React Replaces AngularJS – Here’s What You Need To Know

AngularJS, one of the most popular front-end development frameworks, announced in 2018 that it would discontinue support and service by 2021. If you’re still using AngularJS or your business relies on apps created with this framework, you’ll need to find an alternative soon. This is not be be confused with Angular2 which continue to be supported by Google. Angular2 is used as an umbrella term for all versions of Angular released after AngularJS. React is quickly becoming a popular choice as an AngularJS alternative, and for a good reason. This article will discuss what you need to know about React and how it can be a great AngularJS alternative.

The Move Away From AngularJS

The final deadline for the last update of AngularJS has long since passed, and if you are someone who likes to wait until the last minute – your minutes are running out. If you have an app running on AngularJS, you should address this quickly. This is especially true if you want to continue your product’s development, scaling, and stable operations. Sooner or later, your AngularJS product will need to be migrated.

You could continue to use AngularJS as is, and it will continue to work for you… until it doesn’t. According to Javier Perez, an open-source guru at Perforce, using AngularJS is risky. He states: “When an open-source community long-term support reaches end-of-life (EOL), no more patches are released. For users, the risk of using EOL versions of software is that if a new high severity or critical vulnerability is discovered, no patches will be available.” In laypeople’s terms, if something breaks – there might not be a fix.

What Are The Risks Of Continuing To Use AngularJS?

If you choose to continue using Angular JS after its EOL date, you run the risk of not only having security vulnerabilities but also:

Lack of bug fixes: if you experience any bugs or glitches with your AngularJS product, there will be no one to turn to for help.

Difficulty finding AngularJS developers: since AngularJS is no longer supported, it will be harder to find developers familiar with this framework.

Increased costs: without AngularJS support, you’ll need to pay for any fixes or updates out of pocket.

If you want to leave AngularJS behind and switch over to a new Javascript framework – React might be the best place to start.

Why Choose React?

React breaks down your UI into smaller, reusable pieces of code called “components.” Then, it renders those components on the screen according to a specified data structure. Every time your application’s data changes, React automatically updates the corresponding parts of the UI. This makes your app more responsive and fast.

The Advantages Of React

Easy to learn: If you know HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (which most web developers do), you can pick up React in a matter of days.

Declarative: React makes it easy to create interactive UIs. With its simple views for each application state, React can efficiently update and render components when your data changes.

Component-Based: React is built with encapsulated components that manage their state. These components create complex UIs, and since they are not created by templates but written in JavaScript, they are easily passed through your app.

Write once, run anywhere: You can develop new features in React without rewriting existing code. React Native lets you create native mobile applications using JavaScript and React, summoning the power of React to build native Android and iOS mobile apps.

If you’re looking for an AngularJS alternative – React should be at the top of your list. React might be the perfect fit for replacing your outdated Angular JS with its easy learning curve, declarative programming, and cross-platform compatibility.

Migrating From AngularJS To React

This migration doesn’t have to be a daunting task. If you’re still using AngularJS or your business relies on apps created with this framework, you’ll need to find an alternative soon. With some planning and forethought, your business can seamlessly transition to the robust React framework. Here are a few steps to create a seamless migration to React:

1. Choose a date to end AngularJS development. This will give you time to plan and migrate your apps to React.
2. Begin learning React to understand how it works and start developing your applications with it.
3. Find or train React developers to help with the transition.
4. Use a tool like ngReact, which lets you use AngularJS components in React apps. This can help smooth out the transition process.
5. Start migrating your AngularJS apps to React one at a time.

Next Steps With Flint Hills Group

At Flint Hills Group, we can advise you on the best next step for your current AngularJS application. While our team is familiar with the AngularJS platform and has developed many projects within that framework – we also have a rich understanding of React and have the skills and experience to transition your AngularJS applications over to React.

If the best step for your business is to migrate your AngularJS app over to the React platform, then our team can work with you to map out the best way to transition to reduce risk and increase productivity. To learn more about Flint Hills Group and our services, contact us today. We’ll be happy to discuss your specific needs and help you determine the best next steps for your business.