December 2016 - QL Tech

AngularJS Vs ReactJS: Make Your Choice

Posted on December 23, 2016November 6, 2019 by admin

Angular JS and React JS form some of the most used linguistic frameworks as far as JavaScript is concerned. However, both of them have intricate differences as well as similarities, which in turn give rise to some important considerations that need to be addressed while facing a choice between the two.

Difference-between-React-and-Angular-JS-.

What is Angular JS & React JS

Angular JavaScript is popularly known as AngularJS, Angular.js or simply Angular. Angular JS is an Open Source structural framework for creating Rich Internet Applications (RIA). Angular was created by Google and is also used by YouTube for PS3, Weather.com, freelance.com & Netflix.com, which are among some of the most popular websites or applications that have been developed by using this language.

React JavaScript is popular as ReactJS, React.js or simply React. React JS is an Open Source JavaScript Library which helps in the creation of dynamic – Single page applications. However, it differs from Angular JS from the perspective that it allows the manipulation and utilization of reusable UI components. Hence, it essentially acts as a refresh button from a conceptual point of view, which is activated every time a change is made in the underlying code. React JS is mainly maintained by websites like Facebook & Instagram. Other websites like Vimeo and Dropbox also have been crafted with the use of this particular programming language.

Angular JS V/S React JS

Once we skim through the surface of both these languages, it becomes clearer that there is a lot more than meets the eye.

1. Extensibility:

With Angular JS, web developers can extend the current functionality of the underlying HTML framework with the help of custom directives. Angular JS offers many resourceful directives and also offers readymade frameworks, which can help in the creation of new and diverse custom directives.

Custom Directives are analogous to the clothes that you wear. They can be used again and again for different occasions, but always add a particular element to your overall personality.

Custom directives are large or small sections of code, which preserve the functionalities as well as behavioural properties of the code from the perspective of semantics so that these can be used again and again.

React JS also provides the same level of functionality as far as scope for extensibility is concerned. However, being a Javascript library, it is mainly used for creating components out of the underlying code, rather than make direct changes for faster creation of applications, which is what Angular JS is for.

Word Code: The word extensibility, in development or programming realms, indicates the capability of software wherein it can be moulded regarding functionality and overall scope of the same. However, another important aspect of extensibility also includes the fact that the data flow and the internal structure does not need to be changed

2. Data Binding

Data binding is a very crucial part of the web development process. It is the process through which changes in the underlying HTML code can be initiated by making changes in the Graphic User Interface or GUI, and vice-versa. However, depending on the type of data-binding allowed by a framework, it can be mainly of two types:

One Way Data Binding: This type of data-binding allows the user to make changes the outer view or the front end by performing changes or alterations in the underlying model or code. For instance, a change in the HTML code will be reflected in the view portion of the browser.

Two-Way Data Binding: Two-Way Data Binding is more useful for the automated creation of a new model or application. This type of Data-Binding allows a user to make a change in view, which will directly be reflected in the codes, thus enabling the software framework in creating automatic templates. However, it also provides the user with the functionalities of One-Way Data-Binding, from the model or code end.

Angular JS is equipped with Two-Way Data Binding capabilities, while React JS works in a slightly different manner. In the React world of programming and computing, data flows in only one way, from the code to the program or application, which effectively makes it a one-way binding script. However, React JS can be effectively used to create data loops in case of certain types of user inputs, such as form submissions, to initiate two-way data-binding. Hence, while Angular JS is inherently equipped with two-way data-binding, React JS can be adapted to the same.

3. Speed

By comparison, any open source developer can say that React JS is way faster than Angular JS. The sole reason for this is that React JS uses virtual DOM (Document Object Model). By creating virtual DOM, any changes made to either the script or the model are reflected faster and with increased accuracy.

Why React has the better speed then Angular JS

DOM is a tree-shaped structure, which means that it represents the HTML code in the form of a tree, thereby deriving from the code itself and using essential components of the code as nodes. However, the problem with this tree structure is that if a small component or element, such as an event handler within the code, needs to be changed, a web-developer might have to dig deep and risk bug infections, just to make a small change. This is also because tree structures today have become more vast and complex than before.

Word Code: DOM is essentially an interface or platform that is language-neutral, thereby allowing both programs and scripts to initiate changes and update elements such as style, structure, and content

On the other hand, Virtual DOM is not a tree-shaped structure like conventional DOM and is instead a more simplified version of the HTML DOM. Hence, the simplification enables a React JS user to perform DOM functionalities without actually doing a lot of manual work.

4. DOM

DOM is a World Wide Consortium Standard which sets the guiding rules for accessing the XML & HTML documents. In other words, it is an API (Application Programming Interface) that guidelines the way HTML & XML files are accessed & manipulated.

Angular JS uses the browser or HTML DOM while React JS works with virtual DOM. However, even though the use of Virtual DOM by React JS enables it to provide superior speed as well as convenience to developers. Angular JS provides cross-browser compatibility. This means that Angular JS can automatically handle Javascript code that might be specific to a particular browser. Without needing to be adapted or altered for the same.

