React JS vs. Vue JS: why these interfaces have different functionalities and how to use them

by Jake Potter 4 years ago 4 min read

Are you trying to decide between React JS vs. Vue JS for your frontend development? Would you like to know the functions and differences between the two? User interface (UI) frameworks and libraries are at the core of modern web and app development. There are hundreds of frameworks available; however, the top three dominate the industry.

Among the top three, most used frameworks are React JS in first and Vue JS at third. Sandwiched between them is Angular at second—dominated the field until recent years. Frameworks are used to simplify the process of web and app development by using a template-based approach. The language for common features is contained within the framework to make development much easier.

The framework landscape has shifted over recent years. With the emergence and rapid growth of Vue and the widespread use of React, it is necessary to unpack the specifications and uses for both of these incredible tools.

What is JavaScript?

Since both React and Vue are written using JavaScript (JS), we would be remiss if we didn’t give the background regarding the creation and proliferation of the JavaScript language. Before JS, webpages were structured using HTML—generated the webpages themselves, and CSS—managed the style elements of the webpage.

In 1995, Netscape pondered what would happen if there was a language that allowed for writing software that would operate within web browsers by piggybacking on the HTML file; thus, JavaScript was born. As a language, JS has been behind the scenes of a lot of internet-related advancements over the past two decades.

This language is now at the forefront of frontend development and is used by the top three frameworks. Less than a decade ago, Flash dominated the internet for multimedia like music and video. JS advancements made live streaming and mobile app development possible. This environment set the stage for web development tools like React JS and Vue JS.

React and Vue JS similarities

Before we get into the differentiating details about each framework, we will start by outlining similarities between these tools. Both frameworks feature the following:

Component-Based Development: Each framework incorporates libraries of pre-programmed components for frequently used UI elements.
Virtual DOM: The virtual document object model (DOM) allows both React and Vue to update only the components that have been changed rather than re-rendering an entire page.
View Library Focused: There are separate concerns for state management, routing, etc.
Official Library of Development Components: Both tools have libraries that support mobile app development.

React and Vue JS origins

React was developed by the team at Facebook to help address internal efficiency objectives. The company still currently maintains the library. Since the tool operates under the MIT License, it is considered open source. The financial backing of such a significant tech company means that there is sure to be stability and long-term support for React.

Vue, however, was developed by a single developer that used to work for the Angular JS team at Google. Developer, Evan You, sought to create a lightweight alternative for Angular. So, he opted to combine the most effective aspects of Angular, Ember, and React in a lightweight package. This open-source tool relied heavily on its community, contributors, and crowdfunding to get out of the gate.

React and Vue JS descriptions

React is not a JavaScript MVC framework. It is actually a library of reusable interface components. This is ideal for components representing data that frequently changes. Developers can build interfaces that can be dissected into reusable components rather than using HTML or templates. React introduced JavaScript XML, or JSX, as a syntax extension for JS.

Vue is an open-source framework that is written in JavaScript and capable of developing single-page applications. It can also be used to simplify web development as a web application framework. Vue has rapidly captured the attention of developers around the world. Vue is a framework that is progressive and contains some awesome UI web design.

Pros and cons

Below we will list the pros and cons of each tool:

React JS

Pros:

Virtual DOM
Robust JavaScript Library
Flexible and Responsive
Consistent Evolution
Scalable
Mobile or Web Platform

Cons:

Steep Learning Curve

Vue JS

Pros:

Simple to Use
Thorough Documentation
Smoother Integration
Compact Size
Good Performance
Adaptable

Cons:

Smaller Community of Developers

Use cases

Both Vue and React offer efficient solutions for developing a variety of online products, but each has its own best-case scenarios for use. The following instances illustrate when each is preferred for use.

React JS is best suited for those that are enthusiastic about JavaScript. React has a much larger community of active professionals dedicated to advancing the tool. Powered by Facebook, which has an operation with many projects, solutions, and resources, React is ideal for large-scale projects, due to its mature user base.

Vue JS is best used if you are looking for a fast, lightweight, and modern interface library to design attractive single-page applications. Developers that prefer to work with HTML will find comfort with Vue. The reusable components make the tool’s ability to create dynamic user experiences unparalleled.

Conclusion

By gauging the scope of your project and the needs of your team, you will be able to ascertain which framework best fits your needs. Whether your project is large or small, there are options to create a dynamic UI using either React or Vue. Begin by taking into account your long-term, as well as your immediate needs.