Angular Vs React, Which Framework Wins the Tough Battle for Mobile App Development

March 18, 2021

Reading time about 7 minutes

Amidst numerous frameworks and libraries in the market, Angular and React have managed to be the top choices. Talking about the most suited one, there will always be a tough battle to compete. Though every available option may have its own perks and drawbacks, choosing the right fit involves a complete project knowledge and analysis of the critical aspects.

The reason why we’re more focused on discussing Angular and React is that they’re backed by two major competitors Google and Facebook. Let’s find out what separates Angular and React from the league.

ReactJS

ReactJS is an open-source JavaScript library brought to light by Facebook for building dynamic user interfaces. Being based on JavaScript and JSX, it is considered widely for developing reusable HTML elements for front-end development. The framework carries the following benefits-

  • Enhanced User Experience

While comparing React with other JavaScript frameworks, unlike the rest, React makes use of Virtual DOM. It makes it easier for React app developers to update the changes done by the users in the app without affecting other aspects of the user interface. These features result in contributing to a highly dynamic UI through an exclusive user experience.

  • Saves Time

Time is money and when it’s about app developers, the quote fits as it is! The greatest benefit of using React is that the companies can reuse the code components are various levels and what makes it an absolute time saver and impactful is that the components are isolated to each other and changes are done in one part does not affect the functioning of other, making the entire process easy to manage.

  • Quick Testing

Testing is a consistent process and React uses Redux which helps in eliminating the hassle of storing and managing large-sized components and complex applications with dynamic elements. It further helps the developers in adding application state in a single object and empowers every component of the app for accessing the application state with no involvement of child components or usage of a callback. This process makes it easier to test the application and log data updates.

Angular

Angular is an open-source front-end development framework powered by Google. Being compatible with a large number of code editors, it is considered for creating dynamic websites and web applications. Though its latest stable version is Angular 7, while Google still supports AngularJS (the first version)

  • High Performance

Angular is a high-performing framework for secure app development. Its classes are not dependent on each other, which makes it a better choice than AngularJS. They turn towards the external sources, which deliver higher performance to the Angular mobile applications.

  • Cleaner Code

Angular works on TypeScript programming language. It compiles JavaScript and eases up the process of finding and eliminating the common issues while writing the code. This sort of approach further helps the developers in writing error-free, high-quality code.

  • Quick Updates using Angular CLI

Angular Command Line Interface is easy to install and use offering innovative testing tools and simpler commands, alongside being supported by numerous engineers and platforms. Through this, it is possible to update the components having a third-party dependency.

Which one to choose?

Well, now we got to know where the two of the frameworks are good at, let’s check out a fair comparison between both.

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Here’s a detailed comparison between the both, checkout and decide on the most suited one!

  • Architecture

Elaborating both, Angular is a full-fledged MVC framework as it is a descendant of AngularJS, while React is a library of UX components. The basic comparison is between a framework vs library. Though React can only be used for the V component of MVC and there is a need to use other libraries for M and C components. This can be considered as an advantage or a holdback depending upon your requirement or preferences. For instance, if you wish to add in your own components and make alterations as required, it is much easier to add in the React framework due to its minimalistic approach. While talking about Angular, you are required to accommodate the pre-existing libraries which are already available in Angular. Here, it depends on the preferences if one needs to add their own components or use the preset ones.

  • Language Expertise

Comparing in terms of language, Angular uses 2012 released TypeScript, which is relatively a new language and has a smaller user base as of now. However, talking about React, uses 1995 released JavaScript, having a larger number of developers using the same. This clearly indicates that if any issues occur, one can have a relatively larger community to reach out to. Another difference being JavaScript is a dynamically typed language, whereas TypeScript is a statically typed language. Statistically typed languages tend to have more typos that require more time for debugging and fixing. Depending on your requirement, one can specifically choose the framework they want.

  • Using Third-Party Libraries

TypeScript was introduced by Google to compete with JavaScript. While, when you include third-party libraries, TypeScript becomes a tough deal! As TypeScript is statically typed, all the definitions of libraries to be used should be there in TypeScript. Thus, using third-party libraries is harder in terms of the above language.

  • Scalability

We choose Angular in this aspect as it is highly scalable due to its robust design and powerful command-line interface. However, React also claims to be easier for testing which indicates the same to make easy scaling too. Though you can still go for a detailed comparison to find the right choice.

  • Licensing

Talking about licensing, Angular comes with a free open-source license, in this regard, it is easily adopted by companies. On the other hand, React is backed by Facebook and started with some patent clauses which are mostly not very suitable for many enterprises. Later it was re-licensed under MIT license which makes it accessible to everyone. But if, you’re finalizing on React, do not forget to read the detailing.

  • Framework

Angular and React both have their specific frameworks, Angular has ionic 2 and native script, whereas React has React Native, next.js, and React Sketchapp. Comparing the above-mentioned frameworks, React Native is the best in terms of developing react native mobile apps either for ease of development or for product performance. Nevertheless, other frameworks too work fine, it entirely depends on your preferences.

  • Speed

We recommend React if it’s about speed! Why? Angular takes time to load and when it comes to mobiles. Its speed decreases more. Whereas React is sleek and loads way faster. The cheery on the cake is the introduction of Fiber Architecture in 2018, which helps React loading lightening fast! Though Angular 5 was also launched in 2017 but, it could not match the speed of React.

Angular vs React, Comparison based on Scenarios

  • Willing to have a complete framework—Go for Angular
  • Willing to have the flexibility for choosing libraries—Go for React
  • Willing to reuse the code—Angular would be the better choice
  • If speed is a concern to you—Definitely, React could be the best choice
  • Require to have lots of templates in your app—Go for Angular
  • If your app contains many dynamic components—Go for React
  • Willing to have a strong server-side rendition—Choose Angular

Which are the Brands using Angular and React?

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Brands Preferring Angular-

  • Google
  • Forbes
  • Sony
  • GM
  • Nike
  • Upwork
  • HBO

Brands Preferring React

  • Facebook
  • WhatsApp
  • Instagram
  • Uber
  • Netflix
  • Dropbox
  • Airbnb

Final Thoughts

Our choices may differ but a fair comparison of a few most talked about options can help you find the right fit! Analyzing Angular and React, we can say that both of them are here to stay, though updates and enhancements will slowly show some growth. If you’ve chosen Angular, find the right app development company and if React is your choice, look for the best suited react native app development company offering best in class react native app development services.