AngularJS VS BackboneJS

Fast evolving WEB - Emergent of new technologies, old methodology/ processes emerged; in such scenario choosing the right framework on the right time can impact the delivery time and later maintenance. So, let’s try to bring two most popular Model View* (MV*) framework into light and compare the overview of - AngularJS and Backbone.js.

Background -

AngularJS, a 2009 product, got popular due to reduced size open source application. It allows 2-way Data binding with easy code testing and extending the HTML by directive make the AngularJS unique framework from rest. The two way binding enables you to just declare the template within HTML as no need to write code yourself. Whereas Backbone.js, a 2010 product which became popular as an alternative to heavy, furnished frameworks. Backbone.js require less loading time due to use to dependency framework - Underscore.js. So it became popular as light weighted framework.

Architecture -

Both web applications framework are functionally due to use of MV* Patterns - AngularJS uses a MVC (Model View Controller) architecture whereas Backbone.js uses MVP (Model view Presenter) architecture. MVC architecture act as the root from where the MVP architecture is derived so it leaves both the framework with very less differences.

The major differences among these two popular framework are -

Data Binding -

The two way data binding feature enables Angular to run its applications, track and trigger the data changes in the models. Whereas, the Backbone JS has no data binding feature so the developer either has to write its own binding mechanism or use the third party data binding.

DOM -

While updating data, AngularJS rebuilds DOM as per the rules specified. While Backbone.js, has to manipulate direct DOM, to represent the data changes. Though its quick but impact the unit testing reliability.

Framework Size VS its Popularity -

Templates -

Processing a template helps in reducing the code which marks a significant role to run an application. Angularjs binds HTML expressions within it which are surrounded by double curly braces. This results in concise representation and easy to grasp technique. On the other hand, Backbone.js can be integrated with 3rd party template engine - builds underscore templates despite of the fact that Underscore templates are not equally furnished as offered by Angular JS applications.

Conclusion -

With Pro’s and Con’s on both the web applications, the minimalism is embraced by the Backbone.js which is growing due to it’s small, easy, fast and light - weight feature whereas  AngularJS due to its data binding feature and innovative approach leads to large scale projects.

Oodles technology in its past has delivered various large scale project using various frameworks and proven to have expertise in  MV* framework web application.