Understanding Angular vs AngularJS

Ah, the ever-evolving world of web development frameworks!

Just when you think you’ve got a handle on the latest and greatest, another version or library pops up, making you question your life choices.

The Tale of Two Angulars: AngularJS vs. Angular

First things first, let’s clear up the confusion between AngularJS and Angular.

They’re like that awkward pair of twins where one insists on being called by their full name.

AngularJS: The OG

Released in 2010 by the wizards at Google, AngularJS (let’s call it Angular 1.x) was a game-changer.

It introduced us to two-way data binding, making our lives a tad easier. But as with all things tech, it had its quirks and limitations.

Angular: The Glow-Up

Fast forward to 2016, and Google decided it was time for a makeover.

Enter Angular (sans the “JS”), a complete rewrite using TypeScript.

This wasn’t just a facelift; it was a full-on transformation.

Think of it as AngularJS hitting the gym and coming out as Angular 2+.

Key Differences Between AngularJS and Angular

Feature	AngularJS (1.x)	Angular (2+)
Architecture	MVC (Model-View-Controller)	Component-Based
Language	JavaScript	TypeScript
Mobile Support	Limited	Robust
Performance	Slower for complex apps	Improved with better change detection
Dependency Injection	Yes	Enhanced and more powerful

Enter React: The Cool Kid on the Block

While Angular was going through its identity crisis, Facebook introduced React in 2013.

Unlike Angular’s full-fledged framework approach, React is a library focused solely on building user interfaces.

It’s like the minimalist cousin who only wears black but always looks chic.

React’s Claim to Fame

Virtual DOM: React uses a virtual representation of the DOM to optimize updates, making UI changes snappy. (en.wikipedia.org)
Component-Based Architecture: Build encapsulated components that manage their own state, then compose them to make complex UIs.
One-Way Data Binding: Data flows in a single direction, making it easier to debug and understand.

Comparing Angular, AngularJS, and React

Language and Paradigm

Framework/Library	Language	Paradigm
AngularJS	JavaScript	MVC
Angular	TypeScript	Component-Based
React	JavaScript (with JSX)	Component-Based

Data Binding

Framework/Library	Data Binding
AngularJS	Two-Way
Angular	Two-Way (with unidirectional flow for specific scenarios)
React	One-Way

Performance

React’s use of the Virtual DOM often gives it a performance edge, especially in applications with frequent UI updates.

Angular’s change detection is efficient but can become complex in larger applications.

AngularJS, being the eldest, tends to lag in performance for more demanding apps.

Learning Curve

Framework/Library	Learning Curve
AngularJS	Moderate
Angular	Steep (thanks to TypeScript and its vast ecosystem)
React	Gentle (but watch out for the myriad of companion libraries)

Code Examples: Angular vs. AngularJS vs. React

1. Hello World

AngularJS:

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<!DOCTYPE html>
<html ng-app="">
  <head>
    <script src="https://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/angularjs/1.8.2/angular.min.js"></script>
  </head>
  <body>
    <div>
      <p>{{ 'Hello, World!' }}</p>
    </div>
  </body>
</html>

Angular:

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// app.component.ts
import { Component } from '@angular/core';

@Component({
  selector: 'app-root',
  template: '<p>{{ message }}</p>',
})
export class AppComponent {
  message = 'Hello, World!';
}

React:

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import React from 'react';

function App() {
  return <p>Hello, World!</p>;
}

export default App;

2. Data Binding

AngularJS:

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<div ng-app="">
  <input type="text" ng-model="name" placeholder="Enter your name">
  <p>Hello, {{ name }}!</p>
</div>

Angular:

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// app.component.html
<input [(ngModel)]="name" placeholder="Enter your name">
<p>Hello, {{ name }}!</p>

// app.component.ts
import { Component } from '@angular/core';

@Component({
  selector: 'app-root',
  templateUrl: './app.component.html',
})
export class AppComponent {
  name: string = '';
}

React:

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import React, { useState } from 'react';

function App() {
  const [name, setName] = useState('');

  return (
    <>
      <input
        type="text"
        value={name}
        onChange={(e) => setName(e.target.value)}
        placeholder="Enter your name"
      />
      <p>Hello, {name}!</p>
    </>
  );
}

export default App;