ExtJS vs Angular: Real competitors or even allies?
December 11, 2021•4 min read
The history of these front-end technologies
First, let's take a brief overview of the history of each of the technologies and their evolution. What is ExtJS framework? ExtJS is a JavaScript-based framework for creating cross-platform web applications. Sometimes this tool is called a library, but Sencha's ExtJS is a front-end framework by all signs.
It supports HTML, AJAX, and DOM. This is one of the main features of the technology, which lights up the interest of coders. The principle of the tool is component-based so that programmers can use it as a component framework. However, with all that said, ExtJS quite often acts as a full-fledged framework for developing SPAs (Single Page Applications).
One of our team members knows a front-end developer with 20+ years of experience. When he found out the topic of our new article (ExtJS vs Angular), he got very excited. It turned out that he was one of the first to use Sencha's tool in his work. According to him, this solution blew the minds of many coders with its simplicity and improved interaction with JavaScript (JS). Before such frameworks came along, it was exceedingly difficult for newcomers to interact with JS.
Another reason why ExtJS is considered sometimes a library is its history. Jack Slocum created the tool as an extension to the YUI Library in 2007. But with time, ExtJS creators made the instrument stand-alone and removed all the possible dependencies on other libraries.
By now, the seventh version of this front-end framework has been released. The last update to the tool was in May 2021. And the team is quite active in sharing the details of the updates and publishing understandable instructions for users Another feature of this technology is an active community, which connects closely through different channels. Many enthusiasts start blogs for newcomers, share their experiences, answer questions, and help solve open issues.
Angular today, unfortunately, will not be honored by us with such a detailed description. Why such an unfairness? In the articles about Angular 2+ and React alternatives, our team already mentioned more details about the history of this front-end framework.
In the context of the ExtJS vs Angular topic, we will just say that this technology is written with the TypeScript (TS) programming language and has been thriving since 2016. The creator of this tool is a team of developers from Google. During the history of this solution, 13 versions of the framework have already been released.
Fun fact: While we were writing the previous articles for our blog, the official version of Angular 13 was not yet available for use. Programmers could only download the beta version. The Google team is fantastic and very productive. If we keep in mind the soon coming end of long-term AngularJS support, the creators must not have even a minute of spare time at all.
Is it fair to do the Angular vs ExtJS battle?
Actually, for the most unbiased comparison of the effectiveness of frameworks, it is better to compare tools of the same category. What do we mean by that? If you took one JS-based technology, its counterpart should be a tool with JS core.
Presently, AngularJS can no longer be considered a full-fledged opponent for other JavaScript frameworks. It is all because of the end of the LTS period of the instrument. As such, we have to witness the battle of ExtJS vs Angular. If it is critical for your project to use a JS-based tool, then you can browse our list of AngularJS alternatives with an excellent rating among programmers.
For which industries and projects these tools are typically used
Even though ExtJS is well known among many coders, the technology is not globally spread. Nevertheless, this framework is most often used by big companies. They use the tool to develop production software and create other complex applications. The ExtJS vs Angular question is a strike in favor of a JS-based solution.
The reason for choosing this particular tool is that it is incredibly easy to use, and programmers do not have to spend extra time on software development. Quite often, this technology is implemented in order management systems (OMSs), content management system (CMSs), and enterprise resource planning systems (ERPs). It is also quite common in customer relationship management (CRM) systems.
For which fields Ext.js is suitable:
- media;
- IT;
- retail;
- hospital and healthcare;
- higher education;
- financial services;
- telecommunications.
That's why this parameter will make it difficult to determine the unqualified leader in the ExtJS vs Angular fight. Due to its architecture, Angular is great for creating SaaS, websites, and web applications.
For which fields Angular 2+ is suitable:
- automotive;
- fintech;
- IT;
- media;
- financial services;
- traveling;
- consulting and audit;
- freelance marketplaces.
It's not a complete list of industries in which the TS-based framework is used. In addition to these fields, it is also typically used to create training platforms, entertainment, etc.
The fight ExtJS vs Angular: Advantages of each solution
Now it's time to evaluate the strengths of each of these tools. Next, our team has compiled a list of pros and cons for both technologies to ease the torture of deciding on ExtJS vs Angular.
List of pros for Ext.js
- Faster development process:
- Support for Model-View-Controller (MVC) and Model-View-ViewModel (MVVM) patterns:
- Quick prototyping:
- Good toolkit support:
- No browser compatibility issues:
- Mobile device and cross-browser support:
- Sencha Touch (ST) library: Sencha Touch
Continuing the ExtJS vs Angular confrontation, let's move on to the instrument by Google. The Sencha technology has an impressive list of features, but the Angular 2 front-end framework has just as many advantages.
List of pros for Angular 2+
- Free technology:
- Components-based development (CBD):
- Solid support from Google:cemetery
- Stricter structure than some other frameworks:
- Huge developer community:
- Support for mobile devices:Ionic
- A vast range of additional tools and libraries:
- Reactive programming capability with RxJS:
- Understandable documentation:AngularJS to Angular migration
With the advantages, we have dealt with, it's time to learn about the weaknesses of each technology.
The confrontation of ExtJS vs Angular: Disadvantages of each technology
Let's start this block by answering the question «Why Ext JS is bad?», and why the framework has not yet become a breakthrough in the world of front-end frameworks.
Cons of Ext.js technology
- High cost of the full version of the tool:
- Lack of built-in tools for testing:
- Issues with downloading large-scale applications:
Fortunately, there are not many disadvantages to this framework. If they are not critical to your product, then you should consider using Sencha technology to develop your web project.
Cons of Angular 2+ technology
- No native-like mobile apps:
- Difficult tool for beginners:
We don't even think a brief conclusion is needed here. By comparing the number of pros and cons, you can easily see who won the ExtJS vs Angular battle. Ext.js has numerous strengths, but the tool's paid subscription makes it not a good solution for very many web projects. Plus, some weaknesses of Sencha technology can be critical to the product. To be fair, though, support for MVVM and MVC patterns is extremely exciting from a development perspective. Nevertheless, this is not enough to win an uncontested victory.
FAQ
Alex Vasylenko is the founder of The Frontend Company, DBC and several other successful startups. A dynamic tech entrepreneur, he began his career as a frontend developer at Deloitte and Scandinavia's largest banking company. In 2023, Alex was honored as one of 'Top 10 Emerging Entrepreneurs' by USA Today.
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