Angular is a popular and widely-used JavaScript framework for building web applications. It is maintained by Google and offers a wide range of features and tools for building complex and scalable apps. It is considered to be a powerful tool and can help developers create efficient and high-performing web apps. However, is it worth learning in 2023?
Well, like any technology, whether or not Angular is worth learning depends on your specific use case and the goals of your project. For the sake of this article, we are going to assume you want to learn Angular for its relevance and importance in the job market.
So, is Angular worth learning? Let’s find out.
Is Angular A Good JavaScript Framework?
Angular is a popular and widely-used JavaScript framework for building web applications. It is maintained by Google and has a large and active community of developers.
One of the main benefits of using Angular is that it provides a structure for building web applications. It uses a component-based architecture, which allows for the creation of reusable and modular components that can be easily maintained and scaled. Angular also has a powerful set of built-in directives and services that can be used to add functionality to an application, such as form validation and handling HTTP requests.
Another advantage of Angular is that it uses a powerful template language that allows developers to declaratively define the structure and behavior of an application. This can make it easier to understand and maintain the codebase, especially for large and complex projects.
Angular also has a robust set of tools for testing and debugging, which can make the development process more efficient.
In short, no Angular isn’t the cool kid on the block anymore but it is still a great framework that takes a lot of the guesswork out of building your web applications. It’s still a solid framework and definitely worth learning.
Is Angular More Important Than React?
Both Angular and React are popular among companies and developers, and both have a large and active community. Having experience with either framework can make you a strong candidate for web development jobs. As of 2023, it does seem that React is more popular than Angular. Reaching +180,000 Github stars in 2022 while Angular only gained +80,000.
Given this information, you may assume that React is the clear framework to learn. However, remember that just because React is the more popular option, it doesn’t mean it is the better option.
Think about it from a supply and demand standpoint. If you have a high demand for a developer with these skills, more people are going to learn them.
This means that the job market would be more saturated and you’ll have more competition in these positions.
If you learned Angular, you might have fewer jobs to choose from, but also less competition in the application pool.
In short, whether Angular or React is better for getting a job depends on the specific job requirements and the preferences of the employer. Both frameworks are widely used and in demand, and having experience with one or both can make you a strong candidate for web development jobs.
So if you are choosing between React and Angular, pick the one you like better and get really comfortable with it.
Is Angular Worth Learning If I Am Still Learning JavaScript?
This is a big NO.
You may feel eager to get the basics of JavaScript down and simply jump into a framework. However, there are a few reasons why this is a bad idea.
Interviews Focus on JavaScript Knowledge
For starters, your potential employer is going to care a lot more that you have a solid understanding of JavaScript before any framework. Even if you usually use React and the position is for an Angular role, you can impress your employer enough with your JavaScript skills to get the job.
This should be your number one concern!
Learn JavaScript And The Rest Will Come
It’s also important to note that technologies change quickly and sometimes the demand may shift in the future. It’s always a good idea to keep learning and expanding your JavaScript skills because that will directly relate to how fast you can pick up a new front-end framework.
How Much JavaScript Should I Know?
When I first started learning React 4 years ago I was very confused with how it worked. It took a lot for me to wrap my head around the framework and I never really made a lot of progress. After built a few projects in JavaScript, learning React became a breeze.
This is because I took the time to understand JavaScript.
So how much JavaScript should you know? Well honestly the more you know the better.
If you still don’t have an understanding of basic data types (strings, numbers, booleans, etc.) and how to work with them or familiarity with variables, functions, and control flow structures (if/else, for/while loops), you still have a lot to learn!
At the very least you should know everything in these courses. Including the advanced courses! It should be completely free as well.
If you prefer video tutorials, this is a great alternative.
Summary: Is Angular Worth Learning?
In short, Angular is a great front-end framework that isn’t going away anytime soon. It may be less popular than React, but that doesn’t mean it’s not equally as valuable to learn. However, you should keep in mind that a strong foundation in JavaScript is much more important than learning any framework. As this will impress your potential employers and decrease the amount of time it takes to master any framework.
As always, happy coding and get out there and learn angular!
