Best Frameworks, Libraries, and UIs for Improved AngularJS Web Development in 2024

Summary

As we step into 2024, Angular continues to be a popular choice among developers for building dynamic and scalable web applications. While Angular is already powerful with features like cross-platform compatibility, virtual scrolling, two-way data binding, and MVC architecture, what makes it great is its flexibility and extensibility.

You can choose from a range of frameworks to integrate with Angular that enhance the development process, making your apps more efficient and effective.

This exploration will delve into the best frameworks available in 2024 for AngularJS web development. Our focus will be on highlighting their unique features, usability, and how they cater to the evolving needs of modern web development.

We aim to provide comprehensive insights, helping you make informed decisions about which framework best aligns with your Angular project requirements and development goals.

It will also help you hire AngularJS developers with the right skills and experience in the right frameworks, libraries, UIs, and technologies.

So without further ado, let’s begin!

What is an Angular Framework?

AngularJS is a JavaScript-based open-source front-end web framework primarily used to develop single-page applications (SPAs). It was developed and maintained by Google and a community of individual developers and corporations.

AngularJS aims to simplify both the development and testing of such applications by providing a framework for client-side model–view–controller (MVC) and model–view–view-model (MVVM) architectures, along with components commonly used in web applications.

Angular 2.0, popularly known as Angular was later developed and released in 2016. It is a typescript-based framework for building modern and effective SPAs.

By AngularJS frameworks, we are referring to a collection of frameworks or libraries that can be integrated or used with AngularJS. These auxiliary frameworks and libraries are designed to complement AngularJS by adding additional functionalities, simplifying certain tasks, or addressing specific development needs.

P.S.: However, it is notable that not all of these frameworks are built specifically for Angular and can be used with other technologies like Reactjs as well.

Going forward, we will explore the list of best AngularJS frameworks and UIs that can transform web development for you!

Why Choose Angular Framework for Web Development?

Angular frameworks come with a plethora of features that don’t just make development easier for you but help build intuitive and feature-rich web applications. Here are a few notable reasons why you are better off with an Angular UI framework!

• MVC Architecture
  The Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture of the AngularJS framework makes it easy to maintain code. Developers can work separately on different sections of the application.
• Two-Way Data Binding
  Angular’s two-way data binding ensures that the Model and View are synchronized. Thus, any changes made in the Model are instantly reflected in the View and vice versa. It helps reduce the need for additional code to handle these updates.
• Dependency Injection
  Angular’s in-built dependency injection mechanism makes it easier to develop, understand, and test applications by decoupling components and their dependencies.
• SPA Features
  With key functionalities like routing, templating, and AJAX handling, Angular frameworks are the perfect choice for building single-page applications and progressive web applications.
• Comprehensive Solution
  Angular is a comprehensive solution for rapid front-end development. It doesn’t need any other frameworks or plugins, and it offers everything needed to develop a front-end application in a coherent package.
• Community and Ecosystem
  As one of the early mainstream frameworks backed by Google, Angular has a large community and ecosystem. This means ample resources, libraries, and tools are available, along with a wealth of knowledge in forums, tutorials, and professional networks.
  Moreover, every new update of Angular brings forth advanced features that make development effortless for you. For instance, the new Angular 17 features include faster recursive type checking and declarative control flow syntax with support for Typescript 5.2, opt-in support for ViewTransition API, auto removal of CSS, and more.
  Now that you are aware of the various benefits web development frameworks like Angular bring forth, it is time to explore which other tools can you use alongside Angular in 2024.

Top Frameworks and UIs for Angular Development in 2024

1. Mobile Angular UI

You can build mobile-friendly applications with the help of Mobile Angular UI which combines Angular JS with Bootstrap. It offers essential mobile components like switches, overlays, and sidebars, making it easy to convert desktop web apps to mobile apps.

Type: User Interface

Features:

• Essential mobile components are present such as switches, overlays, sidebars, top and bottom nav bars, scrollable areas, etc.
• With no jQuery dependencies and fat bootstrap JS, working with the framework is a lot easier.
• Seamless switch between desktop and mobile. Easy to convert desktop apps into mobile ones.
• Here, the Bootstrap is tailored to your needs.
• Comes with built-in support for touch events, essential for modern mobile web applications.

Advantages:

• The framework is specifically designed to build effortless mobile apps that work flawlessly on various mobile devices.
• The combination of Bootstrap and Angular JS brings together the best of both worlds.
• Since mobile devices come in many different sizes, the auto-adjust layout feature comes in handy for building responsive mobile applications.
• It’s lightweight for building apps.
• The easy learning curve as developers familiar with Angualrjs and Bootstrap can easily get a hang of it.

