React vs Angular: Which is Better and Why?

React and Angular were among the Top 10 JS frameworks for 2020. They were also the two most popular technologies on the leading JavaScript technologies list. Looking at their popularity and also the many discussions around Angular vs React, we have decided to do a comparison between both. Today, we will learn what separates Angular from React and vice-versa, which is better between the two, the features they offer, their pros and cons, when to choose Angular over React or React over Angular, and what should be your choice for web development.

What is ReactJS?

Released in 2013 by Facebook, ReactJS is an open-source, front-end JavaScript library used to build User Interfaces or UI components. It is managed by Facebook and an open-source community of developers and companies. The latest React version is v17.0.1 which was released on October 22, 2020.

What is Angular?

Released in 2016 by Google, Angular is a TypeScript-based open-source web application framework used to develop dynamic web apps. It is managed by the Angular Team at Google and a community of individuals and companies. The latest Angular version is v11.0.0 which was released on November 11, 2020.

React vs Angular

We have highlighted the difference between Angular and React.js based on the following factors-

1. Document Object Model (DOM)

Both React.js and Angular are excellent options for frontend development and both are effective in developing large-scale applications. But there’s one major difference between them- ReactJS employs Virtual DOM whereas Angular uses real DOM. The latter updates the entire tree data structure even if a little bit of info is changed or altered. The former allows developers to update the changes without intervening in other parts of the tree. This eventually results in faster updates and quick performance. Hence, React in this case wins over Angular.

2. Tools

There are multiple code editing tools involved in both Angular and React. Some of the common editors used are Sublime Text and Visual Studio. React makes use of the Create React App tool to bootstrap a project while Angular uses Angular CLI. The server-side rendering in React is done with the Next.js framework while in the case of Angular, it is done through Angular Universal. The key difference between their toolsets revolves around the testing tools. React.js requires a certain set of tools to perform different types of testing whereas, in the case of Angular, it requires only a single tool to test and debug a complete project.

3. Data Binding

Data Binding is a crucial factor to consider when choosing between React and Angular. React utilizes a one-way data-binding approach which means that the UI elements can’t be changed without changing the model state. Angular, on the other hand, uses two-way binding which ensures that the UI elements are changed automatically as the model state changes, and vice-versa. Although Angular’s two-way binding seems simpler and offers more flexibility in the framework, React’s one-way approach offers better code stability and makes debugging an app comparatively easier.

4. Learning Curve

React is easy to grasp in comparison to Angular as it has no overly complicated features, however, when augmented with Redux, it can get a bit difficult to learn. Angular has a steep learning curve and requires a lot of time and training. It’s not easy for beginners to grasp. There are many complexities associated with Angular (has a lot of unnecessary syntax), and therefore developers usually prefer to code in ReactJS.

Learning React and creating an app in the React ecosystem would be easy if one is well-familiar with JavaScript. It offers various helpful sources to the newcomers to get an understanding of the framework. Angular has a complex component management system and one needs to be familiar with different concepts and languages like templates, pipes, TypeScript, etc. to be good at it.

5. Architecture

Both ReactJS and Angular comprise component-based architecture. The difference revolves around the tech stack used. React.js architecture involves JavaScript whereas Angular architecture uses TypeScript.

React goes on to build UIs by splitting them into components. To be more specific, components are built that handle their own state and are structured together into more complex UIs. Various integrations and tools are required if a project architecture is based on React, such as Redux, Babel, and Webpack. Unlike React, Angular is a fully-fledged framework that comes with many compelling features like RxJS, Angular CLI, and Angular Universal. Both Angular and React have robust ecosystems.

6. Self-sufficiency

Apps written in ReactJS require additional libraries to be used, some of which are Redux, React Router, or Helmet which are used to optimize the process of state management, routing, and interaction with the API. Angular, on the other hand, doesn’t require the inclusion of additional libraries. Each function such as data-binding, component-based routing, dependency injection, etc. is implemented with the help of the Angular Package.

7. Componentization

Angular consists of three layers: Model, View, and Controller, and helps developers split the app’s code into multiple files which allows the reuse of components in different parts of the application. The different files are- a TypeScript, an HTML file, a CSS file, and a special file for testing. Conversely, React comes with a View layer only although Model and Controller can be added through the usage of other libraries. React has a simple and smooth way of developing component trees.

Also Read: The Different Software Architectural Patterns You Should Know About

8. Flexibility

Another factor to consider when choosing the best framework between Angular and React is flexibility. ReactJS provides developers with the freedom to select the tools, libraries, and architecture for building an application. It lets you create highly customized apps using the features and tech stack you require. Speaking of Angular, it offers only a little freedom and flexibility as it lets only the Angular app developers work on its components.

Key Features and Benefits of ReactJS

Here are a few reasons to opt for ReactJS-

1. Faster Development
2. Better User Experience
3. Allows the use of third-party libraries
4. Time-saving
5. Code Stability with One-directional data binding
6. Dynamic UI
7. Easy to learn

Key Features and Benefits of Angular

Here are a few reasons to opt for Angular-

1. Better error-handling capabilities
2. Cleaner Code
3. Seamless updates using Angular CLI
4. Efficient
5. Material design-like interface
6. Built-in support for AJAX, HTTP, and Observables
7. Easy and quick testing

Cons of React

Using React has a few disadvantages as well, such as-

1. Poor Documentation
2. JSX as a barrier
3. Large size library
4. Non-SEO friendly
5. Requires in-depth knowledge for integration of UI into the MVC framework

Cons of Angular

Angular comes with a few cons, such as-

1. Steep learning curve
2. Difficult to learn
3. Third-party integration is difficult
4. High complexity
5. Limited SEO options

When to use React.js vs Angular?

ReactJS is the ideal choice for your app project when-

1. Your app development team has expertise in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
2. There is a requirement for a customized app solution.
3. You want to create components that can be shared across multiple applications
4. The app development process involves numerous components such as dynamic inputs, buttons enabled/disabled, user login, etc.

When to use Angular over React?

Angular would be the right fit for your project when-

1. The team has expertise in Java, C#, and earlier Angular versions.
2. Designing a PWA
3. The app complexity ranges from low to medium
4. You are building a large-scale application
5. You need ready-to-use solutions and higher productivity

Popular Brands Using React

1. Facebook
2. Instagram
3. WhatsApp
4. Netflix
5. Airbnb
6. Uber

Popular Brand Using Angular

1. Google
2. PayPal
3. Nike
4. Forbes
5. Sony
6. HBO

Both Angular and ReactJS are great options for web development. In some cases, React would dominate Angular and in some Angular might have an upper hand over ReactJS. Ultimately, it all comes down to your requirements and personal preferences.

Looking to build a web app for your business? React out to our expert developers here.