React JS Vs. Vue.js: A Battle of Two Most Popular Front-end JS Frameworks

on August 1, 2018 by Kiran Malvi

It is evidently clear that JavaScript has evolved to become one of the most popular and widely utilized frameworks for creating web applications. As the time is progressing, the developers are getting access to more of front-end development tools, which often make the selection process trickier. However, quite manifestly so, the choice needs to be made on the basis of the project requirements and the expertise of the development team.

React JS Vs Vue JS: A Tough Choice to Make

Today the battle is between two most tough opponents; React JS and Vue JS. Both are well known front-end JavaScript frameworks along with the Angular. It becomes difficult to make a comparison between React JS and Vue JS as both are highly efficient and offer venerable features so that the job of the developer becomes easier while building the web applications.

For instance, both the frameworks are known for providing high performances and are easy to learn etc.

In addition, both the frameworks are extensively employed for designing the User interfaces and also used for working with the root library. Also, they have similarity in reactivity and component based structure. Another common tool found is the presence of virtual DOM model.

state of javascript

Well, before we proceed on let’s have a quick look at the stats regarding the React and Vue JS. According to the latest figures of 2017, 56% of developers (14k out of 25k) said that they have used React and as such would use it again; On the other hand, VueJS is also gaining significant attention with 4.6 k developers ready to use it again.

ReactJS

ReactJS is an open-source JavaScript library developed by Facebook used for building User Interfaces. It is usually employed for building single page applications. You can also use it for making cross-platform applications, which means that it can also be rendered on the server side along with working on the client-side.

The React views are generally rendered using the components containing additional elements and specified as the custom HTML tag.

The React JS is known to utilize the concept of Virtual DOM helping it create a specific data structure to make changes and updating the browser. It simplifies the coding and also allows developers to reuse the code for faster development.

Pros of React JS

1. ReactJS is Easier to Learn

React JS is considered an easy programming language to learn in compression to other front-end frameworks, specifically for the new developers. You need to have the basic knowledge of HTML and CSS.

2. It is a Simple framework

When compared with other front-end frameworks or libraries, React can be considered as simple and has a well-defined lifecycle with component-based approach. It makes use of a unique syntax known as the JSX, which lets it use both JavaScript and HTML.

3. The Code Reusability

It allows the developers to reuse the code components of various levels while working on the project.

4. Data Flow in One Direction

With React JS the data flows in one direction only, which is download. The advantage is that the smaller data does not affect the larger data allowing making the changes rapidly without any hassles. The state of the object gets updated and modified.

5. Good for SEO

The React JS has been successful in breaking the conception that JavaScript frameworks are usually not very SEO-friendly. As said, the React can work on the server-side and the Virtual DOM is rendered on the browser as regular web page.

Cons of React JS

  • Known for poor documentation

Read also: Tips for Developing Mobile Apps with ReactJS

Vue.js

Vue.js was just introduced after React.js in 2014 and since then it has become one of the prominently used Progressive JavaScript frameworks worldwide.

It is also a popular framework for building User Interfaces like React. The core library is focused on the view layer only and you can create engaging single-page web applications with it.

Advantages of Vue.js

1. Small size

One of the major advantages of Vue.js is that it has smaller file size, which comprises of only about 18KB to 20KB. It allows the users to segregate the template-to-virtual-DOM compiler and even the run time.

2. Easy to Understand and Develop

Vue.js is easy to understand as it is blessed to have large scale templates. It also saves a lot of developer’s time as well. It also has uncomplicated structure and you can easily find errors in the blocks.

3. Simple Integration

One of the factors that distinguishes Vue.js from other frameworks is that it can be used for developing both single page applications and contributing the components into existing apps. It comprises of component logic and structure and allows them to contain in one file.

4. Detailed Documentation

This is one area where the Vue.js excels over React JS. It is known for its comprehensive documentation. If you are a starter, then you just need the basic knowledge of JavaScript and HTML.

5. Flexibility

The JSX, ES6, routing and bundling provides flexibility to the Vue.js framework and the developers working on other JS frameworks can easily switch on to Vue.

6. The Facility of Two-way Communication

Vue.js like Angular offers the advantage of two-way communication that helps in speeding up the HTML blocks handling. In addition, it also supports the one-way flow as well to helping working with different components.

Disadvantages of Vue JS

  • A closed community development

Read also: Reason Why Most Developers are Preferring Vue.js for Developing Web Applications

So comparing the two frameworks on Different Grounds

Both the popular JavaScript frameworks have their pros and cons. But there are some areas where one supersedes the other. So, let’s find it out.

react vs vue comparison

Places where Vue is better than React

  • Helps to create simpler and much faster web applications
  • Vue.js has much improved and comprehensive documentation
  • It assists in the developing template based apps conveniently
  • Has much simpler syntax, integration and adaptability

Where Does React Prove to be a Better Choice

  • Has an added advantage over Virtual DOM providing wider range of API options
  • Provides more flexibility when developing larger and complex apps
  • It is easier to test
  • Also supports the development of mobile apps apart from web
  • Offers better technical support with more information and sources available

Let’s Conclude

So, the final question that comes to mind is which one to choose; React JS or Vue JS. But to tell you the truth it would be a very difficult to find a suitable answer as both are very strong contestants.

If you want to build a large application with ease of development, then opt for React JS. On the contrary, if you are aiming to build a simple application with best documentation and easy integration, then opt for Vue.js.

Kiran Malvi
He is a PHP team head at Mindinventory. He has expertise in NodeJS, AngularJS, Laravel, Phonegap and Ionic. He also works as Cordova plugin developer, Web Services expert, Database engineer, Linux Operator and technical advisor. In his free time, he likes to do learn new technology related Hybrid platform.