Difference between AngularJS And ReactJS

Based on their requirement for functionality and usability, every enterprise prefers to build robust web-based applications for the success of their project while using a fully-loaded, feature-rich framework.

From startups to well-established companies, organizations have the two most popular frameworks to build web and mobile applications on JavaScript – AngularJS, and ReactJS.

From cost to performance, and user experience to compatibility, there are various constraints where AngularJS and ReactJS emerge as smarter substitutes for your front-end development projects. They can build applications but have distinct pros and cons.

You may be wondering that if both of them have the same fundamental function, what exactly is the difference between AngularJS and ReactJS?

ReactJS is easy to learn and can be used to build a user interface for single-page applications. Whereas AngularJS offers clean code development and can be used to build a dynamic web application. ReactJS is an open-source library, whereas AngularJS is an open-source structural framework.

But these are not the only differences. The major difference between AngularJs and ReactJs lies in various aspects, including but not limited to componentization, performance, dependency, and directives. So let's have a detailed overview of the differences between AngularJs and ReactJs.

What Is AngularJs?

AngularJS, based on HTML and JavaScript, was developed in 2009 by Hevery and Adam Abrons for building web applications. It is an open-source framework used for building a single-page application, mostly dynamic web applications.

The framework is included in almost all top 10 lists of JavaScript frameworks. Angular JS is a mature Model View Controller (MVC) framework inscribed in JavaScript. AngularJS uses a two-way data binding process via the Controller to imitate all the amendments.

Front-end developers use frameworks like AngularJS for presenting and deploying data efficiently. Angular nowadays is much more competitive compared to the older version of Angular. Let's take a deeper look into the features and benefits of AngularJS:

Data-binding

AngularJS follows reflex data synchronization between model and view components via the Controller, commonly called two-way data binding. Therefore, building a template in AngularJS that can bind different components with different models is very easy. This way, if the value of any HTML view component varies, the bound model value also gets restructured.

POJO Model

AngularJS uses the Plain Old JavaScript Object model, majorly called the POJO model, commonly known for providing well-planned objects. The Plain Old JavaScript Object (POJO) model makes AngularJS self-reliant and easy to use compared to other frameworks.

MVC Framework

The working model and framework control structure of AngularJS is adaptable and dynamic. It is based on the Model View Controller (MVC) framework, which makes it easier to build a separate single-page application. AngularJS provides the flexibility to combine all the attributes of the MVC elements without writing extra code, even if they were developed separately.

Model

Model, the primary level of the pattern, is the most accessible script. It is similar to primitive data types like Booleans, strings, and objects and is responsible for maintaining data.

View

Responsible for displaying portions of data to the user, View presents the data in a specific format generated by the Controller's action.

Controller

As the name suggests, the Controller is responsible for controlling the communication between the Model and the View. The Controller answers the inputs by the user and communicates with the data model objects. The Controller collects the input, authenticates it, and then conducts the operations.

Services

AngularJS comprises multiple built-in services such as $http that ease communication with distant HTTP servers through the browser's JSONP or XMLHttpRequest object.

HTML User Interface

Built on HTML, the user interface in AngularJS provides a controlled and structured interface in an indicative language that has shorter tags and is easy to comprehend.

Dependency Injection

To help the developers create, comprehend, and test the applications easily, AngularJS has a built-in dependency injection subsystem.

Routing

The fundamental aspect of single-page applications (SPAs) is the transition from one View to another, known as routing. This is useful when the developers want the content to load asynchronously and don't want to transmit the users to a new page every time they click on a menu or a sub-menu helping the user experience a similar feel to the desktop app. Almost all websites across the globe, such as the Chrome app store and twitter, work on this method.

Active community on Google

AngularJS is maintained by Google and is released under the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) license and can easily be downloaded from GitHub. So, if you are stuck somewhere, or have any maintenance issues, there are numerous forums where you can get your queries resolved.

Also, if you have any recommendations or can progress something, the source is easily accessible for download.

Why Angular JS?

AngularJS is a robust platform for software development that offers deep linking and reliant injection and is an excessive multi-functional framework that speeds up the development process. The web applications built using AngularJS are understandable and user-friendly.