Drawbacks:

• Since the framework is built on top of AngularJS, it won’t work well with other frameworks or new versions of AngularJS.
• The reliance on Bootstrap may not be ideal for projects that require a different UI framework or custom design solutions.
• While advantageous for mobile apps, it might not be the best choice for projects that require a more comprehensive approach, including desktop web applications.
• Limited resources, third-party integrations, and tutorials comparatively.

2. Ionic

It’s a powerful SDK for developing cross-platform mobile applications using AngularJS. Ionic provides a vast array of tools and components for developing highly interactive, native-like mobile applications. Integrating Ionic with Angular ensures blazing-fast speed for your web or mobile applications.

Type: Framework

Features:

• Write once deployed everywhere be it Android, iOS, or web with Ionic SDK in the picture.
• Ionic’s mobile CI/CD products make development and deployment easier for you.
• Includes a vast array of UI components for building visually appealing and functional mobile interfaces.
• Easy to build native-like applications with Cordova plugins to access mobile features like camera, GPS, and so on.
• Ionic’s live reload capability contributes to faster development.
• Comes with powerful command-line tools for creating, building, testing, and deploying applications.
• Offers integration with Capacitor, Ionic’s own native runtime layer, for accessing native device features.

Advantages:

• You can develop applications for multiple platforms using a single codebase.
• Offers a comprehensive set of pre-designed and customizable UI components that adhere to native app standards.
• Supported by a strong community and a wealth of learning resources, plugins, and third-party tools.
• Optimized performance.

Drawbacks:

• Since the SDK relies on advanced web capabilities, you may face performance issues with older devices and platforms.
• Steep learning curve as developers must be familiar with Angular and Typescript.
• Can be heavier compared to purely native apps, impacting load times and performance, especially for complex applications.
• Poor dependency management.

3. LumX

Based on Google’s Material Design, LumX helps create applications that look great and have standardized UI/UX. It’s built with Bourbon, Neat, and Sass, offering a rich set of customizable features. It is the first framework built that is based on AngularJS and abides by Google Material Design principles.

Type: Frontend Framework

Features:

• Build more manageable styles with Sass CSS preprocessor.
• Utilize the various UI components to customize your web application as you want.
• Takes advantage of the Bourbon mixin library and the Neat grid system for a more streamlined development process.
• Simplified process of managing and updating web dependencies with the use of Bower.

Advantages:

• Adheres to Google’s Material Design guidelines, ensuring a modern and user-friendly interface.
• Its responsive design makes it optimal for the development of applications that run seamlessly on multiple devices.
• It’s lightweight.

Drawbacks:

• The community around LumX may be smaller compared to larger frameworks, potentially leading to fewer resources and support options
• The strict adherence to Material Design may limit design flexibility for projects requiring a different aesthetic.
• Requires familiarity with technologies like Sass, Bourbon, and Neat, which might be additional learning for some developers.
• LumX is not as frequently updated as other Javascript frameworks.

4. Angular Material

It’s an implementation of Google’s Material design specification. AngularJS Material provides a set of reusable UI components ensuring sleek, consistent, and functional interfaces for your application.

Type: User Interface Module

Features:

• Comes with prebuilt themes and allows for easy customization to align with brand guidelines.
• Its flexible layout system helps develop highly responsive applications.
• Offering a diverse range of navigational elements and form controls, you can elevate the interactivity of your web application.
• You can build visually appealing interfaces with Angular Material as it supports animations and theming.

Advantages:

• Adhering to Google’s Material design guidelines, you shall achieve a consistent design and intuitive user experience.
• Provides a comprehensive suite of pre-designed, responsive UI components that are easy to use and customize.
• Emphasizes accessibility, ensuring that applications are usable by as many people as possible.

Drawbacks:

• You need an understanding of Angular and Material Design principles to be able to work with it.
• Since it complies with Material design guidelines, might not be appropriate for all kinds of projects.
• The inclusion of many material components can lead to performance overhead, especially in large-scale applications.
• Being tied to Angular, updates, and changes in Angular can directly impact the use and functionality of Angular Material.

5. Quantum UI

Known for its modular approach, Quantum UI offers a variety of AngularJS directives and services. It’s particularly useful for creating complex application interfaces with ease and efficiency. With 25+ components and native angular services, it makes the developer’s life easier.

Type: User Interface

Features:

• It includes a diverse set of directives to meet your various UI needs.
• Allows for theming of components, which can be useful for branding and consistent styling across applications.
• Includes a range of animations and effects that can be applied to enhance the user interface.

Advantages:

• Components are modular, allowing developers to pick and choose what they need, contributing to a lighter application.
• Tailor your application’s UI as per your need with complete customization flexibility.

