ASP.NET Core vs Angular – Which One You Like?

Language and Development

• Angular: Uses Typescript/JavaScript, appealing to developers familiar with JavaScript ecosystems. It has a steep learning curve due to its comprehensive features, supported by tools like Angular CLI.
• Blazor: Uses C#, ideal for .NET developers, offering a familiar environment with Visual Studio integration. It simplifies development for teams already using .NET, with options for WebAssembly (client-side) or server-side rendering.

Performance

• Angular: Compiled to JavaScript, runs client-side, suitable for typical web apps but may lag in computationally intensive tasks.
• Blazor: WebAssembly mode compiles C# to run in the browser, potentially offering better performance for heavy computations, though initial load times might be longer due to WebAssembly download.

Community and Ecosystem

• Angular: Boasts a large, mature community with numerous third-party libraries, perfect for projects needing extensive JavaScript tools.
• Blazor: Growing community within the .NET ecosystem, smaller than Angular’s, but benefits from Microsoft’s support and .NET resources.

Integration with Back-end

• Angular: Integrates with ASP.NET Core via RESTful APIs, requiring separate front-end and back-end management.
• Blazor: Tight integration with ASP.NET Core, allowing shared code and easier communication, enhancing full-stack .NET development.

When to Choose

• Choose Angular if your team prefers JavaScript, needs extensive libraries, or works on projects with complex front-end requirements.
• Choose Blazor if your team is .NET-focused, prefers C#, or wants a unified language for front-end and back-end, especially for performance-critical applications.

Surprising Detail: Language Shift

Survey Note: Detailed Comparison of Angular and ASP.NET Core (Including Blazor)

Introduction

Background and Definitions

Language and Paradigm

Performance Considerations

Development Experience

Angular’s development experience is robust, with a steep learning curve due to its comprehensive features, supported by Angular CLI for project management, testing, and deployment. Blazor, integrated with .NET tools like Visual Studio, offers a familiar environment for .NET developers, simplifying development for teams already invested in the ecosystem. However, its ecosystem is less mature, potentially limiting third-party library options.

Community and Ecosystem

Integration with Back-end

Both frameworks integrate with ASP.NET Core back-end via APIs, but Blazor’s tight integration allows shared code and easier communication, enhancing full-stack development. Angular, requiring separate front-end and back-end management, may introduce complexity in data passing and model management, as noted in discussions on Stack Overflow (ASP.NET Core 2.0 Razor vs Angular/React/etc).

When to Choose Each

• Choose Angular if:
  • Your team is comfortable with JavaScript/Typescript and prefers a mature, extensive ecosystem.
  • The project requires extensive use of JavaScript libraries or has complex front-end needs.
  • You need a large community for support and resources, ideal for large-scale, JavaScript-heavy projects.
• Choose Blazor if:
  • Your team is .NET-focused, preferring C# for both front-end and back-end development.
  • You want a unified language and ecosystem, simplifying full-stack development.
  • Performance-critical applications benefit from WebAssembly, or you seek tighter integration with ASP.NET Core.

// src/app/todo-list/todo-list.component.ts
import { Component } from '@angular/core';
import { Todo } from '../models/todo';
import { TodoService } from '../services/todo.service';

@Component({
  selector: 'app-todo-list',
  templateUrl: './todo-list.component.html',
  styleUrls: ['./todo-list.component.css']
})
export class TodoListComponent {
  todos: Todo[];

  constructor(private todoService: TodoService) {
    this.todos = this.todoService.getTodos();
  }
}

dotnet new blazor -o todo-app

// todo-app/Pages/TodoList.razor
@page "/todo-list"
@using todo_app.Data

<h1>Todo List</h1>

<ul>
@foreach (var todo in todos)
{
  <li>@todo.Name</li>
}
</ul>

@code {
  private List<Todo> todos = new List<Todo>();

  protected override void OnInitialized()
  {
    // Fetch todos from service or database
    // For simplicity, hardcoding here
    todos.Add(new Todo { Name = "Task 1" });
    todos.Add(new Todo { Name = "Task 2" });
  }
}

Conclusion