Is Angular dead? What you need to know in 2024
October 1, 2024•8 min read
The question "Is Angular Dead?" has been a source of confusion and concern for business owners for years. This uncertainty stems from the transition between AngularJS, the original JavaScript-based framework, and Angular, the TypeScript-based version released by Google in 2016.
Even eight years after Angular's release, there are still many unanswered questions about its life and death.
Today, I will provide a clear answer for our clients and readers on whether Angular is dead and what to do with AngularJS-based projects. Ready, set, go!
Understanding the Difference Between AngularJS and Angular
Let's start by examining the key differences between AngularJS and Angular. Understanding these disparities is crucial in addressing the question, "Is Angular Dead?" and will equip you with the knowledge necessary to make well-informed decisions for your projects.
Initially released in 2010 and based on JavaScript, AngularJS quickly gained popularity for simplifying the development of single-page applications (SPAs) and offering a more structured approach to front-end programming. However, as technologies advanced, AngularJS demonstrated limitations, particularly in terms of scalability and performance for larger applications. In response, Google introduced Angular, a completely new version of the framework based on TypeScript.
This update significantly impacted the front-end development industry, improving speed, modularity, and maintainability of services. As a result, business owners and developers began asking questions about what would happen with AngularJS, as it was not just an improvement but a new framework with a different architecture and core concepts.
It led to two distinct frameworks: AngularJS (sometimes called Angular 1) and Angular (the TypeScript-based framework we use today).
Therefore, the question «Is Angular dead?» is a common misunderstanding. The confusion arises from seeing Google's frameworks as a single technology when, in fact, they are two different tools serving different needs. The right question is whether AngularJS is dead, as it is true.
Here, you can see the table where we compared these technologies:
When I hear discussions about whether Angular is dead or not, I always vote for the long life of the TypeScript-based framework. As long as the technology has the support of Google, many corporations, and banks, it will thrive.
Is AngularJS Still Supported in 2024?
While AngularJS was once a leading framework for building dynamic web applications, it is no longer actively supported. Google first planned that the framework would have no updates after 2018 and that its long-term support period would end in the summer of 2021. Well, it didn't happen, and some people breathed a sigh of relief.
It seemed that the end of this JS-based framework was just hearsay and some companies' vain fears.
The buzz began after the Google team announced only a rescheduling but did not drop the original plan. The COVID-19 pandemic messed up the corporation's plans but failed to turn back the inevitable.
In October 2020, the development team presented the update v.1.8.2 and shifted the deadline for LTS to the end of 2021. After that, it became crystal clear to everyone that businesses should transfer to the new technology. Otherwise, business owners risk losing customers and facing various other difficulties.
After all, if the website or web application does not migrate to a new platform, the product will not be profitable. That's a significant loss for the business, which can lead to collapse.
Case in point: At the end of 2020, an e-learning industry firm contacted us. One of their customers, a big top 10 company, complained about the poor performance of their application. The software was running on AngularJS, but it wasn't working well. Without switching to Angular 2+, the firm could lose a loyal customer. We helped this company migrate to the updated system and still support the project. We think this is the best example of what is AngularJS dead.
Why Migrating from AngularJS Is Critical
If your business still relies on AngularJS, it is critical to start planning your migration strategy immediately. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will become to maintain and secure your project as AngularJS becomes increasingly obsolete.
It is crucial to act swiftly. Delaying migration could result in serious challenges, from security vulnerabilities to performance bottlenecks. Moreover, with fewer AngularJS developers available, finding qualified experts to assist in migration will become increasingly difficult.
What can you do:
- Migrate your project to Angular 2+, the modern, actively supported framework version.
- Build two separate applications, one based on Angular and the other on a new platform of your choice.
Our team has extensive experience with both migration paths. We have successfully transitioned numerous projects from AngularJS to modern frameworks, helping businesses operate seamlessly without downtime or lost productivity. These companies no longer have to worry about whether AngularJS is dead — their systems are secure, scalable, and future-proof.
If you're still using AngularJS, now is the time to take action. Please don't wait until it's too late to secure your project's future.
Remember, you're not alone in this migration journey. The Frontend Company team is here to guide you through the process and ensure your business stays ahead with a modern, scalable framework. Don't hesitate to today to discuss your migration strategy.
Final Word
Today, I aimed to address the question, "Is Angular Dead?" and hope our readers and clients now understand that there are two fundamentally different frameworks: AngularJS and Angular. AngularJS is no longer supported or updated, whereas Angular continues to receive regular updates and ongoing support.
If your business is still running on AngularJS, you must start planning your migration as soon as possible. We are one of the best Angular migration service providers and can help you make the most effective and profitable decisions for your business.
FAQ
Does my project die without migration?
Of course, migration is necessary for your AngularJS-based product to thrive. AngularJS support officially ended in January 2022. Soon, it will lead to not-so-good consequences. Your project may have problems with security, SEO, performance, and browser support, which will gradually be gone. That's why I'm pushing you to start planning your migration before these issues seriously impact your project.
Does anyone still use AngularJS?
No one uses AngularJS to build new platforms or user interfaces, as official support ended in January 2022. However, according to 2020 data, almost 370,000 websites worldwide were built using this technology, with nearly 70,000 in the U.S. alone. And now, these businesses are migrating to other frameworks to avoid potential issues and remain competitive.
Is AngularJS dead?
Yes, Angular JS is dead. Google stopped its support for AngularJS in January 2022, which means no more updates, security patches, or improvements will be provided. Many websites were initially built on AngularJS, but businesses are now moving away from the framework to mitigate security risks and performance issues.
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.
RATE
Rate this article please
This will help us provide more useful information.
69 ratings, average 5 out of 5