In the beginning of each project development, choosing between React.js vs Vue.js might be quite a struggle for coders and companies, as each of the frameworks offers unique capabilities, approaches and philosophies. React.js and Vue.js are two benchmark and most popular JavaScript frameworks for creating user interfaces, but the difference between them is enormously big.
In this article, we will highlight the key differences between them, why React is better than Vue, and how to choose a suitable framework for a specific project.
Primary Sides of Comparison React.js vs Vue.js
React.js was created by Meta (ex-Facebook) as a tool to solve the problem with performance and organization of code in complex user interfaces. The main goal of developing React was to simplify the UI update and improve the responsiveness of the interface.
On the other hand, Vue.js was created by Evan You when he worked at Google. The framework appeared as a reaction to the existing Angular complexity. He sought to create a more flexible and intuitively understandable tool that could meet the needs of small teams and start-up cases.
We formed 5 criteria for two technologies comparison, on which development team can decide, what is the difference between React and Vue.
Structure and Architecture
React: React is built on components that allow the interface to break into independent, repurposed parts and uses Virtual DOM. React also supports JSX syntax, allowing you to mix different technologies such as HTML and JavaScript, making the development more declarative and user-friendly. One of the features of React is its one-way data flow, which makes state management in large applications more predictable.
Vue: Vue also uses a component approach, but allows the use of templates, which makes it easier for developers who are used to HTML to understand the code structure. Vue supports two-way data binding "out of the box", which simplifies the synchronization of data between model and presentation, especially in forms. It is designed for simplicity and supports a softer entry threshold for new users.
In Vue vs React comparison, React is therefore focused on functionality and versatility, while Vue is focused on simplicity and speed.
Syntax Peculiarities and State Management
React: In React, components are defined as functions or classes that use JSX for markup. State management can be implemented with built-in hooks such as useState and useReducer, which are suitable for small applications. However, for more complex projects, the Context API or third-party libraries such as Redux and Zustand are often used. As far as state management is concerned, Redux allows for centralized management of the state of all React-based applications, making it suitable for large, high-load applications. The main advantage of this approach is the predictability and simplicity of tracking changes in status.
Vue: In Vue, the syntax is more familiar to those who are skilled in the classical markup language. The markup is in <template>, data is stored in <data> and methods are stored in <methods>. This allows the experienced developers to quickly understand where logic, data and layout are located. The Vue state is managed by the Vuex library, which is built on the principles of Flux and is similar to Redux. This library supports modules, which allowing structure the app state and divide it into logical parts, which is especially usable in large applications.
Vue syntax is more user-friendly for beginners, whereas React allows you to use powerful JavaScript capabilities thanks to JSX. Redux provides more control over the state but requires additional configuration, whereas Vuex is better integrated into Vue and is easier to learn. For large applications with high requirements the state of Redux may be preferred, but for medium and small projects Vuex is a great choice.
Routing System
React: React does not initially include a built-in routing system, so developers often use React Router - a library that supports routing and allows easy adding of pages to SPA. React Router provides flexible options for configuring dynamic routes, transitions, lazy boot and other features needed to build complex user interfaces. This approach offers agility but requires extra effort for customization.
Vue: Vue Router is the official routing library for Vue.js, which integrates with Vue "out of the box". Vue Router supports two-way binding, so page navigation and routing is as easy as possible for developers. It also allows you to use such functions as nested routes and lazy loading. Vue Router is designed specifically for Vue, which makes it more easy-to-use.
React Router is powerful and flexible, but requires additional configuration, whereas Vue Router integrates with Vue and is easier to use, which reduces the number of code and errors during configuration.
Vue vs React Performance
React: React uses Virtual DOM, which allows for efficient user interface update. When the component state changes, React creates a virtual version of the DOM, calculates the changes and adds them to the real DOM. This process, although efficient, can become complex in a large application with many components. RJS also supports optimization through mechanisms like shouldComponentUpdate and memorization for more efficient rendering.
Vue: Vue also uses Virtual DOM, which makes its performance comparable to React. However, Vue offers built-in two-way binding, which simplifies the management of the state and reduces the amount of manual code. This approach reduces the load on the processor and allows faster updating of data in the interface.
