The Great Debate – Angular vs React – Which Remains Supreme in 2024?

Introduction

In the dynamic realm of artificial intelligence (AI), programming languages play a pivotal role in shaping the future of innovative applications. Among them, JavaScript stands out as a versatile and powerful language, traditionally associated with web development but increasingly finding its place in the AI landscape. This article explores how JavaScript contributes to the development and deployment of AI applications, showcasing its flexibility, accessibility, and the vibrant ecosystem that supports AI endeavors with the right Javascript framework.

1. Accessibility and Ubiquity: JavaScript’s widespread usage on the web has led to its ubiquity. Being a client-side scripting language, it is executed directly in users’ browsers, eliminating the need for additional plugins or downloads. This accessibility makes it an ideal choice for democratizing AI applications, allowing developers to create AI-driven features that seamlessly integrate into web-based platforms without requiring users to install specific software.
2. Node.js for Server-Side AI: Node.js, a JavaScript runtime built on Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine, enables server-side scripting with JavaScript. This capability has opened doors for using JavaScript in server-side AI development. With Node.js, developers can leverage JavaScript’s asynchronous programming model to create efficient and scalable AI applications, handling multiple tasks simultaneously without compromising performance.
3. Machine Learning Libraries: JavaScript boasts a growing ecosystem of machine learning libraries that empower developers to implement AI algorithms effortlessly. Libraries like TensorFlow.js and Brain.js bring machine learning capabilities to the browser, allowing developers to create and deploy models directly on the client side. This shift towards client-side machine learning enhances user experiences by reducing latency and avoiding the need for constant communication with servers.

Selecting the best JavaScript framework that goes well with the project is difficult. Every project holds its unique requirements and processes. The choice between Angular vs React has always been a question developers struggled with. Before beginning to work with any of the technologies, it is important to understand the differences between them and highlight their strengths and weaknesses.

In the year 2024, the two frameworks that everyone is talking about are React and Angular. React is the poster child of social media applications while Angular is more of an enterprise favourite. The brains behind both of them are from Facebook (Meta) and Google respectively. 

Angular

Angular is a JavaScript framework created by Google. Angular is written in a TypeScript format with HTML as a language. The framework is popular for single-page applications for technicalities. Angular is a component-based framework that primarily helps to build scalable web applications. There are more than 1.7 million developers that help to manage Angular regularly.

Features

• Dependency Injection
• Inbuilt libraries
• Two-way data binding
• CDK list box

Strength

• Support from Google
• Two-way data binding
• Reusable components
• Code consistency and clean code development
• Easy QA & testing
• Full-fledged framework
• Extendable HTML syntax

Weakness

• Limited SEO
• Hard to learn compared to React
• Steep learning curve
• Multiple versions in the market
• Not popular compared to the competition

React

React is a JavaScript-based UI development library. It is an open-source library and hence widely popular among the developer community. React has multiple architectural applications. React is a library still widely perceived as a framework thanks to the variety of features it offers. React is a new technology compared to the competition in the market.

Features

• JavaScript Syntax Extension (JSX)
• One-way data binding
• Extensions

Strength

• Easy Debugging
• Fast Development Process
• SEO friendly
• Virtual DOM
• Easily usable with other frameworks

Weakness

• Fast Development Pace
• Lack of Conventions
• Library and not a framework
• Poor Documentation

Top Companies that use these technologies

Top companies that use Angular

• Google
• Microsoft
• PayPal
• IBM
• Upwork

Top companies that use React

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Whatsapp
• Discord
• Dropbox

Table of Differences between Angular & React

Detailed Differences Between Angular & React

Popularity

Angular and React are both popular among developers. According to reports more than 40% of the developer community opts for React while close to 18% choose Angular. The following of Angular seems lower compared to React when looking from afar. Many reasons can be stated for it. The reusability of code is the primary reason React is chosen over Angular. Both technologies work on similar component-based architecture. The virtual DOM also plays an important part in the popularity of React. 

Performance

Angular and React both offer high-quality performance. When it comes to a detailed comparison between both technologies with performance as a measure of parameter, both stand at par. React offers a single way of data binding while Angular offers two-way data binding. It depends on the requirement of the project of which type of data binding is required.

Use cases

Angular is a part of the MEAN stack (MongoDB, Express, Angular, Node). Angular is primarily used to create single-page applications that are used for progressive web-based enterprises. Complex enterprise applications with dynamic content can run smoothly on this stack. React is commonly perceived as a framework even though it is just a JavaScript library. It offers the flexibility to be adapted into the existing framework. React is commonly used to create interactive platforms similar to social media.

Data Binding

Angular offers two-way data binding while React offers one-way data binding. It depends upon the project requirement on what type of data binding process will be required. In the angular model state changes automatically when the element is changed. This updates both layers at the same time. While in React one-way data binding updates the rendering in the interface.

Framework

Angular is a full-fledged framework while React is a JavaScript library but commonly perceived as a framework. To build the project in React, an external framework based upon React technology needed to be used. While Angular being its own Framework functions on its own.

DOM

React provides a Virtual DOM (Domain) which is very popular among the developer community. Angular provides Real DOM. Angular’s VDOM requires a browser for the calculation of the document and presentation while in React a light copy of the original application is created virtually. VDOM can run any programming language.

Code Quality and Maintenance

Angular offers code reusability. The codes of Angular can be maintained in JavaScript due to the HTML extension. React provides an easy review process of the code. Similar codes can be created in React compared to Angular. The quality of code in both technologies is kept higher.

Dependency Injection

Dependency Injection is used to get outside help in the project. Angular offers dependency injection that saves the day in many cases while React does not offer external dependency injection it offers a built-in facility under its JSX framework.

Learning Curve

Angular is a vast technology and learning or mastering it takes a lot of time compared to React. For someone who is starting, React looks like an easier technology to learn and master. There are multiple components such as services, and dependency injection modules in Angular. One thing to keep in mind in Angular is that it offers a “learn once apply anywhere” methodology. Once a developer has mastered the basics of Angular, it becomes easier to work on it. React is lightweight and easier to write code. It is not complex and user-friendly for starters.

Which one to choose Angular vs React

Angular is suitable for enterprise solutions while React is suitable for interactive social media applications. Hence it depends on the use case that which technology should be put in use. React offers more personalization compared to Angular. Both technologies have their strengths and weaknesses and they can be interconnected depending upon the complexity of the application. The majority of the internet is based upon React thanks to its ease of use and vast resources.