Angular vs React
Angular is a comprehensive, opinionated framework ideal for large, enterprise-scale projects, while React is a flexible, lightweight library focused solely on building user interfaces. The best choice depends on project size, team expertise, and required flexibility.
Core Distinctions
| Feature | Angular | React |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Full-fledged framework (MVC/MVVM) | JavaScript library (view layer only) |
| Language | TypeScript (mandatory) | JavaScript (JSX), TypeScript is optional |
| Data Binding | Two-way (automatic sync) | One-way (unidirectional flow) |
| DOM | Real DOM (optimized with techniques like Ivy) | Virtual DOM (faster UI updates) |
| Built-in Features | Comprehensive (routing, form handling, HTTP client, testing tools, CLI) | Minimal (requires third-party libraries for most features like routing or state management) |
| Learning Curve | Steeper (requires understanding TypeScript, dependency injection, etc.) | Moderate (easier to start for JavaScript developers) |
| Backing | Meta (Facebook) |
When to Choose React
- Rapid Development & Flexibility: React's minimalist nature allows for quick iterations and a high degree of control over your technology stack.
- Dynamic UIs & Performance: Ideal for applications requiring frequent UI updates, such as social media feeds or dashboards, due to its efficient virtual DOM implementation.
- Small to Medium Projects & Startups: Its gentler learning curve and flexibility make it suitable for smaller teams and projects where a quick launch is a priority.
- Mobile Development: It offers strong support for native mobile app development via React Native.
When to Choose Angular
- Large-Scale Enterprise Applications: Angular's opinionated and structured architecture provides consistency and maintainability, which is crucial for complex, long-term projects with large teams (e.g., ERP systems, banking platforms).
- Complex Forms & Data-Heavy Apps: Its powerful built-in form handling and two-way data binding streamline data-intensive interactions.
- Teams Familiar with TypeScript/OOP: If your team has experience with TypeScript or object-oriented languages like Java or C#, Angular's structure will feel more natural.
- Integrated Solutions: If you prefer an all-in-one framework that provides most necessary tools out of the box, reducing "decision fatigue" on which external libraries to use, Angular is a strong choice.