Vue vs React performance shows similar for most standard tasks. React provides more opportunities for manual optimization, which can be useful for high-load projects, whereas Vue is automation oriented and requires less code to improve performance.
Ecosystem & Community Support
React: React.js vs Vue.js has a huge ecosystem, as it is widely used by large companies. His popularity has led to the building of many tools and libraries that help in development - for example, React Native for mobile applications, Next.js for server rendering and static site creation, as well as many third-party libraries for data handling, animation and routing. React Community is actively maintained and developed, providing stable documentation as well as a variety of courses and training materials.
Vue: Vue also has an active community, but the fame of Vue vs React popularity is quite less. The main libraries, such as Vuex and Vue Router, are developed and maintained by the Vue team. The Vue community is actively developing plugins and packages that make the Vue ecosystem very flexible and extensive.
The React ecosystem is more extensive and rich in tools and libraries, making it more suitable for large corporate projects. Vue, in turn, offers a less-burdened ecosystem with strong support that is particularly convenient for startups and small teams.
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Difference Between React and Vue: Cost of Developing and Customizing Infrastructure
The cost of developing on React or Vue depends on several factors, including the complexity of the project, the team’s experience, the required infrastructure and the library ecosystem. Consider the key aspects of development cost for each framework:
1. Developer Rate
React developers are in high demand, as React is widely used in frontend development. Because of the popularity of React in large companies and startups, the rates of React developers may be higher. Finding developers with experience in React can be easier, but their high market demand can increase the cost of hiring.
The difference between React and Vue is that there are usually fewer people who specialize in Vue than React developers. Vue is often chosen for smaller companies and startups, which makes the stakes on Vue developers slightly lower compared to React. However, experienced specialists in Vue may be slightly less available than experts in React, which could potentially affect the cost of hiring.
2. Cost of Developing and Customizing the Infrastructure
React requires connecting third-party libraries for routing, state management and other functionality. This can increase the complexity of the setup and the time to initial development. When working with large applications or commands, additional costs may be required for libraries such as Redux, React Router and other tools to manage and optimize the state.
Vue offers most of the required libraries and functions as part of an official ecosystem, which reduces dependency on third-party solutions. This simplifies the development, as most tools are well integrated into the framework and require less time to configure. Thus, the initial installation and configuration costs may be lower for Vue.
3. Development Time and Ease of Integration
Due to the high level of flexibility and the need to select additional libraries to solve basic tasks, development on React may take longer in the planning and integration phase. However, for large applications where performance and scalability are important, the cost of customization can be refunded in the long run due to flexibility and fine-tuning capabilities.
Vue is often chosen for fast projects because it allows faster prototyping and MVP (minimum viable products) development. Built-in libraries and easy integration allow for shorter development time, which can reduce the overall project costs. This makes Vue a cost-effective choice for small and medium projects.
4. Project Maintenance and Expansion Costs
React projects are easier to scale and adapt for corporate needs. However, for large and long-term projects, additional tools may be needed to optimize and maintain the quality of the code, which adds costs. React has a larger community and more ready-made solutions for supporting and extending applications, which can speed up development and reduce support costs.
Vue also allows you to build scalable applications, but its functionality and library choices for large corporate tasks are limited compared to React. For medium-sized projects with small teams, Vue requires less support because the structure and syntax are simpler, which reduces the threshold for new team members to join.
Summary of the Rates
React is more supple, scalable and popular, which increases development costs, especially for large projects. However, in the long run, the costs can be justified by the framework’s capabilities and community support.
Vue is cost-effective for small and medium-sized projects, especially for start-ups and teams with limited budgets. Low initial setup and training costs also make it an attractive option for quick launch MVPs.
For large corporate projects, React may be a more reasonable choice, despite higher initial costs. For quick solutions and small projects, Vue will provide speed of development and lower cost.
React.js vs Vue.js in the Real Development Cycle
Creating projects using React or Vue differs not only in the technical aspects, but also in the approach to development. As soon as these technologies are different in development requirements, the methods of the development cycles building are based on same aspects as ones we used for comparison.
