VueJS, Angular, React? What should I use?

Alright, alright!

Yes, there are so many posts about these 3 frameworks that you want to roll your eyes.

I searched and read about each of those, made trial projects, read comparisons and opinions, read about pros and cons and so on.

And yes, I did not find the answer I was looking for!

So, we’re talking about eye rolling: well, don’t do it just yet, cause we’re doing it better. Where everyone says “your mileage may vary” and there “isn’t an easy answer”, we say: yes, there is an easy answer. In fact, there are many easy answers.

Because you’re reading this, I will assume you already know what these frameworks are, but a very short summary is welcome:

Angular

And we’re talking Angular (not AngularJS). This framework started in 2009 which is really lovely. Has too many features built in (why do I need everything including the kitchen sink for every project again?).

The latest version has lots of cool features, new RXJS and new syntax (yey!).

Pros

  • Great documentation (which is the length of a long novel).
  • Two way data binding (which is a con if you ask my colleague). I’m undecided.
  • Modular.
  • Backed by Google who don’t really use it in their projects (much). How about eating your own dog food?

Cons

  • Too big.
  • Complex syntax.
  • Two way data binding?

ReactJS

React is a JavaScript library for building user interfaces. It is maintained by Facebook and a community of individual developers and companies. React can be used as a base in the development of single-page or mobile applications. (thanks Wikipedia)

So the good parts

  • Really flexible, you can do what you want with it.
  • Downward data binding.
  • Light weight.
  • Easy migration.

And the bad parts

  • Really flexible, meaning it’s easy to make mistakes.
  • Little documentation, meaning it’s difficult to keep track of changes and do things the right way. If there is one.
  • Not easy to learn.

 

And last but not least

VueJS

Vue.js is an open-source JavaScript framework for building user interfaces and single-page applications.

Pretty much the same thing as the other two, but this one is not backed by a very large company.

Pros

  • Takes the best of both Angular and React.
  • Very good and detailed documentation.
  • Easy to learn and quick to get productive with.
  • Very small (20KB).

Cons

  • Not a very large market share. Although, Github stars are plenty.
  • Not backed by a company (although there is a large community behind it).

Phew, that summary is not very short.
Alright then, enough stalling, here are answers and questions (send yours, we’ll add them to the list)

I am a developer and am looking to make sure my skills are relevant.
Well then, React is the most sought after(70-80% of jobs for front-end mention it), followed by Angular. So if you want to find a job easy, there’s your answer.

I despise large companies who don’t pay their fair share of taxes and abuse their power.
Well then, use VueJS.

I want to rip my hair out because of two-way binding which causes a lot of issues and bugs.
Don’t use Angular.

I want to use a framework that’s quick and easy to learn.
Try VueJS.

I’m part of a very large team.
The decision is already made, isn’t it?

I have no clue what I should try.
Try them all or email us with questions

You get where this is going? There are answers for all questions. If you want to use one and not the other, do it! Don’t spend weeks analyzing things in too much depth. Jump in the deep end. You will quickly find out if that framework does not agree with you.

PS: We’re not saying don’t do research and spend your investors’ money trying out things.