React vs Vue vs Angular: Which Framework Should You Learn in 2024?

I get this question all the time. "Which framework should I learn?" And honestly? There's no one answer. It depends on what you want to build, where you want to work, and honestly, what you enjoy.

But let me break down each one. I've used all three. Extensively. And I have opinions. Strong ones.

The Quick Answer

If you want a job? Learn React. It's everywhere. More job postings mention React than Vue and Angular combined.

If you want something easy? Learn Vue. It's the most beginner-friendly.

If you want structure? Learn Angular. It's opinionated, but that can be good.

But let's dig deeper. Because the real answer is more nuanced.

// React - Component-based
function Button({ onClick, children }) {
return <button onClick={onClick}>{children}</button>;
}

// Vue - Template-based
// <button @click="onClick">{{ text }}</button>

// Angular - TypeScript + Decorators
// @Component({...})
// export class ButtonComponent { ... }

React: The Popular One

React is huge. Facebook built it. Everyone uses it. Netflix, Airbnb, Instagram. The list goes on.

What I like:

• Huge ecosystem. Need a library? It exists.
• Great job market. So many opportunities.
• Flexible. You can structure your app however you want.
• JSX is powerful. Writing HTML in JavaScript feels natural after a while.

What I don't like:

• Too much choice. Which state management? Redux? Zustand? Context? It's overwhelming.
• Fast-moving. Things change quickly. What you learn today might be outdated tomorrow.
• No built-in routing. You need React Router. No built-in state management. You need something else.

When to use:

• Building complex UIs
• Need maximum flexibility
• Want the largest ecosystem
• Targeting the job market

I use React for most projects. Not because it's the best (though it's very good), but because it's what I know best. And honestly? That matters.

Vue: The Friendly One

Vue is like React, but easier. Or like Angular, but simpler. It's the Goldilocks framework. Just right.

What I like:

• Easy to learn. You can be productive in days, not weeks.
• Great documentation. Seriously, the best docs I've seen.
• Progressive. You can use it for a small feature or a full app.
• Single file components. HTML, CSS, and JS in one file. I love this.

What I don't like:

• Smaller ecosystem. Not as many libraries as React.
• Smaller job market. Fewer opportunities.
• Less popular. Harder to find help online sometimes.

When to use:

• Learning frontend frameworks
• Building smaller apps
• Want something simple
• Prefer templates over JSX

I've built a few projects with Vue. They were pleasant experiences. The framework gets out of your way. But I always find myself going back to React. The ecosystem is just too good.

Angular: The Enterprise One

Angular is big. Like, really big. It's a full framework, not just a library. It includes everything. Routing, state management, HTTP client, forms. Everything.

What I like:

• TypeScript by default. Type safety is great.
• Everything included. No decision fatigue.
• Strong structure. Forces you to organize code well.
• Great for teams. Consistent patterns.

What I don't like:

• Steep learning curve. There's a lot to learn.
• Verbose. More code to write.
• Opinionated. Less flexibility.
• Slower development. More boilerplate.

When to use:

• Enterprise applications
• Large teams
• Need structure
• Love TypeScript

I've worked on one Angular project. It was fine. But I found myself fighting the framework more than I'd like. React and Vue feel more natural to me.

The Comparison

Let me break it down:

Learning Curve:

• Vue: Easiest
• React: Medium
• Angular: Hardest

Job Market:

• React: Most opportunities
• Angular: Good opportunities
• Vue: Fewer opportunities

Ecosystem:

• React: Largest
• Vue: Growing
• Angular: Good, but smaller

Performance:

• All three are fast. Don't choose based on performance. You won't notice a difference in most apps.

Community:

• React: Largest, most active
• Vue: Friendly, helpful
• Angular: Professional, structured

The best framework is the one you'll actually use. Pick one. Learn it well. Build things. That's more important than which one you choose.

My Recommendation

Here's what I tell people:

If you're just starting: Learn Vue. It's the easiest. You'll be building things quickly. That momentum matters.

If you want a job: Learn React. More opportunities. Better career prospects.

If you're building enterprise apps: Consider Angular. The structure helps with large codebases.

If you can't decide: Learn React. It's the safest bet. You can always learn the others later.

But honestly? The best framework is the one you'll actually use. Pick one. Learn it well. Build things. That's more important than which one you choose.

The Reality

Here's the thing. Once you know one framework well, learning another is easier. The concepts are similar. Components, state, props, lifecycle. They're all there, just implemented differently.

I learned React first. Then Vue was easy. Angular took more time, but the fundamentals were the same.

So don't stress too much about the choice. Pick one. Learn it. Build things. Then learn another if you want. Or don't. One framework is enough for most people.

Final Thoughts

All three frameworks are good. Really good. You can build amazing things with any of them. The choice matters less than you think.

What matters more? Understanding JavaScript. Understanding how the web works. Understanding good practices. Those skills transfer to any framework.

So pick one. Start building. Don't overthink it. You'll figure it out as you go.

Good luck with your choice. And remember, you can always change your mind later.