5. Rendering:

Best language for Rendering AngularJS Vs React

The reason why React JS has more popularity regarding UI creation. And refinement is that it offers server-side rendering, while Angular JS only provides client-side rendering. Server-side rendering is a lot faster than client-side rendering as it decreases page load time considerably. And affects application performance directly.

6. Learning Curve

Starting to use Angular JS as a framework for app or web development might prove to be difficult for developers with little prior knowledge about essential elements within the framework. For instance, Angular JS requires conceptual knowledge, e.g., DOM directives, filters, factories and more. You may even call Angular JS the language of professionals.

While React JS is very easy for beginners as API & Syntax used in this Javascript library are not so complex in comparison to Angular JS. React has a small and contained API, which makes development easy, fun and comprehensible.

7. Structure & Components

The structure & components of a framework or library craft the way UI and applications themselves are built. Angular JS uses linguistic components from HTML, CSS & JS. On the other hand, even though React JS uses the same languages, it also utilizes a linguistic component known as JSX. JSX can be used to integrate Javascript and HTML together, thereby allowing easier and convenient development processes. It is known as the Javascript XML syntax transform, which enables to utilize HTML-like tags within the Javascript framework. However, in simpler words, JSX can be used to create React elements. Where the same elements can be created through XML-based object representations that are similar to HTML tags.

8. Coding & Re-using Codes

Angular JS has a solid market presence as it was developed four years before the React JS. So, there are many ready-made components and elements available for Angular JS developers. However, the main of Angular JS is to create and operate complete applications. On the other hand, React JS allows more freedom as far as testing, reusing and separating existing code is concerned. The reusability of the code lies at the very heart of the conceptual framework of React JS, as the main use of this library is to create components, rather than complete applications themselves.

9. Architecture

Angular JS uses the MVC (Model-View-Controller) architecture. MVC is a structural design or framework which enables web applications to come alive. The MVC structures help in managing the web application by dividing it into specific parts, each with its own directives and responsibilities. However, on closer inspection, it seems that the controller aspect of Angular JS in the MVC framework is more flexible and open to adaptation. In this case, Angular developers have created a framework known as MVW. Also is known as Model-View-Whatever. Where “whatever” indicates that you can add any element which is suitable or convenient for your application.

From the perspective of the MVC model, React JS uses only the V component i.e. View. Hence, React doesn’t make use of a structure. But instead, lets you make the most of the library to tailor and customize the outer appearance or User Interface of your app or website. However, if remote data and other elements that include deep code-based functionalities are your areas of interest. You might need to use React JS along with other frameworks like Flux.

QUICK FACTS AND FINDINGS ON ANGULARJS VS REACT JS

Angular JS was developed in 2009 while React JS was made Open Source in 2013.
Historical Data of popularity comparison shows that the popularity of React JS has increased significantly. While the opposite situation was seen with Angular JS.
The Popularity of Angular JS & React JS can be found both in developed economies & emerging markets

So, we can say from formal observation that both Angular JS & React JS have their own unique features, which make them excellent tools for development. At the same time, both have their own unique limitations as well. It is up to you as to which one you would want to choose for your own developmental requirements and preferences.

Do let us know your comments and insights on this comparison.

Top Android Libraries: for Every Android App Developers

Posted on December 1, 2016November 6, 2019 by admin

Android apps are all the rage right now, considering how commonplace smartphones have become. At the same time, one needs to be constantly in search of novelty as far as such a fast-evolving industry is concerned. In such a scenario, it becomes important to know and adopt crucial hacks to increase the efficiency of the process of application development. One of these hacks includes gaining access to Android libraries, which can considerably help in giving a new edge to the process.

Here is a list of Android libraries every android app developers: rookie or expert should know:

JSON:

If your app uses Java, which it definitely might, then JSON is a must for you. It converts Java objects into the lighter JSON format. JSON is abbreviated as JavaScript Object Notation and is used to signify a particular type of format which is considerably more convenient to read and write. Once the data transfer is complete, the same can be utilized to de-serialize JSON back to the Java format. This will ensure a more efficient and quick transfer.

// Serialize
String userJSON = new Gson().toJson(user);

// Deserialize
User user = new Gson().fromJson(userJSON, User.class);

Retrofit:

Retrofit works to convert your REST API into Java format. This nullifies the lengthy coding required for the conversion. As far as finding hacks to make the practice of coding more accurate without compromising on time and energy, Retrofit is a fine hack. The updated version of Retrofit has annotations which make it easy to add the header, request body and query parameters, along with making changes to the URLs.

public interface RetrofitInterface {

// asynchronously with a callback
@GET(“/api/user”)
User getUser(@Query(“user_id”) int userId, Callback<User> callback);

// synchronously
@POST(“/api/user/register”)
User registerUser(@Body User user);
}
// example
RetrofitInterface retrofitInterface = new RestAdapter.Builder()
.setEndpoint(API.API_URL).build().create(RetrofitInterface.class);

// fetch user with id 2048
retrofitInterface.getUser(2048, new Callback<User>() {
@Override
public void success(User user, Response response) {

}

@Override
public void failure(RetrofitError retrofitError) {

}
});

Retrofit already uses GSON as default, so the combination of these won’t require additional parsing.

