In the race of front-end development frameworks there are two leading contenders – Angular.js and React.js. Both of the JavaScript UI frameworks are nice and since the choice for the library to work with is always dependent on the application requirements, one cannot recommend to use any of them while ignoring the other completely. Given to its age, Angular.js is a bit mature framework supported by Google, but React brings more options performance on the table. Webmasters have complaint about facing performance issues while using Angular.js especially when dealing with a large collection of data is in question. One-way binding is something that further enhances the complexities of Angular.js. On the contrary, React.js renders the same function in the much hassle-free manner.
While Angular.js is described as MVC (Module View Controller), React.js aims to call itself as the “V” in MNCS. This implies that one can make use of React in the form of directive used in Angular.js to provide a range of items while allowing you to keep a firm track over the current state of your project.
This article focuses on giving you an understanding as what is that makes React.js a fitting solution when it comes to take your application development endeavors off the ground. So, without any further ado, let’s discuss about both of them in detail.
1. Level of Complexity
Owing to the myriad of languages Angular.js has to offer, developers often find it difficult to get the complete grip of them, thus experiencing a steep learning curve. To overcome this challenge, a prior knowledge of MVC patterns is necessary.
However, when it comes to React.js things are pretty simple and clear. Although, it too has some elements which developers find weird initially such of components view logic and template mixing, but this is something which can be cope up easily and JSX is far easier than the conventional HTML. Components reduce the level of complexity by only focusing their own state and rendering it in a logical manner. State flows work nicely to move the component hierarchy whereas events flow move them upward.
2. Virtual DOM
Another reason that would encourage you to try React.js Is its Virtual DOM. In its bare bones, React.js is developed around virtual DOM. It’s a memory representation of your DOM, so whenever any kind of change has been introduced, it’s effects can be seen inside the memory and the DOM can be updated whenever the need arises.
Instead of checking DOM for viewing the changes, and what needs to be updated, everything will be handled by memory, which runs significantly faster. Also, the underlying codebase of React.js is friendly enough to help you develop a deeper understanding of the framework. All these points make React.js better than Angular.js.
3. Architecture
When it comes to architecture, then it can be said that React does boast a sophisticated architecture which can be extremely helpful in developing complex applications. It runs completely as per the programmer’s wish. Also, its one way-binding is much better than the two way-binding of Angular.js simple because when data flows to only a single direction it gives more clear view. This also helps you in tracing the program from start to finish. On the contrary, the Angular.js program works more like a constraint system, which gives a very ambiguous view of the whole process of the program. Further, it becomes quite daunting to make out what depends on what as an Angular program reaches to a certain level.
4. Composition
Using React you’ll have the ability to create programs out of components. Since components are mere pieces of code, composition works just the way you want. All the functions related to objects will work in their natural way. React is just a normal code and using it is like you are doing a normal programming in a bit distinct way.
On the other hand, in Angular.js directives are used to compose applications. This is something where you need to be very efficient in the programming of both HTML and JavaScript. The composition rules are also quite complicated.
Let’s Wrap Up
Looking at the points mentioned above, it can be said that tides are heavily tilted in the favor of React.js. It’s definitely a robust framework to start with and be productive and agile. It is simpler to use and offer some really impressive optimizations as compared to Angular.js.
Gopalakrishna Palem Feb 3, 2015, 6:51 pm
The comparison is good, although the world has yet to see the real VirtualDOM superiority in action. They say the server-side rendering becomes easy with VirtualDOMs – but not clear why one wants to promote thin clients when the world is just trying to make its way towards mobiles as thick clients – shifting off as much as possible to browser (talk about Chrome OS). In that respect, server side rendering is nothing but reminds of good old days’ “Unix Dumb terminals”.
Brandan Feb 3, 2015, 10:34 pm
Interesting post… I’ve used Angular for a while but this makes me want to try React