The idea of this article is compare and contract Angular and React, so that we can find the suitable one for our need.
1. Introduction
There are so much of information found on internet to ensure that we will get into analysis paralysis when trying to make a decision on Angular or React for the next Web Application. So, I thought of applying the “Six Hat Thinking” methodology to organize my thoughts and classify the information and data points.
2. Six Hat Thinking – Decision Making Process
| Color of Hat | Angular | React |
|---|
WHITE – The facts, Just Facts | - Angular is a complete end-to-end framework
- It supports MVC
- Typescript
- Two-way Binding by default
- Asynchronous processing
- Developed and maintained by Google
- Focus on Single Page Application
- Command Line support for development tools
| - Is a View library
- Virtual DOM Technology
- JSX – Supports pure Javascript coding for HTML/ CSS
- One-way binding by default
- State management for using Redux
- Developed and maintained by Facebook
- Supports Multi Page Application
- Command Line support for development tools
|
YELLOW- Values and Benefits | - Enables Java developers quickly develop Web Application.
- Object Oriented Programming style
- Dependency Injection
| - Very Small, because it is just View component.
- JSX abstracts HTML and CSS, so its all JavaScript code.
- Functional programming style
- Virtual DOM
|
BLACK – Difficulties and Dangers | - Initial learning curve of Typescript for non-java script developers
- More hierarchical and structure might look complex for some Java Script developers
- Slightly heavier size of application when compared to React.
| - Fear of JavaScript Fatigue
- Scaling the application with more and more functionality
- JSX limitations (Why not direct HTML/CSS)
- Everything is component. No Controller/Service.
- Javascript library life cycle management
|
RED – Emotions and Feelings | - Happy that it supports OOPs.
- Code structure enforced with MVC pattern
- Everything under the hood solution.
| - Worried about finding a new JavaScript library every time, we need new function/technology (JavaScript Fatigue)
- Worried that code may become unorganized over the period of time, since the code structure must be enforced by the maintainers and developers.
|
GREEN – New ideas and possibilities | - Typescript quickly enables Java developers to be come Web Developers.
- Highly opinionated and enforces code structures
- Different components for Model, View, Services and Routers.
- No need for additional / external libraries.
| - Quick to develop application
- Suitable for small team of JavaScript experts focused on Web UI development
- Good for teams already worked on other Javascript librairies such as Ember, Backbone, Dojo.
|
BLUE – Thinking about Thinking | Angular is suitable for:- Large and complex applications
- Full stack developers with Java/C# knowledge
- Developing Clean and Structured code
| React is suitable for:- Large web application which is a collection of many small applications
- The team with experience in JavaScript and ready to build everything on their own
- Teams focusing only Web UI development
|
3. Summary
As discussed, my decision would be based on team’s competency, willingness to explore new technology, nature of the application, project timelines. The points discussed under “Red Hat” may not be acceptable for everyone, but individuals emotions and feelings might affect the final decision. Overall I feel both Angular and React are capable and matured technologies in their own unique way of building the web app.
References:
[1] – Angular – https://angular.io/
[2] – ReactJS – https://reactjs.org/
[3] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Thinking_Hats
[4] – https://medium.com/unicorn-supplies/angular-vs-react-vs-vue-a-2017-comparison-c5c52d620176
