Angular vs. React vs. vue.js - what is the best framework for Javascript?

For the implementation of web applications on the Internet or as interfaces to external programs, JavaScript is considered the ideal programming language. Especially after the release of TypoScript based on the ECMAScript-6 standard, it has been expanded with numerous features that enhance security and flexibility. However, in most cases, the use of a suitable framework that meets current requirements is a prerequisite. Among the most popular ones are React, Angular, and vue.js, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

What requirements must a framework for JavaScript meet?

When choosing the ideal framework, various aspects need to be considered, with the key priorities being determined based on the current requirements of the respective project. Some of the relevant factors for evaluation include:

• Flexibility of the framework and the extensions it supports
• Uni- or bilateral integration of data flow into algorithms
• Maintenance of code and regular release of updates
• Performance and resource consumption
• Compatibility with external libraries
• Clear and concise structure and architecture
• Reliable support and detailed documentation
• Effective error control and prevention, as well as debugging
• Scope and nature of the project

Not all frameworks handle the same task through the same approach - depending on the purpose, the implementation can be easy or difficult. Therefore, it is advisable to familiarise yourself with the basics of different frameworks to assess their individual strengths and weaknesses.

What is the difference between Libraries and Frameworks?

In some presentations and tests, the terms Library and Framework are used almost interchangeably - while there are similarities between the two, there are also significant differences in other areas. A library is a collection of program routines that often have a thematic connection. It complements a programming language with functions or provides an easy, secure, and universal access to them without needing to be programmed separately. A framework serves a similar purpose but delves much deeper into programming and forms a universal framework for performing tasks. To be able to use it quickly and clearly, it often uses an enhanced or varied syntax or its own programming language and structure. Furthermore, it also allows for a predefined separation between appearance, content, and user interface in terms of a Model View Controller (MVC).

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Angular, React, and vue.js?

Angular, React, and vue.js were the most popular frameworks or libraries for programming in JavaScript and its successor TypeScript in 2020. Over the past few years, they have displaced formerly leading systems such as jQuery or Ember, as compatibility with different browsers has become less important due to stronger standardisation, with a greater focus now on functionality.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Angular:

• Lean core code with high modularity through external components
• Integration and use of HTML and CSS without restrictions
• Support for TypeScript and JavaScript
• Strict separation of templates from design and logic
• Supported and developed by Google

• Requires longer familiarisation with complex interface
• Compatibility issues due to extensive changes between versions
• Extra work due to resolving and documenting dependencies
• Limitation in single-page applications and their combination with each other
• Primarily aimed at large and extensive projects

Advantages and Disadvantages of React:

• High flexibility and extensive compatibility with external libraries
• Can be used both as a framework and as a library
• Good performance with efficient, trouble-free optimisation
• Developed by Instagram, Facebook, and the Open Source Community
• Clear and well-structured code
• Continuous development and regular updates
• Very good support for SSR and SPA

• Versatility complicates the choice of the optimal solution strategy
• Complex compilation without universal assembly tools
• No clear separation between HTML and JavaScript with JSX syntax
• Inadequate documentation of functions by developers

Advantages and Disadvantages of vue.js

• Can be used as a library or a complete framework
• Clear separation between templates, JavaScript, and CSS
• Support for JavaScript ES5, ES6, and TypoScript
• Very high compatibility with external libraries
• Detailed, understandable, and illustrative documentation
• Small size and excellent performance
• Bidirectional data binding

• Small team without a major financial sponsor
• Limited selection of plugins and extensions
• Smaller community and reach
• Often programming errors in the reactivity of data blocks

Which framework is suitable for a project?

It is certainly helpful to first familiarise yourself with the characteristics and benefits of each framework and to conduct some programming experiments to make an optimal choice. In general, Angular and React are mainly focused on complex tasks, while vue.js is equally suitable for simple and complex purposes. Therefore, it should be the first approach for private and semi-professional programmers who want to tackle simple to moderate projects without a large team.

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