Angular vs. AngularJS - Know the Key Differences

Angular and AngularJS are two popular open-source frameworks used for developing web applications. While both frameworks share the same name and are related, there are significant differences between Angular and AngularJS that developers should be aware of. In this article, we'll explore the key differences between Angular and AngularJS and help you decide which one is best for your next web development project.

What is AngularJS?

AngularJS is a JavaScript-based open-source framework that was first released in 2010 by Google. It was designed to make it easier to build dynamic, single-page web applications. AngularJS uses a declarative approach to programming and allows developers to extend HTML vocabulary for application development. With AngularJS, developers can create reusable components and reduce the amount of code needed to develop a web application.

What is Angular?

Angular, also known as Angular 2+ or simply Angular, is a complete rewrite of AngularJS and was first released in 2016. Angular is a TypeScript-based framework and was built with a focus on performance and scalability. Angular provides a more modular architecture, improved change detection, and better support for mobile devices.

Key Differences between Angular and AngularJS

1. Language: Angular uses TypeScript as its primary programming language, while AngularJS uses JavaScript. TypeScript is a statically typed language that offers features such as classes, interfaces, and type checking, making it easier for large teams to collaborate on projects.

2. Architecture: Angular uses a component-based architecture, whereas AngularJS uses a directive-based architecture. The component-based architecture in Angular makes it easier to manage and maintain code and provides better separation of concerns.

3. Mobile Support: Angular was designed with mobile devices in mind, and it provides better support for mobile devices than AngularJS. Angular also provides optimized change detection for mobile devices, making it easier to create fast and responsive web applications.

4. Performance: Angular is faster and more efficient than AngularJS, thanks to its improved change detection and more optimized code. Angular also provides advanced features such as lazy loading, which can help to reduce the size of your application and improve its performance.

5. Modules: Angular uses a modular approach to organizing code, making it easier to manage dependencies and reuse components. AngularJS, on the other hand, uses a monolithic approach, making it harder to manage dependencies and reuse components.

6. Testing: Angular provides improved testing capabilities, making it easier to test components and services. AngularJS, on the other hand, does not provide as many testing options, making it harder to test components and services.

Which one should you choose?

The choice between Angular and AngularJS ultimately depends on your specific needs and requirements. If you're starting a new web development project and have a large team of developers, Angular is a better choice because of its improved architecture, performance, and support for TypeScript. If you're working on a legacy application that was built with AngularJS, it may make more sense to continue using AngularJS.

In conclusion, Angular and AngularJS are both powerful frameworks for building web applications. While both frameworks share the same name, they have significant differences in terms of language, architecture, performance, and mobile support. Developers should choose the framework that best meets their specific needs and requirements. Whether you choose Angular or AngularJS, you can be sure that you're using a powerful framework for developing modern, dynamic web applications.