Are you a developer planning to build either a website or mobile app? Chances are, you’ve already come across the hurdle of choosing between React and Angular.
The debate on which of the two is the better choice for software development doesn’t seem to end. One is an established full-stack MVC framework while the other is a newer Javascript view library. So which one do you pick?
What are React and Angular?
Released in 2016, Angular is an open-source structural framework, allowing developers to utilize HTML as a template language. On the other hand, React, or React JS, is an open-source front-end JavaScript library that lets you build UI components. Both are used to make apps.
Often, people say that comparing the two is akin to apples to oranges due to their distinct differences.
In addition to one being a complete MVC framework and the other more of a “V” in the MVC, Angular is built to use TypeScript, while React recommends using JSX (Javascript with extended XML syntax). Angular also uses two-way binding and the browser’s DOM, while React makes do with one-way binding and a virtual DOM.
In any case, here are the top advantages that React provides over Angular:
Easier learning curve – The only thing better than being a developer is not spending all your life creating your next app, and React lets you do that.
Easy to learn and use and bundled with dozens of tutorials and training resources, React has a much easier learning curve than Angular, so much so that anyone familiar with JavaScript can use it within a few days. Thousands of developers have opted to make React CMS frameworks over Angular because of this.
Reusable components – In React, every cog is just as vital as the whole machine. As such, React utilizes the same components it is based on. Each component you work with has its logic, and you use these to create bigger things that eventually lead to an app, all while giving you a more hands-on approach to the overall process.
Virtual DOM – Another advantage is that React uses a virtual DOM. Unlike tree-structured DOMs that continuously update throughout, virtual DOMs only update to the particular DOM part that needs it, expediting the development speed.
The JSX advantage – As mentioned, React also recommends you write with JSX, adding HTML to your JavaScript. This combination results in a cleaner and simpler code.
The React ecosystem – In addition to the training resources mentioned above, React is also backed by a robust community and third-party tools that play into it.
One example is Contentful, described as a cloud- and API-first “headless CMS that doesn’t stand in your way.”
As a standout React CMS framework, Contentful is a decoupled CMS that allows developers to unify content in a single hub and integrate hundreds of other tools seamlessly via open APIs. The platform itself is also supported by its developer community, making it a great example of a React CMS framework.
While both technologies pose distinct advantages, it can’t be overstated that there’s a reason why React is the more mainstream framework. It’s easier to use, is more intuitive, and comes with none of Angular’s archaic drawbacks.