Another advantage of AngularJS is that it scrutinizes the page Document Object Model (DOM) and then builds two-way bindings based on AngularJS-specific elements. As a result, errors are minimized as AngularJS reduces the coding part compared to other frameworks.

What Is ReactJs?

ReactJS, an open-source JavaScript library, was developed in 2011 by Jordan Walke, a software engineer at Facebook, which was later used in Facebook's applications like WhatsApp & Instagram.

ReactJS was initially built for the newsfeed section in 2011, but in May 2013, it was released to the public. ReactJS is a huge open-source JavaScript library that doesn't allow you to create applications but helps update the look and feel of the user interface simply and efficiently.

But, the ReactJS library lacks the application model and Controller. To fill in this gap, Facebook announced Flux to regulate the application workflow, which nowadays has several variants. ReactJS assertions a functional programming style where component definitions are indicative.

ReactJS is majorly used to build the user interface (UI) for Single Page Applications. ReactJS is made of two parts, HTML documents, and components. An HTML document is where all your components will be rendered, and components are the pieces that contain HTML code and the look and feel you want to see in the user interface. Let's take a deeper look into the features and benefits of ReactJS:

JSX

JavaScript XML (JSX) It is a JavaScript syntax extension. ReactJS uses syntax like an XML or HTML processed into JavaScript calls of React Framework. JSX is recommended in ReactJS as it extends the ES6 so that HTML-like text can co-exist with JavaScript react code.

Components

ReactJS is all about components. The ReactJS application is made up of several reusable components, and each component has its controls and logic that help you to maintain the code when working on large-scale projects.

One-way Data Binding

Unlike AngularJS, ReactJS is designed in a way that accumulates unidirectional data flow, i.e., one-way data binding, providing you with better control throughout the application to increase efficiency. Flux is a pattern that helps to keep your data unidirectional and one-way, making the application more flexible which leads to a surge in proficiency.

Virtual DOM

A virtual Document Object Model (DOM) is a depiction of the original DOM object that works like a one-way data binding. Whenever any amendments occur in the web application, the entire UI is re-rendered in virtual DOM illustration, and it drafts the alteration between the DOM representations.

Once it is done, the real DOM will update only the things that have essentially changed, making the application quicker and more effective with less memory consumption.

Simplicity

ReactJS is a component-based approach that uses a JavaScript XML (JSX) file, which makes the application reusable as per your requirements, making it simple to learn and easy to understand and code. This makes it simple to use and learn.

Why ReactJS?

ReactJS allows organizations to build applications with better UI to improve user experiences. ReactJS technology is helpful for better user engagement, higher CTR, and comprehensive conversions.

Enterprises that use ReactJS are certain of better performance compared to those that use other frameworks. In addition, having the competence to modify built tooling and scale back on maintenance resources makes ReactJS highly effective.

Difference between AngularJs And ReactJs

Web developers across the globe highly prefer AngularJS and ReactJS over other frameworks. However, the dilemma faced by technical decision-makers is choosing between the two considering their unique requirements.

The major difference between AngularJs and ReactJs lies in various aspects, including but not limited to componentization, performance, dependency, and directives. Let's take a look at some of the key differences between AngularJS and ReactJS.

Performance

AngularJS - Uses real Document Object Model (DOM), brings a two-way data binding process, and is the first choice for building single-page apps.

ReactJS -Uses virtual Document Object Model (DOM), brings a one-way data binding process, and helps boost the performance of any application.

Componentization

AngularJS - A complex and static architecture, based on the three different layers - Model, View, and Controller, due to which you have to break the application code into several files.

ReactJS - Facebook, the architect of ReactJS, chose a different structure than that of AngularJS and other similar MVC frameworks. Basically, there is no specific architecture for applications built with ReactJS.

AngularJS vs. ReactJS Data Binding

AngularJS - AngularJS uses two-way data binding via the Controller to connect DOM values to Model data, but its impact on performance is negative.

ReactJS - Unlike AngularJS, ReactJS leads the workflow of the data in only one direction using one-way data binding. This keeps the complexity usually low.

Scalability

AngularJS - Easily scalable because of its instinctive design and powerful CLI

ReactJS - Testable and thus scalable compared to added frameworks.

AngularJS vs. ReactJS Language

AngularJS - AngularJS is written in Microsoft's TypeScript language.

