Table of Contents
As the business world and the requirements of the customers are changing at the rate of knots, it is necessary to have a versatile mobile app development framework. Now, among the toughest decisions that organizations have to make is to choose tools that will suit best for mobile app software design. This is because, if the chosen tools are not according to the requirement of the mobile app, it will hamper its development in the long run.
The debate of React Native vs Angular has been going on for ages as to which is the most competent mobile app development framework. Both React Native and Angular have their own set of perks and perils. A feature that might be fruitful in one framework can be proved disastrous in the other one. Therefore, business organizations have to be cautious before making the final choice between React Native vs Angular.
Here, we will discuss the different aspects of both these leading mobile app development frameworks and help our readers to make better business decisions. We have listed out different domains such as architecture, language, licensing, etc., and compared React Native vs Angular on those.
What Is React Native?
React Native is a versatile framework that can be used with equal effectiveness in both mobile app and web app development. The framework has a JavaScript library for UI development and is an open-source community for developers since its inception in 2013.
Because of the hybrid JavaScript framework, React Native is effective in rendering both iOS and Android mobile apps using independent libraries. Moreover, developers prefer it because of its simplicity and as it helps them in delivering optimal app performance. In addition, React Native has an easier learning curve. Therefore, it is simpler for the developers to understand, code, and launch the mobile app through React Native.
React Native’s Key Features
There are some important ingredients in React Native that makes it a class apart from its peers. Let’s have a glance at them:
- It is a highly secure app development framework with XSS protection
- Even the rookie developers can get familiar with React Native in a short span of time
- There are a myriad of components available readily that the developers can use from the word go
- Along with accelerating the process of app development, React Native doesn’t compromise on the performance of the app
- The app development framework is supported by Facebook
What Is Angular?
Just like React Native, Angular too is a JavaScript Framework. This mobile app development framework is TypeScript-based that is directly backed and managed by Google’s Angular team. The framework has a large developer’s community as it is open-source and is backed by a tech global giant.
The structure of the Angular mobile app development framework is highly compatible with various code editors. Therefore, this structure allows the Angular developers to develop more dynamic and flamboyant mobile applications by using HTML as the basic template language. This also means that it is relatively simpler to make more complex mobile apps using Angular.
Angular’s Key Features
Along with being compatible with multiple code editors, there are other superlative features of Angular that make it a ‘cut above the rest’. Let us have a look at them to understand more about the mobile app development framework.
- The framework has better support for error handling to assist the coders during the app development process
- As it uses Angular CLI, there are seamless updates readily available for the developers to function smoothly
- Angular has a strong, built-in support of AJAX, HTML, and others
- Both Business Logic Functions and User Interfaces are compartmentalized to avoid any overlap
- Has a large community of developers as it is supported by Google
React Native Vs. Angular
Now, as we have gone through the definition and key features of both React Native vs Angular, it is clear that both frameworks are a ‘force to reckon with’. Therefore, it becomes even more important for business organizations to make a correct decision between React Native vs Angular as it could determine the future of the mobile app.
Let us look at the important mobile app development areas and compare the two frameworks on the same pedestal.
1. Quality of the Code
It is easier for the developers to maintain the code quality in React Native as they use Linters that help in tracing the syntax as well as the code errors. On the other hand, Angular has specific plugins such as Angular Core that assist app developers to maintain the required code quality. In addition, the Angular developers can also use AngularCLI to be at par with the code quality during the mobile app development process.
2. Performance of the App
When it comes to performance, both React Native vs Angular give stiff competition to each other. Both the app development frameworks are built to provide superlative performance and therefore in this domain, there is no clear point to choose between React Native vs Angular. Only the experience and expertise of the mobile app development company will determine the outcome of the app. Therefore, for business organizations, it is necessary to select the right app development partner by analyzing their portfolio clearly.
3. Developer Community and Support
Angular has the support of Google, and React Native is backed by Facebook. Therefore, for Angular developers, it is easier to get updates and use it when required. Moreover, there is easy access to a powerful set of front-end development tools. This is the reason why market leaders such as Sony, Forbes, HBO, etc. use the Angular mobile app development framework on a large scale.
When it comes to React Native, it is easier for the developers to maximize the functionality of the app by using different plugins available. There are many React Native contributors since it is an open-source platform. Therefore, the developers will not have many issues if they face any problems during the development process. React Native is a preferred choice of leading business organizations such as Uber, WhatsApp, Netflix, Dropbox, etc.
4. Framework Architecture
Both React Native vs Angular has a component-based framework architecture. Therefore, the developers would get access to modular and reusable components while developing the mobile app. However, if we dig in deep, React Native only has a View Component. As compared to Angular, React Native would require extra libraries to work and apply the same MVC (Model View Controller) architecture.
But on the other hand, React Native mobile app development framework also gives ample freedom to the developers to work with creativity. Angular has a complete MVC architecture. Therefore this means there is program logic in the compartmentalized elements of Angular.
5. Complete Mobile App Development
As far as the process of entire mobile app development is concerned, there is not a clear winner between React Native Vs Angular. If an organization is looking for a full app development framework with all the tools, it must choose Angular. On the other hand, if the business organization is looking for an enhanced view layer without constant screen reloading, React Native must become their preferred choice.
The nature of mobile app development will be determined by these frameworks based on the app’s requirements.
Also Read: Comparison Between Next.JS vs React
Top Reasons to Use Angular
Angular is known for speeding up the overall front end development of the mobile app. Moreover, since the framework is backed by Google, there are no questions on its effectiveness and reliability. Here are some of the top reasons of using Angular mobile app development framework:
- It speeds up the server-side rendering and also supports the views in browser side rendering as it is not present there
- The Angular developers doesn't have to code much lines for similar functions as it optimizes their efforts and simultaneously runs the components
- It is easier to create apps and add files in Angular without any kind of fuss
Top Reasons to Use React Native
The main usage of React Native is to handle the view layer of the mobile application. Moreover, as it is an open-source library and reusable UI components, developers prefer it over any other mobile app development framework. Also, since the framework has the support of Facebook, leading organizations use React Native for large mobile applications as there is no need to reload the data to refresh the pages. Other top reasons to use React Native are as follows:
- It is simpler to convert JSX into JavaScript for browser understanding with the help of React Native
- In React Native, developers have to add external entities to access all functions of the mobile app development framework.
- It is necessary to use code bundlers such as web pack and ReactRouter as URL router in React Native
Concluding Thoughts
Mobile app development is a specific process. Therefore, business organizations must not generalize things while picking up their mobile app development framework. In the case of React Native vs Angular, it is essential to understand their advantages and shortcomings and then compare it with the eventual app requirements. Here, the business organizations must hire experienced mobile app development organizations as they with their market expertise will guide the company with ease.
At Third Rock Techkno, we have in-depth experience in developing mobile apps of various kinds using both React Native and Angular. Also, we render customized services to the clients after understanding their view and what perspective they have about the future. To know more, go through our work portfolio page.