Front‑End Framework Showdown: Angular, React, Vue, Dojo, Ember & Aurelia

Introduction

At the end of 2017, it is time to read some commentary and make a summary. We know that JavaScript/web application frameworks are hard to summarize, so we attempt to answer the unanswerable question: Which framework should I use?

Should You Use a Framework?

Choosing not to answer this question would be a dereliction of duty, as the debate has reached the point where people claim you can create web applications without writing extra APIs. While it is possible to work without a framework, it comes at a cost. Those who advocate a “no‑framework, hand‑written JavaScript” approach are often dependent on others and overlook the dozens of rapidly evolving APIs available on the web platform, which includes over 12,000 APIs and at least three distinct syntaxes.

If you are a highly experienced developer you might honestly avoid a framework, but consider your teammates and the potential difficulty of maintaining a self‑built framework. Teams that avoid frameworks may end up creating their own maintenance burden and face talent shortages because they need developers who can directly call web APIs rather than understand the framework internals.

Teams should avoid the trap of false equivalence . Innovative companies like Google, Facebook, and Netflix gain market value by leveraging cutting‑edge web technologies, while most companies must acknowledge the practical realities of framework adoption.

Angular 2+ Overview

Advantages

The biggest advantage of Angular 2+ is its popularity and strong ecosystem. Its component‑based architecture provides a rich set of UI components, making developers highly marketable.

Weaknesses & Challenges

Angular focuses on building UI for single‑page applications and does not address the broader concerns of building complete web applications, which can lead to maintenance difficulties. Runtime dependencies that are not part of the core framework reduce the value of TypeScript.

Future Outlook

Angular 5 has just been released, confirming Angular’s commitment to rapid releases. Backed by Google, it will continue to mature, though the framework still lacks a comprehensive solution for web components and progressive web apps.

When to Choose Angular 2+

Consider Angular 2+ if you need a large framework with abundant technical resources, easy portability, and a short ramp‑up time for developers. It is also suitable when your web app fits a model‑view pattern or when you favor Google Material Design.

React + Redux Overview

Advantages

React and Redux are praised for their simplicity and focus. They excel at providing a clear, unidirectional data flow that simplifies large UI applications.

Weaknesses & Challenges

The main weakness is the fragmented ecosystem; many solutions exist, making integration difficult. Inexperienced teams may produce unmaintainable code, and the lack of standardized conventions can lead to performance issues.

Future Outlook

Facebook has distanced itself from patent disputes, and the community continues to evolve. React + Redux is expected to remain adaptable, promoting a modular architecture that facilitates refactoring and iteration.

How to Choose React + Redux

If you prefer a lightweight library over a full framework and your team can handle the responsibility of architectural decisions, React + Redux may be the right choice.

Vue.js Overview

Advantages

Vue’s progressive architecture and strong community make it easy to understand and build with. Its simplicity and robust ecosystem add significant value.

Weaknesses & Challenges

Switching between model‑view and state‑container patterns can be confusing. Vue’s development relies heavily on a single maintainer, which may pose sustainability risks.

Future Outlook

Although Vue is not backed by a large corporation, its community‑driven development suggests it will continue to adapt to modern standards.

When to Choose Vue.js

Vue is a good fit for traditional web applications that need a solid, robust application layer, even for teams with limited experience.

Dojo 2 Overview

Advantages

Dojo 2 focuses on dynamic components built on a state‑container system, filling gaps left by other frameworks. It offers structured development, TypeScript support, and a theme system, aiming for ergonomic and secure development.

Weaknesses & Challenges

Dojo 2 faces a crowded competitive environment and potential delays in releases, which may hinder its adoption.

Future Outlook

Dojo 2 aims to become a leading web framework, continuously integrating new standards and expanding openness.

When to Choose Dojo 2

Choose Dojo 2 if you need a flexible, modern, responsive architecture with strong TypeScript integration and want built‑in defaults that reduce boilerplate.

Ember.js Overview

Advantages

Ember’s biggest strength is its convention‑over‑configuration approach, providing a single, well‑defined way to build applications, long‑term support, and comprehensive version management.

Weaknesses & Challenges

The rigidity of Ember can be a drawback; the lack of out‑of‑the‑box UI components and a smaller third‑party ecosystem can make development harder.

Future Outlook

Ember is closely tied to the TC39 JavaScript standards committee, suggesting continued influence on future language features.

Why Choose Ember.js

If you value maturity, strong tooling, and a stable architecture for large teams, Ember offers a reliable path.

Aurelia Overview

Advantages

Aurelia provides many modern techniques for building web applications with a flexible architecture.

Weaknesses & Challenges

The main challenges are limited core development momentum and reliance on a single maintainer, which could affect long‑term sustainability.

Future Outlook

Aurelia has the opportunity to deliver a more complete and robust solution if it can capitalize on its vision.

Why Choose Aurelia

For teams focused on web model‑view applications who seek a framework with an evolving community, Aurelia can be a viable option.

Final Thoughts

This series aims to give you a framework‑selection mindset: there is no universally correct answer, but by asking the right questions and weighing technical and non‑technical factors, you can choose a framework that best fits your team and project.