later there is a chance of requirement and view change, ReactJS will be the right choice.

Further, you can update the application based on your needs. Moreover, if you want to start in a gradual and slow process in the initial phase, ReactJS is the best to go for.

You can go for AngularJS if your web application development project has an inception phase.

This framework will be helpful when you plan to start the development with the holistic framework.

It is a well-structured and reliable framework for any project range.

AngularJS Vs ReactJS – Based On Uses:

AngularJS is used in – Progressive Web Applications, Enterprise Web Applications, and Single Page Applications with Dynamic Content.

ReactJS is used in – Social Networking Applications and Sites, e-commerce Web Applications, and Android and IOS Apps.

The difference between ReactJS and AngularJS is based on the usage cases, and it gives a clear view of which framework is best and suitable for different end-users.

For enterprise web applications which include small, medium, and large-scale enterprises and businesses, AngularJS is a perfect choice.

For end-users running e-commerce businesses and other social media online platforms, ReactJS will be beneficial. 

AngularJS Vs ReactJS – Pros And Cons:

Pros – AngularJS

• Availability of clean code development.
• It has a higher efficiency rate in the development process.
• Its interface is inspired by material design.
• Switching is quite simple from one view to another due to handled routing.
• It uses CLI for seamless updates.

Cons – AngularJS

• For beginners, AngularJS becomes complex.
• It doesn’t have a clear manual or documentation.
• Steep learning curve.
• Limited routing.
• With interactive components, it becomes slow.
• Integration is tough with third parties.
• Complications arise in the upgrading process.

Pros – ReactJS

• It is very simple to learn due to its straightforward design.
• The HTML-like syntax assists in the extensive documentation.
• Developers find it less time-consuming due to its framework-specific code.
• It improves rendering capability and makes a reliable and robust platform.
• You can migrate between the versions.
• Its skills can be transferred to native development.
• It is proven ideal for huge load management and ease combined with ES6/7.

Cons – ReactJS

• When integrating ReactJS with a typical MVC framework, there is a requirement of several setups.
• Before integrating a user interface with MVC frameworks, web developers must understand the framework.

Conclusion:

The above comparison and the difference between ReactJS and AngularJS are based on technical overview features, key characteristics, use cases, pros, and cons, etc. You will understand the JavaScript frameworks briefly and choose the right one based on your application building requirement. Starting from user experience to cost and compatibility with parameters, you can compare AngularJS Vs ReactJS for frontend development projects.