Vue vs React: a Comparison From a Business Perspective

Being in charge of software development is not an easy task. There are a lot of things you have to take into consideration in order to develop a successful web product, such as the project timeline, learning curve, framework performance, and team size.

One of the key things you have to look into is the technological stack. If you’re developing a web application, chances are that you have stumbled upon two major front-end technology players – Vue and React.

What benefits do they give you? Quite a lot actually! Developing an application using a JavaScript library significantly reduces the time required to achieve the same level of complexity and features of an application as using just JavaScript. They’re highly productive.

But which one should you choose for your application? Which is better in your case? Which one better suits your business needs?

From this article, you will learn:

• What the Jamstack approach is

• What React and Vue are, as well as their main pros and cons

• The similarities between the two technologies

• The differences between Vue and React concerning various aspects

• When to choose React or Vue

Let’s dive into the details – it’s simpler than you think!

What is React?

React.js, an open-source JavaScript library, is designed for crafting dynamic web apps with highly interactive user interfaces. Its key strength lies in the creation of reusable custom components, streamlining the development process.

Thanks to React's flexibility, it facilitates the swift rendering of web pages, enhancing SEO friendliness. This library empowers developers to construct lightweight yet intricate applications, prioritizing a simple approach with a focus on user experience.

Pros and Cons of React

Pros:

1. Efficiency: Swift page loading and instant data updates.

2. Code Cleanliness: Organized code for future optimization with easy elimination of dead code.

3. Reusable Components: Accelerated development using ready-made custom components.

4. Performance: Enhanced data updates in the virtual DOM for faster response times.

5. Community Support: A vibrant community of contributors enhances the development experience.

6. Ease of Learning: Approachable for those with a foundation in JavaScript and HTML.

Cons:

1. Constant Updates: Ongoing updates require developers to stay informed.

2. Need for Additional Tools: While React excels in the front end, supplementary tools are needed for other app aspects, offering flexibility but requiring additional setup.

In the React vs Vue debate, React stands as a dynamic and robust choice for developers, providing a balance of efficiency, community support, and adaptability. When it comes to React development services, Naturaily's expertise extends to creating tailored solutions for your unique project requirements.

What is Vue?

Vue.js, a versatile and lightweight JavaScript framework, stands out for its adaptability and flexibility.

It provides developers with the opportunity to construct lightweight, modern applications, embodying an evolutionary framework. Vue.js allows seamless code modifications without impacting basic features, facilitating the creation of progressive UI.

Created in 2014 by Evan You, a former Google employee, Vue amalgamates the best practices from Angular, Ember, and React. The goal was to expedite, simplify, and enhance the front-end development process.

Vue is commonly employed in building progressive web apps, single-page apps, and large-scale enterprise apps. Notable applications developed using Vue include Grammarly, Alibaba, GitLab, TriVaGo, Statista, and Behance.

Explore the benefits of Vue.js, such as its seamless scalability, straightforward learning curve, and progressive development approach, making it an optimal choice for versatile and efficient web application projects.

Pros and Cons of Vue

Pros:

1. Versatility: Vue seamlessly scales between a library and an advanced framework, integrating well with other tools.

2. Ease of Learning: Knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript facilitates swift learning.

3. Good Documentation: Comprehensive guides and neatly designed information contribute to a user-friendly experience.

4. Progressive: Vue allows gradual migration or integration, fostering an efficient development process and faster time-to-market.

5. Optimum Size: Lightweight Vue continues to get even faster with each release.

6. Future-Proof: Vue establishes a robust production environment, simplifying the update process.

Cons:

1. Community: The Vue community is still underdeveloped, with a significant portion of contributors communicating in Chinese.

2. Flexibility: Vue's high degree of flexibility may lead to project complexity, potentially resulting in errors and code irregularities.

3. Resources: Vue's ecosystem lacks plugins and tools compatible with many external frameworks and tools.

In the debate of React vs Vue, Vue emerges as a dynamic, adaptable solution with a focus on efficient development and future-proofing.

