AngularJS to Angular migration: The ultimate TFC guide
April 18, 2022•8 min read
Here is an era when AngularJS to Angular migration is a necessary procedure, not a fad. With the successful development of the second version of the technology from Google (Angular 2+), more and more businesses are thinking about switching to the new framework. There are at least 7 reasons for Angular.js to Angular update pushing companies to make an immediate change.
In this guide, The Frontend Company team explains why you should migrate from Angular 1 now, the preparation process, the choice of tools, and direct migration to the new platform. Before you decide to take such a step, we strongly advise you first to study the ins and outs.
Is AngularJS dead? The most asked question of recent times
Initially, firms dropped the JavaScript-based framework solely because it was becoming outdated. Business owners liked the features that Angular 2+ provided for web applications and services. For example, TypeScript-based technology had no SEO (Search Engine Optimization) issues, improved structure, and excellent tooling support. Now it still has all these pros.
In mid-January 2022, the Angular team officially announced that AngularJS was dead. It didn't happen overnight. First, in 2018, Google and the Angular Development Team put Angular.js into LTS (Long Term Support) mode for three years. After the LTS period for Angular 1 was announced, brand advocates shared details with programmers on how best to migrate AngularJS to Angular.
In 2022, the LTS phase for Angular 1 ended, so companies had nothing else to do but upgrade the platform. The Angular 2+ ecosystem, on the other hand, is still going strong and evolving. Contrary to some fears, Angular is not dead. So far, no technology has been able to influence the framework's disappearance.
Articles on the subject you may be interested in:
- Is AngularJS dead? The most asked question of recent times
- Is Angular dead? Who is to blame, and what are the reasons
- Is Angular dying because of React? Statistics & Experts opinion
AngularJS vs Angular performance comparison
Besides questions about the lifetime viability of AngularJS, our team specialists are often asked to tell you about the performance of Angular technology. Especially for this aim, the team leader of our Angular crew Denys V. made a detailed comparison of different framework versions. The performance comparison clarifies which of the technologies shows the best results.
One of our prominent experts did the following:
- Prepared for the process, which consisted of creating a test app and collecting metrics.
- Did a performance overview, which consisted of first visual change, speed index, total page transfer size, JavaScript content size, visual readiness, etc.
This performance comparison shows that the new versions of Angular show excellent results. They have a high speed index, one of the most critical indicators for UX.
Choosing ways to upgrade from AngularJS to Angular and AngularJS alternatives
One of the first vital steps on the road to business success is choosing a migration path. Even before companies start switching from one technology to another, it is essential to choose the best way to upgrade along with the programming team.
Now there are the following popular options for AngularJS migration to Angular:
- using the ngUpgrde library;
- parallel migration;
- utilizing the package Angular Elements;
- vertical and horizontal slicing;
- source code compilers.
Selecting the best way is based on the structure of the web project, the business logic, and the company's ultimate goals.
It is also worth mentioning that when migrating to a new platform, business owners most often choose AngularJS to Angular migration. First, in most cases, it is faster and cheaper. Secondly, you can always be guided by Angular's official recommendations. If a company wants to do some experiments, it is possible to find a suitable option for the technology among AngularJS alternatives.
What technologies can be used to upgrade a web app?
Note: We do not recommend changing the platform without an urgent need. It makes sense to switch to a new technology only when Angular 2+ fails to close the needs of your business. It also makes sense to switch to something new if AngularJS is no longer relevant and the company wants to test new frameworks.
How to prepare for the migration AngularJS to Angular properly?
For those who have decided to upgrade their web apps to a newer version of Angular, it is vital to prepare for the process correctly. The number of preparation steps is different for the hybrid migration and parallel switch option.
How to plan for a hybrid migration scenario:
- use compilers to make it easier to prepare JavaScript code to combine with TypeScript code;
- remove all unnecessary components and elements in the source code, considering the latest innovations in the JavaScript programming language;
- get rid of the $scope object in the AngularJS-based part of the code;
- use the API component where it is possible;
- make a list of tools and libraries to be used in the migration from AngularJS to Angular.
