What If You Are Stuck on Angular 1 and Next.js – Can You Upgrade?
I worked on a project not too long ago that was stuck on Angular and Next.js.
Not the sparkling fancy Angular.. no the old AngularJS..
That’s what motived this article \ thoughts \ Collected widsom on Upgrade possibilities.. or not..
The Angular 1 Dilemma
AngularJS (Angular 1) was amazing…
back in 2010.
MySpace was cool then- and so was Yahoo!
Fast forward to today, and it’s like keeping a fax machine in a world of instant messaging.
Google officially ended long-term support for AngularJS in December 2021, which means no security patches, no updates, and a growing risk of breaking dependencies.
Can You Upgrade?
If you’re asking, “Can I upgrade directly from AngularJS to Angular 17?”, the short answer is no. The two frameworks are fundamentally different.
Upgrade Options:
- Angular Upgrade (ngUpgrade) – This allows running AngularJS and modern Angular together while gradually migrating components. Good if you can’t afford a full rewrite immediately.
- Full Rewrite in Angular – If your project isn’t massive, consider a full rewrite in Angular (17+).
- Move to a Different Framework – If you’re already modernizing, consider moving to React, Vue, or even Next.js instead of sticking with Angular.
Should You Upgrade?
Here’s the real question: Is it worth upgrading, or should you just keep patching the old code?
- If you’re on AngularJS, upgrading is almost inevitable. Security risks, lack of updates, and declining community support make it a liability.
- If you’re on an old Next.js version, upgrading is highly recommended but not as urgent as AngularJS.
- If your project works fine and has no critical security issues, you might delay upgrading—but tech debt will eventually catch up.
The Verdict
- AngularJS? Start planning your escape now.
- Old Next.js? Upgrade when feasible—it’s much easier.
- Rewriting? Consider if another framework (React, Vue, or Remix) might be a better fit.