Understanding How Angular Works
Angular serves as both a platform and framework for building single-page client applications with HTML and TypeScript. Developed in TypeScript, Angular provides essential and optional features through a range of TypeScript libraries imported into your applications.
The architecture of an Angular application rests on specific foundational principles. Angular components form the core of the framework, organized within NgModules. These modules combine related code into functional units, forming the basis of an application. A central module, the root module, is crucial for launching an application, while additional feature modules enhance functionality.
Components define views, comprising arrays of screen elements that Angular can modify based on program logic and data. On the other hand, services offer specialized functionalities to components unrelated to views. These services can be included as dependencies in components, fostering modular, reusable, and efficient code structures.
Modules, components, and services are all represented as classes utilizing decorators. These decorators define their nature and provide metadata guiding Angular in their usage.
For component classes, associated metadata link them to templates, defining their respective views. These templates blend standard HTML with directives and binding annotations to modify the HTML before rendering.
In the case of service classes, metadata provides necessary information to Angular, making them available to components through dependency injection (DI).
Components within an application typically define multiple views arranged hierarchically. The Router service in Angular facilitates navigation routes between these views, providing advanced in-browser navigation capabilities.
Advantages of Using Angular
It has evolved significantly since 2012, offering both advantages and disadvantages, particularly for newcomers. Let’s explore the positive aspects first.
Backed by Google
One standout feature of Angular is its development and maintenance by Google. This backing instills confidence in developers, ensuring ongoing support and issue resolution, often with contributions from the community.
Vibrant Community and Ecosystem
Angular enjoys active maintenance and a thriving community and ecosystem. Abundant resources and valuable third-party tools are available, with over 63K stars on GitHub, attesting to its popularity.
Bidirectional Data Binding
Angular’s bidirectional data binding facilitates seamless data exchange between components and views. This two-way communication employs the ngModel directive, synchronizing the model and view effortlessly.
TypeScript Integration
Angular embraces TypeScript as its primary language, enhancing productivity and code assistance. This aids in identifying types, understanding functionalities, and spotting errors.
Internationalisation (i18n) Support
Angular simplifies handling multiple languages, effectively managing elements based on locale, and simplifying boilerplate code creation through Angular CLI and @angular/localize.
Lazy Loading Capability
Angular’s modular approach supports efficient code management and performance benefits through lazy loading, ensuring swift loading times.
Dependency Injection
Angular incorporates its Dependency Injection (DI) framework, enhancing efficiency and modularity. This pattern reduces coupling, enhancing testability and maintainability.
Robust Routing
Angular Router manages navigation within the app, with lazy loading components enhancing performance.
Availability of Packages
A wide range of open-source packages supports Angular development, saving time and effort.
Disadvantages
However, Angular has its drawbacks, especially for newcomers:
Steep Learning Curve
Angular’s unique approach can be challenging for beginners, requiring adaptation to its ideologies.
Limited SEO Capabilities
Single-page applications like can hinder search engine optimization, but solutions like Angular Universal mitigate this.
Numerous Versions
Angular’s evolution may lead to version confusion and compatibility issues.
Diminished Popularity
Newer frameworks have led to a decline in Angular’s popularity.
Pervasive Boilerplate Code
Simpler applications may require excessive boilerplate code, although tools like StackBlitz ease experimentation.