React JS - ReactJS is written in JavaScript language.

Popularity

AngularJS - AngularJS is easily available with ready-to-use solutions.

ReactJS – ReactJS is likewise popular but has latent issues due to lesser associations and contributions.

Learning Curve

AngularJS - Complicated component management that makes it a sharp learning curve.

ReactJS - Moderately easy to learn and permits rapid app development.

AngularJS vs ReactJS Abstraction

AngularJS – In AngularJS, abstraction is medium

ReactJS - In ReactJS, abstraction is strong

AngularJS vs. ReactJS Community Support

AngularJS - Comprehensive worldwide community support makes Angular the go-to framework for enterprises.

ReactJS - Possesses considerable broader community support on GitLab & GitHub.

Source Code

AngularJS - Adding a JavaScript library to the source code in AngularJS is not possible.

ReactJS - Adding a JavaScript library to the source code in ReactJS is possible.

Testing

AngularJS - Swift and easy due to its built-in functionalities and a single tool is required for testing a complete project in AngularJS

ReactJS - Uses Redux to test applications & records data variations quickly. But, more than one tool is required for testing a complete project in ReactJS. 

Best For

AngularJS – AngularJS is best for single-page applications (SPAs) that update a single view at a time

ReactJS - Best for single-page applications (SPAs) that update multiple views at a time

AngularJs Vs. ReactJs - Which is Best for Front-End Development?

While you can still debate on which one of AngularJS and ReactJS is best for front-end development, technical managers and web developers across the globe can agree that both frameworks are widely used for development. Furthermore, top-notch applications can be built with either framework – AngularJS or ReactJS after experiencing the frameworks.

Though the choice of your framework can rely on the project's rationale, you can prefer any of the above-mentioned frameworks. For example, ReactJS is simpler and can be secure and easy to use for less-experienced developers; however, if you need a wide-ranging architecture that advantages large-scale projects, you will need to build the application on AngularJS.

In short, AngularJS is mature and has good support, whereas ReactJS is sufficiently old to be established and has many contributors from the community.

Pros and Cons Of AngularJS

Based on HTML and JavaScript and upheld by Google, AngularJS can be your topmost consideration when selecting the right JS framework. Below mentioned are the pros and cons of AngularJS for better understanding:

Pros of AngularJS

• Highly testable products
• Responsive web
• The MVVM architecture
• Fast development
• Improved server performance
• Faster application prototyping
• Two-way data binding
• DOM manipulation

Cons of AngularJS

• JavaScript support mandatory
• Possible time consumption
• Other difficult features
• Complex learning
• Inexperience with MVC
• The scopes

Pros and Cons Of ReactJs

An open-source JavaScript library upheld by Facebook, ReactJS is majorly responsible for the look and feel of applications. Below mentioned are the pros and cons of ReactJS for better understanding:

Pros of ReactJS

• Easy to Learn
• Reusable Components
• One-Way Data Flow
• Virtual DOM
• SEO Friendly

Cons of ReactJS

• JSX
• Development Pace
• Documentation

Best Website Examples Built with AngularJs

A lot of MNCs and other large enterprises develop the front end of their websites on AngularJS as it is considered one of the most common application development JavaScript frameworks. Some of these include:

• Forbes
• Upwork
• The Guardian
• Deutsche Bank
• Freelancer
• IBM
• Delta
• Weather
• Samsung
• PayPal

Best Website Examples Built with ReactJs

ReactJS is the most-used web development framework worldwide in 2021 and was the second most-used framework in 2020. Some of the most interactive websites built on ReactJS include:

• Netflix
• Salesforce
• New York Times
• Yahoo Mail
• Flipboard
• Atlassian
• Asana
• Instacart
• Dropbox
• Codecademy

Conclusion

After an in-depth discussion of the difference between AngularJS and ReactJS, it is practically impossible to compare AngularJs with ReactJS as both have pros and cons. One is a full-fledged framework, while the other is an open-source library.

Comparing AngularJS with ReactJS is like comparing apples and oranges. If your requirement is simple and flexible, ReactJS is better for you. However, if you require establishing and enhancing your application efficiently with a comprehensive tool, AngularJS remains your best solution. But to date, both AngularJS and ReactJS remain highly preferable among web developers across the globe for application development despite their limitations.