React is a JavaScript library, Angular is a complete framework, and the core differences are reflected in architectural concepts, development languages, learning curves and community ecology. 1. In terms of architecture, React is only responsible for UI rendering and requires third-party library completion functions. Angular provides a complete solution out of the box; 2. In terms of development language, React uses JS by default but also supports TS, while Angular relies on TS; 3. In terms of learning curve, React is more flexible and easy to use, but the organization becomes complex when the project becomes larger, Angular starts with a complex structure but is clear and convenient for maintenance; 4. In terms of community ecology, React is active and suitable for small projects, and Angular is more suitable for enterprise-level applications and long-term maintenance.

Angular and React seem to be front-end frameworks, but their positioning, design ideas and usage are actually quite different. Simply put: React is a JavaScript library for building user interfaces, and Angular is a complete front-end development framework . If you are just starting to learn front-end or prepare for selection technology stacks, understanding their core differences can help you avoid many detours.

1. Different architectural concepts: Library vs Framework

This is one of the most fundamental differences between the two:

• React is a view layer library , which is only responsible for the rendering part of the UI. Other functions (such as routing and state management) require you to introduce third-party libraries to complete them yourself.
• Angular is a complete framework that is "out of the box" . It has built-in component system, dependency injection, form processing, HTTP requests, routing and other functions. Almost everything you need to use when developing applications is arranged for you.

For example: React is like a set of Lego bricks, you can freely match various modules; while Angular is like a house that has been built with clear structure and clear rules.

2. Development language: JavaScript or TypeScript?

Although both can now be written in TypeScript, they depend on TypeScript differently:

• React uses JavaScript by default , but also fully supports TypeScript. More and more projects are starting to use TS to enhance type safety.
• Angular has strongly recommended the use of TypeScript from the beginning . Its core is designed based on TypeScript, and many features (such as decorators) also rely on TS.

If you have strict type checking requirements on your team, or want the code to be easier to maintain, this strong typing style of Angular will be more suitable.

3. Learning curve: Free and flexible vs. Structural rigorous

• React is relatively easy to get started , especially if you are already familiar with JavaScript, you can quickly write out the first component. However, as the project grows bigger, you will encounter more and more "how to organize your code" problems, and you need to make a lot of decisions yourself.
• Angular has to learn a lot of concepts from the beginning , such as NgModule, services, dependency injection, life cycle hooks, etc. Although the initial threshold is higher, once mastered, the structure and maintainability of the project will be stronger.

For example:

• React It's like you bought a bunch of parts and put your own bike together
• Angular bought a fully assembled car with a thick manual, but it was very stable to ride it.

4. Comparison of community ecology and flexibility

• The React community is very active , with rich third-party libraries, fast updates, and is suitable for trying new technologies quickly. But it also means you need to take the time to determine which libraries are reliable.
• The Angular community is also large, but it is more inclined toward enterprise-level applications . Because Angular provides many standardized solutions, it is easier to unify specifications and reduce differences in large projects.

If you want to do a small project or MVP, React may be lighter; if it is an enterprise-level application that is maintained for a long time, the structural advantages of Angular will be more obvious.

Basically these are the main differences. Which one to choose depends on your project size, team habits, and your preference for freedom and normativeness. It is not complicated but easy to ignore: the difference in toolchain configuration and project structure will also affect the development experience . For example, the file structure automatically generated by Angular CLI is very standardized, and React relies more on tools such as Create React App or Vite to build a basic environment.

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