React: When developing on React, the team usually faces the need to select external libraries for state management, routing and other functions. For example, a mid-sized application may require Redux to manage the state, React Router to route and other libraries for animation, data processing and performance optimization. This gives developers flexibility, but also requires good planning and careful choice of tools.
Vue: Vue is more convenient for the faster development of applications "out of the box" as most of the required libraries and functions, including Vue Router and Vuex, are integrated into the framework. This simplifies the configuration and makes Vue attractive for teams that need to quickly deploy applications with minimal configuration.
React.js vs Vue.js offers more flexibility and customization, but requires more time for integration and configuration. Vue is suitable for fast creation of simple applications.
Examples of the Famous Apps Utilizing React or Vue
Large companies are actively using React or Vue in their applications. Facebook and Instagram, for example, are applications built entirely using React. Airbnb and Netflix also use React to create responsive interfaces that stay fast even under high loads. Vue is most commonly used in small and medium projects, as well as interfaces that require high responsiveness. Xiaomi and Alibaba are two great examples of companies that have chosen Vue for their user interfaces. Vue is also popular in startups and small teams where speed of development and user-friendliness are important.
Why React Is Better than Vue: Pros and Cons of Each Framework
Taking into account all the above-mentioned aspects, we can finally name the specific pros and cons, based on approach to development, technological and financial aspects.
React.js Pros and Cons
Advantages:
- Flexibility and customization: React allows you to use a wide range of third-party libraries for managing state, routing, and other tasks, giving you great freedom in creating applications of varying complexity.
- Broad ecosystem and community support: React has a large community and support from major companies, which makes it easy to access tools, documentation and training materials.
- Scalability and performance: React is well suited for large applications with high loads. Support tools for optimizing the rendering and management of assets makes it preferable for complex corporate applications.
- Popularity and availability of specialists: The high demand for React developers and the popularity of the framework increase the chance to find experienced specialists for the project.
Cons:
- Increased development cost: Since many fundamental features, such routing and state management, are handled using third-party libraries, React takes longer to set up the settings.
- Complexity of integration and infrastructure setup: For big applications, React necessitates a more intricate infrastructure, raising maintenance and configuration expenses.
Vue.js Pros and Cons
Advantages:
- Simpleness and ease of use for beginners: Vue's user-friendly syntax and low learning curve make it suitable for novice developers.
- Rapid development and integrated ecosystem: Vue offers integrated state management and routing libraries (Vue Router and Vuex), which enable you to launch a project rapidly and without the need for further dependencies.
- Low initial development costs: Vue is economical for developing MVPs and tiny apps and lowers the initial configuration costs.
Cons:
- Limited scalability: Large corporate apps are less likely to use Vue. The efficiency of the application is decreased when it must be outsourced due to its complexity and scope.
- Reduced ecosystem and corporate level support: Vue offers fewer pre-made tools and solutions for large-scale projects, which can restrict the potential for more intricate applications.
- Restricted access to experts: It may be more difficult to locate skilled Vue developers than React developers, which might impact the team's capacity to grow.
React is more complex, but much better suited for large projects with high scalability requirements. For example, look at our app to order food for restaurant networks development experience. Vue is easier and more convenient for small projects where speed of development is important.
Conclusion
Both frameworks have their advantages and can be applied in different projects.
- React is best suited for large projects with requirements for scalability and high performance, where flexibility and fine-tuning are important. Supporting large companies like meta makes React particularly attractive for corporate applications.
- Vue is focused on more seamless learning and rapid development, making it an excellent choice for small and medium-sized projects, startups and interfaces where simplicity and speed are important.
Ultimately, the choice of framework depends on project requirements and team preferences. React is ideal for large applications and complex user interfaces, while Vue vs React performance may be the best choice for startups, small teams and projects with a limited development budget.
If you still have queries about choosing between different technologies, feel free to contact Celadonsoft.
Areas of responsibility - brand and growth marketing. Strongly believes that software development is an art and marketing is not just about sales but about sharing your passion. Her educational background in the field of business and marketing allows her to create expert content and help others to grow and expand knowledge.