Specializing in Vue development services, our team leverages Vue.js's versatility to craft tailored solutions for diverse project requirements, ensuring efficient and modern application development.

React And Vue - Similarities & Common Features

Despite their differences, there are a few important similarities between the two solutions, and React was obviously a source of inspiration for Vue.

Both Vue and React:

• Are based on JavaScript - Vue and React are both based on JavaScript, which is a popular programming language used for web development. This means that developers who are familiar with JavaScript can easily learn and use both Vue and React.

• Take advantage of reusable parent and child components - Both Vue and React allow developers to create reusable parent and child components. This makes it easier to build complex user interfaces by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable pieces.

• Use a virtual DOM - Vue and React both use a virtual DOM, which is a lightweight copy of the actual DOM. This allows developers to make changes to the user interface without having to reload the entire page. The virtual DOM is also faster than the actual DOM, which makes Vue and React more performant.

• Offer PWA support - Both Vue and React offer support for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). PWAs are web applications that can be installed on a user’s device like a native app. They offer a more app-like experience and can work offline.

• Support TypeScript - Both Vue and React support TypeScript, which is a superset of JavaScript. TypeScript adds static typing to JavaScript, which can help catch errors before they occur.

• Have backward compatibility - Both Vue and React have backward compatibility, which means that new versions of the libraries are designed to work with older versions. This makes it easier for developers to upgrade their applications without having to rewrite everything from scratch.

• Offer flexibility, performance, and speed - Both Vue and React offer flexibility, performance, and speed. They are both lightweight and can be used with other libraries and frameworks. This makes it easy to integrate Vue or React into an existing web application.

• Can work with any existing web apps - Both Vue and React can work with any existing web application. This means that developers can use Vue or React to build new features into an existing web application without having to rewrite everything from scratch.

In both technologies, the core library is based only on the view layer, so to produce the whole app you might need to attach different libraries and tools.

Vue and React are both open-source, though React’s creators were planning to restrict its use, but met with strong opposition from the global community of developers.

Vue vs React Comparison - What Are The Differences?

Now we will go through the detailed comparison of the two solutions, so you can get the idea about the differences and will be able to decide which one you need.

Of course, working with us, you can count on a detailed analysis of your case and we will make this important decision with you.

Library vs framework

The first and main difference is the fact that React is a library, and Vue is a framework.

Libraries provide programmers with functions and classes that make their work and the development process easier, while frameworks are rather a foundation on which the developer builds applications for various platforms.

It’s also vital to add that Vue is a standalone framework, while React must be used with other libraries.

Pre-built and third-party tools

React and Vue also differ in the context of pre-built and third-party tools.

React comes with competent architecture, DOM manipulation, and component state management.

Other functions are built and supported by the community, and, thanks to this, developers can enjoy a great deal of freedom (but this abundance of third-party tools may also be overwhelming for developers starting to work with this library).

Vue’s tools and libraries, on the other hand, are mainly developed by its core team, and community-based solutions are just an addition.

Vue is more balanced when it comes to the proportion of third-party and pre-built tools, so it’s friendly for newbies.

React vs Vue - Performance & Speed

React’s performance is great because the component-based architecture helps build smart single-page apps with clean code and speedy page loading.

The changes on the website may appear without the need to reload everything, so the web apps provide their users with seamless and pleasing user experiences.

On the other hand, Vue’s virtual DOM helps in optimizing the performance, and lazy loading improves the load time.

Both tools have excellent performance, and you don't really need to worry about it, no matter which solution you choose.

Architecture Patterns & Structures - How Do They Differ In React and Vue?

The React library doesn’t have a built-in architecture pattern – it is built on components, and it’s the interaction between the users’ actions and the state of the application components that creates the architecture of React.js.

For building advanced applications with a defined architecture pattern, React needs to be completed by external libraries, such as Redux, Flux, MobX, and Reflux.

Vue’s architecture and DOM structures are divided into two parts – filters and directives.

