React, Angular, and Vue.js: What’s the Technical Difference?

React, Angular, and Vue.js are three popular JavaScript frameworks used for building complex, single-page web applications. While they all have a common goal, they differ in various ways. In this article, we will take a closer look at the differences between React, Angular, and Vue.js. 

React 

React is a JavaScript library for building user interfaces. It was created by Facebook and is maintained by Facebook and a community of developers. React is based on the idea of component-based architecture, where a web page is built as a collection of small, reusable components. React is known for its simplicity and flexibility, making it easy to learn and use.

React uses a virtual DOM, which is a lightweight representation of the actual DOM. React components are written in JSX, which is a syntax extension for JavaScript that allows you to write HTML-like code within JavaScript. React provides a set of lifecycle methods that allow you to control the behavior of a component at different points in its lifecycle.

One of the strengths of React is its ecosystem. There are many third-party libraries and tools available for React, including Redux for state management, React Router for routing, and React Native for building mobile apps.

Angular

Angular is a JavaScript framework for building complex, single-page web applications. It was created by Google and is maintained by Google and a community of developers. Angular is based on the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture, where the application logic is separated into different layers.

Angular uses a real DOM, which is a tree-like representation of the actual HTML document. Angular components are written in TypeScript, which is a superset of JavaScript that adds features like static typing and interfaces. Angular provides a set of lifecycle hooks that allow you to control the behavior of a component at different points in its lifecycle.

One of the strengths of Angular is its comprehensive feature set. Angular provides many built-in features, including dependency injection, two-way data binding, and a powerful template system. Angular also includes a command-line interface (CLI) for generating code and managing dependencies.

Vue.js

Vue.js is a JavaScript framework for building user interfaces. It was created by Evan You and is maintained by Evan You and a community of developers. Vue.js is based on the idea of component-based architecture, where a web page is built as a collection of small, reusable components. Vue.js is known for its simplicity and ease of use.

Vue.js uses a virtual DOM, which is a lightweight representation of the actual DOM. Vue.js components are written in HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. Vue.js provides a set of lifecycle hooks that allow you to control the behavior of a component at different points in its lifecycle.

One of the strengths of Vue.js is its simplicity. Vue.js provides a minimalistic core library that can be extended with additional features using plugins. Vue.js also includes a command-line interface (CLI) for generating code and managing dependencies.

React vs. Angular vs. Vue.js

1. Architecture: React and Vue.js are based on component-based architecture, while Angular is based on the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture.
2. Language: React and Vue.js use JavaScript, while Angular uses TypeScript.
3. DOM: React and Vue.js use a virtual DOM, while Angular uses a real DOM.
4. Learning curve: Vue.js has the lowest learning curve, followed by React and then Angular.
5. Ecosystem: React has the largest ecosystem, followed by Angular and then Vue.js.
6. Features: Angular provides many built-in features, while React and Vue.js provide a minimalistic core library that can be extended with additional features using plugins.
7. Performance: All three frameworks are performant but React and Vue.js are known for their high performance.

Below, is a chart for an easier comparison: 

Conclusion

React, Angular, and Vue.js have distinguishing features that set them apart, such as architecture, language, DOM, learning curve, ecosystem, features, and performance. React’s simplicity and flexibility make it an appealing choice, while Angular’s built-in features and adherence to MVC architecture offer a powerful toolset. Vue.js is known for its user-friendly approach and ease of use. The choice of the framework will depend on the unique needs of the project and the preferences of the developers involved.