EventBus:

This library is an incredible resource to code the way in which different factions of your app interact with each other.

public class NetworkStateReceiver extends BroadcastReceiver {

// post event if there is no Internet connection
public void onReceive(Context context, Intent intent) {
super.onReceive(context, intent);
if(intent.getExtras()!=null) {
NetworkInfo ni=(NetworkInfo) intent.getExtras().get(ConnectivityManager.EXTRA_NETWORK_INFO);
if(ni!=null && ni.getState()==NetworkInfo.State.CONNECTED) {
// there is Internet connection
} else if(intent
.getBooleanExtra(ConnectivityManager.EXTRA_NO_CONNECTIVITY,Boolean.FALSE)) {
// no Internet connection, send network state changed
EventBus.getDefault().post(new NetworkStateChanged(false));
}
}

// event
public class NetworkStateChanged {

private mIsInternetConnected;

public NetworkStateChanged(boolean isInternetConnected) {
this.mIsInternetConnected = isInternetConnected;
}

public boolean isInternetConnected() {
return this.mIsInternetConnected;
}
}

public class HomeActivity extends Activity {

@Override
protected void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
setContentView(R.layout.activity_main);

EventBus.getDefault().register(this); // register EventBus
}

@Override
protected void onDestroy() {
super.onDestroy();
EventBus.getDefault().unregister(this); // unregister EventBus
}

// method that will be called when someone posts an event NetworkStateChanged
public void onEventMainThread(NetworkStateChanged event) {
if (!event.isInternetConnected()) {
Toast.makeText(this, “No Internet connection!”, Toast.LENGTH_SHORT).show();
}
}

}

Active Android:

When you are using coding hacks, the key is to code less while getting the most out of the same. ActiveAndroid is an object-relational mapping tool, which replaces the lengthy structured query language on the database:

INSERT INTO Users (Nickname, Name, Address, City, PostalCode, Country) VALUES (‘Batman’,’Bruce W’,’Palisades 21′,’Gotham’,’40000′,USA’);

To a small little piece of code like so:
user.save();

Use GreenDAO and ORMLite as an open source alternative to ActiveAndroid.

Universal Image Loader (UIL):

Pictures or images are an important addition to the app. Many developers use Picasso for adding images. While this is an amazing app, it lacks specific configurations that are necessary for it to function efficiently. UIL remedies this problem easily and in a convenient fashion.

Coding can be quite a cumbersome task and therefore gaining access to Android open source libraries makes the process easier and more proficient.

Other than the above-mentioned libraries, here are some alternative libraries that you could use:

RxJava:

android development with java rx by qltech

RxJava is the Java version of ReactiveX API. This library can be used to modify and manipulate value streams within the functioning of the Android app by using three different patterns of coding, namely Functional Programming, the Iterator pattern, and the Observer pattern.

There are two main elements that form a part of the RxJava extension; namely Observable and Subscriber. The element known as Observable is the one through the stream of data in the functioning of the app originates from. The Subscriber is the part of the extension which makes changes to the stream of data originating from the Observable.

Glide:

Glide is an alternative to extensions such as Picasso and UIL, if neither works for you, Glide is another efficient option.

ImageView imageView = (ImageView) findViewById(R.id.my_image_view);

Glide.with(this).load(“https://placekitten.com/1920/1080 “).into(imageView);

Butterknife:

Butterknife is an amazing resource that can ease your coding troubles by reducing strain that originates from writing long strings of code. This is especially useful for the onCreate method as well as the onCreateView on Activity Fragments.

class ExampleActivity extends Activity {
@Bind(R.id.title) TextView title;
@Bind(R.id.subtitle) TextView subtitle;
@Bind(R.id.footer) TextView footer;
@Override public void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
setContentView(R.layout.simple_activity);
ButterKnife.bind(this);
// TODO Use fields…
}
}

Android activities are specific components which are responsible for the creation of the UI of an application. Several activities come together to create an application. The onCreate command is used to initiate an activity and hence is the beginning point of the same.

Now that you have a list of good Android libraries and open sources for Android development, the question is how to incorporate them into your Android Studio.

Well, most of the apps can be incorporated using Maven, all you need to do is code the dependencies into the build.gradle file like shown below:

dependencies {
compile ‘com.google.code.gson:gson:2.2.4’
compile ‘com.squareup.okhttp:okhttp:1.3.0’
compile ‘com.squareup.retrofit:retrofit:1.3.0’
compile ‘de.greenrobot:eventbus:2.2.+’
compile ‘com.nostra13.universalimageloader:universal-image-loader:1.9.1’
}

Even though coding is an intricate practice, there are several ways in which the process can be made more interesting and efficient. Android libraries can be a huge contribution to the ease and efficiency of the process. Moreover, following developers and development trends on Facebook and Twitter can be a considerable help as far as creating a more proficient coding practice is concerned.