Vue, otherwise than in the case of React, where there is only a one-way data flow, offers two-way data binding, which allows developers to apply classes, change styles and apply values to HTML.

Development Process of Complex Apps In Vue & React

React follows a declarative style of programming. The component-based approach allows for the highest speed and flexibility during building complex web applications.

Vue was designed to build lightweight and small-scale apps, so it may be harder, but still possible thanks to Vuex – a state management library designed to reduce complications by leveraging the reactivity power of Vue.

On the other hand, React, unlike Vue, doesn’t contain official packages for routing or state management, so developers who want to build complex apps have to use third-party solutions, but luckily there’s an abundance of them.

Scalability, Flexibility & Reusability

Scalability

React is an excellent technology to build scalable UIs thanks to its use of pure JavaScript and component reusability. React’s component-based architecture allows developers to create reusable parent and child components, making it easier to build complex user interfaces by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable pieces. React is also lightweight enough to be used in multi-page apps or big single-page apps.

Vue has been designed as a framework aimed at developing small-time apps, but can be extended thanks to flexible tools. Vue’s scalability is achieved thanks to web packs and Mixin elements that help tackle the limitations.

Flexibility

React allows developers to have control over various aspects of their applications, including state management, routing, and more. With React, developers have the freedom to choose from a diverse selection of third-party libraries and tools that align with their project’s requirements.

Vue is also technologically flexible in different areas. Vue allows developers to create custom directives, filters, and transitions, and it also provides a range of built-in directives and transitions. Vue’s flexible tools make it easier to extend the framework and customize it to meet specific project requirements.

Reusability

React and Vue both allow developers to create reusable parent and child components. This makes it easier to build complex user interfaces by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable pieces. In both technologies, the core library is based only on the view layer, so to produce the whole app you might need to attach different libraries and tools.

In summary, React and Vue are both excellent technologies for building scalable, flexible, and reusable user interfaces. React is an excellent choice for building scalable UIs thanks to its use of pure JavaScript and component reusability. Vue is a great choice for developing small-time apps, but can be extended thanks to flexible tools. Both technologies offer developers the flexibility, performance, and speed they need to build high-quality web applications.

User Experience (UX) In React & Vue Development

React has been designed to provide the best UX possible, which goes down to the smallest components, such as buttons, forms, or text boxes.

The fast rendering makes the experience even smoother.

Vue is also great for UX – because of the virtual DOM, the changes are not displayed directly visually, which makes experimenting with different solutions easier.

Moreover, the HTML attributes are independent of the code.

Testing Tools & Debugging

React.js has a variety of testing tools, like Jest or Mocha, that help the development process in a standardized way. They help identify problems or unnecessary functions. It reduces time-to-market and enhances the quality of the application.

Vue’s testing abilities are also efficient – you can use Jest, Mocha, or Chai, or tools recommended by Vue, such as the Vue testing Library or Vue Test Utils.

Security

Applications based on React are vulnerable to various threats, such as server-side rendering attacks, SQL injections, and XSS vulnerabilities. It’s the developer’s role to find the right solution for each one of them, and that requires significant experience.

Vue is devoid of automatic protection from the above threats as well, and this was a deliberate decision of its creators, because the framework had to be as light as possible.

Developers have to use external libraries to solve these issues, however, Vue can automatically inject some necessary executable codes, thanks to which the application stays safe before and after rendering.

However, if implemented in the Jamstack approach, both Vue and React apps and websites would be more protected, as Jamstack is focused on security. Among others!

The Learning Curve - Is VueJS Easier Than ReactJS?

React takes advantage of JSX – a syntax extension to JavaScript, used to describe the looks of the UI. React developers have to learn this approach.

Moreover, because React strongly depends on third-party components, it has a steeper learning curve, so it may be a challenge for less experienced developers.

Vue is easier to master – you can use either a standard combination of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript or JSX, similar to React. Because Vue has adopted some ideas from React, the React developers will take less time to learn this new technology.