The preparation steps can vary based on the specifics of your company work and the structure of your web product. It is more of a case-by-case approach than a general one.
How to plan for a parallel migration scenario:
- find an experienced
- select toolkits, libraries, and other helpful tools for writing code;
- round-up a team of experts for beta testing, QA specialists, and a focus group to help achieve the best results.
There are fewer preparation steps in the parallel migration process, but they are more lengthy and critical. These steps take more time, effort, and budget.
AngularJS to Angular migration plan. Pros tips on development
An elaborate AngularJS to Angular migration plan will allow you to assign stages of teamwork better, distribute tasks for each team member, and choose the best option for moving the code to the new platform. You should not skip this stage. It's better to hold a brainstorming session with everyone involved to identify possible bottlenecks, issues, and challenges.
If you make a plan early on, map out the possible difficulties beforehand, and select suitable toolkits, it will save you time and effort. The migration process may seem straightforward in a word-of-mouth discussion, but a closer look at each step reveals roadblocks. The goal of the upgrade plan is to decrease the problems and the ability to pre-solve puzzles when migrating or merging source code.
How to migrate AngularJS to Angular? The six crucial steps
We have mentioned there is no single scenario for migrating to a more up-to-date platform. However, there are six key phases to migrate AngularJS to Angular properly. These are the steps you need to follow in order to achieve the best results.
- Building a web applicationWebpackGulp
- Configuring template loading for smooth
- Setting up the S2S compiler
- Customizing polyfills for browsers
- Setting up bootstrap
- Adjusting routing
It is the easiest and most straightforward algorithm to follow. There are situations where such a template does not work. These are not widespread situations where the specialist team needs to navigate on the spot.
What AngularJS to Angular migration tools will devs need?
The list of migration tools for switching from the outdated AngularJS to Angular can be compiled ad infinitum. There is no single set of solutions capable of coping with all the tasks. Still, there are several categories of instruments that no one can do without.
What tools will come in handy when migrating Angular 1 to Angular 2+?
- CLIs, frameworks, and runtime systems;
- libraries and modules;
- plugins and packages;
- builders;
- software;
- UI, CSS and HTML instruments;
- tools for autocoding;
- instruments for bootstrapping.
It is worth noting some of the tools from AngularJS to Angular are free. Third-parties software and instruments, however, are sometimes available on a pay basis.
Why are companies worried about the migration from AngularJS to Angular?
While there are at least seven reasons for an AngularJS upgrade to Angular, not all companies are in a hurry to get started. The apparent benefits of migration and improved user experience may not convince some firms to begin making the switch. Business owners have different reasons for procrastinating. The Frontend Company team highlighted five main company fears before migrating to Angular 2+.
- Issues with the current AngularJS source code
- Lack of experienced developershire Angular devs
- The unknown and possible crutches
- Difficulties with team management and control
- Dislike of changing and shifting technologies
AngularJS to Angular upgrade: The most common migration pitfalls
AngularJS to Angular migration can cause programmers to encounter several common pitfalls. Next, the AVA.team will share the 7 most common pitfalls encountered during the upgrade process. Of course, there could be more. But these are more like exceptional cases rather than frequent pitfalls.
7 AngularJS to Angular migration pitfalls:
- Failure to create a hybrid app;
- Careful handling of downgradeModule;
- No autocoding tools could be used;
- Problematic implementation of complex functionality;
- Not all tool kits are equally effective;
- Lack of preparation and $scope;
- No customization and no consideration of the multitenancy.
The challenges listed are not the only ones. Depending on the size and structure of the web project, there are other issues on the developers' way. However, they should be approached considering the company's specifics, its business logic, and goals.
Alex Vasylenko is the founder of The Frontend Company, Nection, DBC, and several other successful startups. A dynamic tech entrepreneur, he began his career as a frontend developer at Deloitte and Scandinavia's largest banking company. In 2023, Alex was honored as one of 'Top 10 Emerging Entrepreneurs' by USA Today.
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