Software Development

Key Differences Between Frontend Frameworks: Angular & Vue

Summary: Do you find yourself in the process of deciding between Angular and Vue for your next web development project? This article will help you identify the key differences between the two popular frontend frameworks bringing you one step closer to sprint 0.

Angular vs. Vue

The amount of frontend frameworks available to developers has surged over the last decade. The cause?

Single page applications: Web apps that interact with the user by rewriting the current web page with new data from the web server, instead of the default method of the browser loading entire new pages - wikipedia.

This concept caused JavaScript frameworks to evolve rapidly and thus Angular and Vue were born. Angular is one of the most popular JavaScript frameworks currently available. It was created by Google back in 2010 and is now on version 10. Vue is the newer kid on the block. Evan You, a former core Angular team member at Google, released the open-source framework in 2014. 

https://www.simform.com/angular-vs-vue/

Angular, The Clear Choice for SPAs

Single-page applications changed the game with no page reload wait times. Within these apps, JavaScript controls everything the user can see in the browser. SPAs are obviously popular due to their smooth and fast nature. Google took notice and created Angular explicitly for SPA creation. Angular’s use of TypeScript and other built in tools and services make SPA creation a dream for the experienced developer. In addition, Angular is an ideal choice for enterprise companies due to its association with Google. PayPal, AT&T, NBA, and Tesla all boast impressive Angular websites. Alternatively, Vue is made to move quicker. It can handle small to midsize SPAs, but can also bring significant complexities to the table during larger projects due to its extreme flexibility. 

Vue is Gaining Momentum Throughout the Development Community

Angular has been at the popular table for some time now and Vue really didn’t start gaining popularity until 2016. Some people prefer to judge a framework's popularity by the number of downloads, but others are more interested in sheer enthusiasm throughout the development community. So, who stacks up?

It’s no secret that Angular competes for market share with Facebook’s frontend framework React. Both frameworks consistently have more downloads than Vue. And although Angular has gained tremendous popularity over the years due to constant updates and releases, it also suffered a huge loss when AngularJS updated to Angular. The differences between the two were vast and the migration was tedious and cumbersome, which caused many developers to abandon the framework and never look back. However, there is still an advantage to Angular when it comes to problem-solving. There is rarely any issue that you’ll run into with the framework that isn’t easily overcome by a simple Google search. 

The open source community drives Vue, which increases its popularity amongst developers. Enthusiasm is at an all time high and a popular topic across many chats, Github repositories, and popular developer discussion forums. In addition, Vue boasts an impressive 3X as many stars on Github when compared to Angular. This may lead to a surge in Vue developers in the next few years.

Comparing Size and Learning Curve

The size and the learning curve that each needs are two of the most notable differences between the frameworks. 

First, let’s look at Vue. Vue is small and compact with a 23k file size causing many sources online to claim that Vue is the ‘learning language’ for Angular. However, I don’t agree with that sentiment at all. As mentioned before, Vue is a capable, lightweight, easy to learn SPA framework for small to mid-sized apps. In addition, Vue provides higher customization when compared to Angular and hence is easier to learn. Developers can even start building apps with Vue without having a deep knowledge of JavaScript. The framework focuses on developing highly interactive user interfaces by providing a vast set of tools. However, the simplicity and flexibility is a double-edged sword since it allows for poor and unorganized coding, making it difficult to debug and test.

Angular admittedly has a steeper learning curve at a 143k file size. But, that’s because it’s truly a complete solution. Although developers have to be very confident in their knowledge of JavaScript and mastering Angular requires devs to learn associated concepts like TypeScript and MVC, it’s well worth it. The results are almost always visually appealing and extremely user friendly applications. 

Finally, Performance

Angular uses advanced change detection mechanisms and ahead-of-time compilations to reduce the number of times the document object model manipulates and pre-compiles HTML/app components. This is before the browser even downloads and uses them. The framework is privileged to have these advanced mechanisms ready for optimizing the performance lag.

Vue, with the help of the virtual DOM mechanism, has sorted a default performance-optimized configuration. This way, the runtime and initial load time are reduced drastically, boosting the app performance substantially. The virtual DOM provides more efficient ways to update the view. Each time the application data changes, it renders the virtual DOM rather than rendering the user interface in the actual document object model, which is faster and more performant. 