Vue has also slightly better documentation, although the React documentation is not bad either.

Vue vs React – time of development

The time of development for both technologies doesn’t differ significantly. It’s worth adding that React will be the fastest solution when you want to develop basic features.

Both React and Vue have many additional libraries, frameworks, and packages that allow for speeding up the building process.

(Dodanie + opisanie porównującej sekcji z nagłówkiem H3: Mobile Development & Apps)

Maintenance & Future Support

Once your app is tested and running, you have to maintain its operation and implement the necessary changes. As we have said, React is component-based, and the app is constructed using individual code snippets that help efficiently manage the whole system.

Even if you replace your initial developers with new ones, they will probably easily catch on to the process. Vue, on the other hand, is still in its growth phase so it's hard to predict the future direction.

The framework lacks good support but creating good coding practices may help. Vue has effortless integration abilities and code grafting continuity onto existing DOM and HTML markup with no prerequisites.

Mobile Development & Apps

React and Vue are both excellent choices for mobile development and apps. Both technologies offer developers the flexibility, performance, and speed they need to build high-quality mobile applications.

React Native is a framework for building mobile applications using React. It allows developers to build native mobile applications for iOS and Android using JavaScript and React. React Native is an excellent choice for developers who want to build high-quality mobile applications quickly and easily.

Vue Native is a similar framework for building mobile applications using Vue. It allows developers to build native mobile applications for iOS and Android using JavaScript and Vue. Vue Native is a great choice for developers who are already familiar with Vue and want to build high-quality mobile applications.

In summary, both React and Vue are excellent choices for mobile development and apps. React Native is an excellent choice for developers who want to build high-quality mobile applications quickly and easily, while Vue Native is a great choice for developers who are already familiar with Vue and want to build high-quality mobile applications.

Which technology should you choose – Vue or React?

Taking into consideration all the features described above, both React and Vue are great choices when it comes to certain use cases.

What benefits do they give you? Quite a lot actually! Developing an application using a JavaScript library significantly reduces the time required to achieve the same level of complexity and features of an application as using just JavaScript. They’re highly productive.

Remember that both technologies can be implemented for any requirements, and you can build web apps, single-page apps, and user interface components with either.

You should opt for React if you want to:

• Develop large-scale applications with a faster time-to-market

• Build SaaS products or multi-vendor marketplaces

• Develop video streaming platforms and media websites

• Choose mobile development (with React Native)

• Use various libraries, tools, and ecosystems

• Develop an application that will easily grow

• Want to find experienced developers quickly and easily

You should choose Vue if you intend to:

• Build progressive web apps and single-page apps

• Get started with your project ASAP

• Have better separation of concerns in the project

• Extend an existing app’s functionality

• Work with designers and need pure HTML files

• Build a small, but flexible startup

• Transfer an existing product

Future & Trends - React and Vue Popularity Among Companies & Developers

React is for now definitely more popular among software developers and companies. It is used by over 40% of developers, and liked by almost 70% of them, according to the 2021 Developer Survey by Stack Overflow.

Vue, on the other hand, is on its way to worldwide popularity – there are over 1.5 million websites created using this technology, and the developers’ community is growing.

The Wrap-Up - Should You Use Vue or React In Your Projects?

React is a more mature technology with a larger community and the number of contributors, chosen by tech giants worldwide.

It is great for MVPs and scalable apps because it’s efficient, modular, and good for quick prototyping. It offers a vast choice of tools.

Vue is a little younger technology, but very actively developed and gaining prominence each day. It is getting more and more popular amongst large companies.

It is a very flexible framework, so it’s easy to produce a quick prototype, but also build more complex applications.

Both Vue and React are great technologies when it comes to building interactive UIs. To choose wisely, you should take into account the specific use case, your needs, environment, developer availability, cost, and timeframe.

At Naturaily, we are a web & e-commerce development company that specializes in creating custom solutions for businesses. We can help you analyze your business needs and existing technology to create a solution that is perfect for your company. Just let us know!