JavaScript is the most popular programming language, with more than 67% of developers using it according to a Stack Overflow Report from 2019. Because of its dominance, JavaScript frameworks and libraries continue to pop up, with Angular, React, and Vue being some of those most preferred by experienced developers.
The world of web development is rapidly changing, though. This means that high-end web app development might not necessarily need to depend on JavaScript anymore.
For people who have considered running .Net in the browser without plugins or add ons, Blazor is making that possible.
Today, two of the most popular client-side frameworks are Blazor and Angular. While both frameworks have their pros and cons, the question is, which one should you choose in 2023?
Are you stuck trying to choose between Blazor vs. Angular? Let’s take a look at how they compare to help you make an informed decision.
When it comes to choosing between Blazor and Angular, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some key differences between the two:
- Language: Blazor uses C# while Angular uses TypeScript.
- Server vs Client-side: Blazor can be used for both server-side and client-side development, while Angular is primarily used for client-side development.
- Performance: Blazor offers faster performance due to its server-side rendering capabilities, while Angular’s client-side rendering can sometimes lead to slower performance.
- Learning curve: If you’re already familiar with C# and .NET, then Blazor may be easier to learn. However, if you’re comfortable with JavaScript, then Angular may be a better fit.
Ultimately, the choice between Blazor and Angular will depend on your specific project needs and personal preferences. Consider factors like language familiarity, performance requirements, and project scope before making a decision.
What Is Blazor?
Blazor is an open-source web framework that allows developers to create web apps using HTML and C#. This free framework is being developed by Microsoft.
It’s a client-side framework that uses WebAssembly to run the C# code on the client-side. This means that with Blazor, you can write the code once and run it on both server-side and client-side, which is a great advantage over Angular. Blazor also has a clean architecture that allows developers to write code without having to worry about HTML or CSS, making it easier and faster to develop applications. However, Blazor still has some limitations, such as the lack of support for third-party libraries and the need for .NET runtime.
So far, five different editions of this web framework have been announced. These are:
- Blazor Server
- Blazor WebAssembly
- Blazor PWA
- Blazor Hybrid
- Blazor Native
The name Blazor is is a combination of the words “Browser” and “Razor.” Razor is the .NET HTML view generating engine, and this portmanteau implies that Blazor can execute Razor views on the client rather than having to execute them on the server to the present HTML to the browser.
What Is Angular?
Angular, on the other hand, is a more traditional client-side framework that’s been around for a while. It’s developed by Google and has a huge community of developers. Angular uses TypeScript, which is a superset of JavaScript, and has a strong focus on dependency injection and testability. Angular has a steep learning curve, but once you’ve mastered it, it becomes very powerful. It also has a wide range of third-party libraries and tools that make it easier to develop applications. However, Angular applications can become complex and difficult to maintain, especially for large-scale applications.
Angular is a development platform that is built on TypeScript. Some of the elements that Angular includes as a platform are:
- A framework for building scalable web applications that is component-based
- A suite of developer tools that allow developers to create, test, and update code
- A collection of libraries that cover a huge variety of different features, including forms management, routing, client-server communication, and more
This platform can scale from single-developer projects to enterprise-level applications. Designed with the hopes of making updating a breeze, it’s easy to take advantage of the latest developments.
Blazor Vs. Angular: Which to Choose?
If you’re faced with the decision between Blazor C# and Angular, which should you choose?
Both of these are open-source web frameworks. While they have some similarities, the primary difference is that Blazor leverages C# to develop for the web while Angular is based on JavaScript. Let’s take a look at some of the other notable differences that could inform your decision.
Blazor is a new framework for building web applications with C#. It uses Razor templates, HTML and CSS to create dynamic client-side applications that run in the browser.
Blazor uses WebAssembly, which allows you to run C# code on the client side without any plugins or additional downloads.
Angular is one of the most popular JavaScript frameworks for building single-page applications (SPAs).
Language
When it comes to language, Blazor uses C# while Angular uses TypeScript. If you’re familiar with C# and want to learn a new framework that’s built on top of it, then Blazor is an excellent choice. However, if you’re more comfortable with JavaScript and want to use Angular in its native form (without transpiling), then Angular could be better for your needs.
Server vs Client-side
- Blazor can be used for both server-side and client-side development
- Angular is primarily used for client-side development
Learning Curve
When comparing Blazor vs. Angular, it’s safe to say that there is a bigger learning curve for learning Angular. This is particularly true for C#/.NET developers. On the other hand, Blazor is pretty easy for Visual Studio and C# developers to adjust to. If you are already familiar with C# and .NET, then Blazor may be a better fit for you. However, if JavaScript is your primary language, then Angular might be a better option.
Performance
Angular is a very mature framework, meaning that it’s more tuned for performance. There are potential performance issues for Blazor, particularly Blazor WebAssembly.
Performance is one of the biggest factors to consider when choosing a framework. As you probably know, Blazor offers faster performance than Angular because it renders on the server side. This means that your users will see content much faster and don’t need to wait for JavaScript files to download in order for them to see anything on their screens.
However, if you’re building an application that requires real-time data updates (like chat applications), then client-side rendering may be better suited for your needs since it allows you to update content instantly without having to wait until all scripts have been loaded.
Production Ready
Angular has been battle-tested for years, meaning that it’s production-ready. Angular wins out on this one when comparing Blazor C# vs. Angular, as Blazor is much newer and might bump into performance issues down the road.
Other Differences
Some other relevant differences between Blazor vs. Angular include:
- Angular offers PWA support, while only the Blazor WebAssembly has this support
- Blazor requires an active connection per client, while Angular doesn’t
- Blazor stores the component state server-side for each client, while Angular doesn’t
- Blazor is optimized for SEO/Crawlers, while Angular has server-side rendering
- The code style of Blazor is easier to get started while Angular’s is very verbose
Project Needs
Before you jump into a new framework, consider the following:
- Language familiarity. If you’re already comfortable with C# and Razor syntax, Blazor may be a good choice for you.
- Performance requirements. If your application requires high-performance web apps that can handle large amounts of traffic and data without slowing down, Angular might be better suited for this type of project than Blazor.
- Project scope and goals. Finally, think about what kind of features are needed for your project–and whether those features align with either framework’s capabilities (or lack thereof).
There are some key considerations you should ponder if choosing between Blazor and Angular. With pros and cons to each, Blazor will likely come with more bumps in the road though it also offers an easier on-ramp to modern web apps.
Both Blazor and Angular are great frameworks, but each has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. If you’re looking for a new JavaScript framework to use on your next project, consider what your needs are and choose the one that best fits those requirements.
Conclusion
Choosing a client-side framework is a critical decision that can affect the development process and the performance of your applications. In 2023, Blazor and Angular will still be relevant frameworks, and the choice will depend on your needs. If you’re looking for a framework that allows you to write code once and run it on both client-side and server-side, then Blazor is the way to go. If you want a powerful, feature-rich, and widely used framework, then Angular is the better choice. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide, so take your time and evaluate your options carefully.
Are You Looking For an Angular Web Development Company?
When comparing Blazor C# vs. Angular, you quickly find that there are advantages and drawbacks to both. With Angular being time-tested and more mature, there is more predictability with this framework. On the other hand, Blazor is more accessible for developers coming from C# and offers other compelling features.
Are you looking for an AngularJS web development company? If so, contact Split Reef today to get a quote!
Split Reef is a modern, results-driven digital organization always ready to support clients in their search for digital supremacy. With Split Reef, your budget isn’t going to hold you back from partnering with us to make your project successful. Our offices are located in Columbus, Ohio and Jacksonville, Florida.
