React vs Anguar.js: What’s the Future JavaScript framework for app development.
97.9% of all websites use JavaScript as a client-side programming language. There isn’t really a viable alternative out there. Sure, there’s Typescript and CoffeeScript, but these are really just evolutions of JS. The only real contender for a replacement is Dart, but even Dart now compiles down to JS.
This means, if you are planning on building a web or mobile application for the first time, then you are also giving serious consideration to whether to use React or Angular.js. Or, if you’re already a hardened, battle-scarred JS developer, you may be concerned that you are not familiar enough with one or both of the frameworks.
Here, I’ll briefly sketch out the key differences, and try to work out which framework will dominate the landscape in years to come.
React and Angular.js: What’s the Difference?
Both are capable of building fully fledged, secure, impressive web and mobile applications. However, there are some significant differences.
For example, React is not actually a true framework. This amounts to its biggest drawback. Often, you will have to use other technologies to be able to fully develop an application. On the flip side, it is reasonably easy to learn, which is a huge plus for a lot of developers. Someone from a JavaScript background will be able to start building web apps with React in only a few days. This makes is a safer bet if you are just setting out. However, if you end up using a load of other libraries, modules and components to fully realise your app, then choosing React for it’s simplicity might be a false economy!
Conversely, Angular is a Google powered, comprehensive, Model-View-Controller (MVC) framework. An Angular expert will never have to rely on other structures to develop and run an app. The downside? It’s complex. There’s a steep learning curve, which can be off putting. Having said that, there is a thriving community of developers that are happy to volunteer their time to support newbies!
That’s it stated simply. For a complete understanding, check out the ReactJS and AngularJS websites.
What Should You Choose?
That’s going to depend a lot on where you are with your career, how much time you have and what sort of application you want to build.
A sensible approach is to list all of the functionality you are looking to achieve with your application, and ask the respective communities.
Remember, you can build world-class apps using either. So there is a strong argument to be made for being a master of one, rather than simply proficient at both.
What Framework Will Be Dominant in The Future?
This is a close one to call. The truth is, that it is likely that both will be here for as long as JavaScript is, which is showing no signs of disappearing! The competitive relationship between the two drives the capabilities of JS forward, so in a way, they are reliant on each other.