Vue & Angular: Both Great, Just Different

To sum it up, it really comes down to the size of the project you're anticipating and your ability to find the right team to develop the application. Both Vue and Angular are excellent choices for frontend development with their own strengths and weaknesses. If you’re an enterprise organization, I’d recommend Angular. Small and scrappy start-up with a love for open-source software? Vue’s probably more your vibe.

Click to Learn More or Download Vue.js

Click to Learn More or Download Angular
 
 
About the Author: Alfredo Escalante

Alfredo is a number8 consultant and software developer with 5+ years of experience in web development. Alfredo's preferred tools include JavaScript, Angular, Ruby, and Kotlin.      

Looking to add an experienced Angular or Vue Developer to your team?

number8 can help with that. Connect with us today or continue exploring all of our custom software development and remote staff augmentation services here.

5 Podcasts Every Software Developer Should Check Out

Podcasts have dramatically increased in output and popularity in recent years. They have gone from providing an interesting educational background track for your commute, workout, or house chores to addressing niche topics in an engaging and accessible manner. Luckily, the influx of new podcasts means that there’s something for everyone. There are a number of great Software Development podcasts for professional developers, students, and laypeople alike. In this post, we will provide an overview of some top picks.

Syntax

Web developers Wes Bos and Scott Tolinski have created this long running podcast for other web developers. In 2019, Overcast listed it as a top 20 technology podcast. In the podcast, they delve into CSS, Javascript, Wordpress, and Software Design/Methodologies. They also share tips on work/life balance, self-improvement, mental health, and how to build a small business. Often comical, this podcast breaks down complex information into useful nuggets of information, or “tasty treats” as they call it. Therefore, Syntax is a must-listen for any developers who want to expand their skills while listening to entertaining conversations.

Developer Tea

With over 13 million downloads, Developer Tea is another smash-hit podcast. Run by Jonathan Cutrell, co-founder of Spec and developer at Clearbit, it is designed to fit into the duration of a tea break. According to its website, it “exists to help driven developers connect to their ultimate purpose and excel at their work”. In short, this podcast is great for those with a busy schedule seeking relevant insight beyond just technical issues.

Coding Blocks

Another highly-rated podcast is Coding Blocks. Professional programmers Allen Underwood, Michael Outlaw, and Joe Zack host the show. This podcast is unique in that it provides a number of alternative resources for listeners. For instance, they include videos, informative articles, episode summaries, a newsletter, and links to tips and tricks referenced in the podcast. As a result, these alternative tools can be great for developers-in-training or visual learners. Also, the amount of dedication and passion put into this podcast is obvious and refreshing.

Software Engineering Daily

Run by software engineer Jeff Meyerson, this daily podcast is especially focused on addressing new trends and cutting-edge technologies. Meyerson has also interviewed a diverse group of relevant business leaders, such as Facebook Execs and Cryptocurrency investors. Overall, this podcast is a must listen for anyone seeking to keep up with the front-lines of technology and software development.

Cloudcast

Founded in 2011, Cloudcast is one of the oldest and most reputable software engineering podcasts. According to their website, “Co-hosts Aaron Delp and Brian Gracely have interviewed technology and business leaders that are shaping the future of computing. Topics will include Cloud Computing, Open Source, AWS, Azure, GCP, Serverless, DevOps, Big Data, ML, AI, Security, Kubernetes, AppDev, SaaS, PaaS, CaaS, IoT.” Cloudcast has continually remained at the front lines of technology podcasts. Intimidated? Fortunately, you can look through years of content on their website’s comprehensive archive. Podcast statistics suggest that nearly one third of the U.S. population listens to a podcast once a month and just under a quarter listen weekly. So, with over 850K active podcasts currently available and new ones entering the market all the time, we'll be adding new recommendations to this list in the months ahead. We are an information technology company with years of experience. We have helped hundreds of clients leverage technology to become more efficient and increase profits. Interested in learning more? Let’s connect. Send us an email or give us a call at 502-212-0978 and we can get the conversation started.