Drawbacks:

• The wide range of components and customization options can pose a steep learning curve for newcomers.
• There may be limited community support and documentation compared to other established frameworks.

6. Angular UI Bootstrap

This framework contains a set of native AngularJS directives based on Bootstrap’s markup and CSS. It’s a great choice for developers familiar with Bootstrap who want to integrate it seamlessly into their AngularJS applications.

Type: Angular User Interface

Features:

• The framework includes Bootstrap components like modals, dropdowns, tooltips, etc.
• It is highly customizable so you can tailor applications to your needs.
• Simplifies UI development, especially for those already familiar with Bootstrap’s components and classes.

Advantages:

• Native AngularJS integration assists with seamless integration and consistent behavior within AngularJS applications.
• Eliminates the need for jQuery, relying solely on AngularJS for functionality, which simplifies the development process and reduces overhead.
• Provides a comprehensive suite of Bootstrap components re-implemented as AngularJS directives, allowing for easy and quick UI development.

Drawbacks:

• Requires attention to compatibility between Bootstrap and Angular UI Bootstrap versions, especially as newer versions of Angular and Bootstrap evolve.
• The inclusion of numerous components and styles might impact performance, especially in larger applications.

7. Angular Foundation

Modeled after the Foundation framework, this set of directives provides a way to quickly build responsive applications. It is a specialized framework that combines the strengths of AngularJS for application structure and interactivity with the responsive design elements of Foundation. It’s especially beneficial for developers looking for a lightweight and flexible solution.

Type: Frontend Framework

Features:

• Responsive design components help build applications that are responsive in every device and screen size.
• Incorporates accessibility features from the Foundation, making web applications more inclusive.

Advantages:

• Integration of the Foundation framework with Angular helps build responsive and mobile-first applications.
• Offers a more streamlined alternative to heavier UI frameworks, focusing on flexibility and performance.
• The combination of AngularJS and Foundation results in a user-friendly interface that’s both responsive and adaptable to various device sizes.

Drawbacks:

• Developers unfamiliar with the Foundation framework may face a learning curve to fully utilize its features.
• The community around the Foundation is comparatively smaller compared to other frameworks.
• Keeping the framework compatible with the latest versions of AngularJS and Foundation can be challenging, particularly as both evolve independently.

8. Angular UI Grid

A powerful grid system specifically designed for AngularJS applications. It offers features like sorting, filtering, and grouping, making it ideal for data-intensive applications.

Type: Angular User Interface

Features:

• Enables users to sort and filter data within the grid, enhancing usability and data management.
• Supports both pagination and infinite scrolling for handling large datasets effectively.
• Allows for in-place editing of grid data, facilitating quick and easy data updates.
• Provides functionality to export data to formats like CSV, making data reporting and analysis more accessible.

Advantages:

• Since it is designed to handle complex data operations, you can use the Angular UI grid to build apps that can handle large data sets.
• Comes with a wide array of built-in features like sorting, filtering, pagination, and grouping.

Drawbacks:

• Its extensive feature set makes the learning curve for Angular UI Grid steep.
• Handling very large datasets or implementing complex features can impact performance, requiring careful optimization.
• It might bring unnecessary complexity for simple applications.

9. PrimeNG

Although primarily associated with Angular, PrimeNG offers rich UI components that can be beneficial in AngularJS applications as well, with extensive themes and widgets.

Type: Collection of User Interface Components

Features:

• Includes components like tables, charts, forms, menus, and more, offering a comprehensive toolkit for UI development.
• Provides advanced form inputs and data presentation options, catering to complex application needs.

Advantages:

• Easy to customize the look and feel of your web apps with a plethora of themes and templates.
• Rich UI component library.
• Benefits from a strong community and active development, providing regular updates and support.

Drawbacks:

• Requires keeping up with AngularJS latest version and updates to ensure compatibility and take advantage of the latest features.
• The inclusion of numerous components and features can impact performance, particularly in large-scale applications.

10. Radian

This is an open-source JS library designed for building scalable applications. It uses the AngularJS framework to implement custom HTML elements and enable two-way data binding between HTML and Javascript elements. It’s particularly adept at handling large datasets and complex UI components.

Type: JS Library

Features:

• It is capable of handling complex UI components and large data sets.
• Offers features that are conducive to creating data-intensive and visualization-rich applications.

Advantages:

• Radian utilizes AMD (Asynchronous Module Definition) for efficient script loading, improving performance, especially in complex applications.
• Designed with large-scale applications in mind, making it suitable for enterprise-level projects.

Drawbacks:

• As a more specialized technology, Radian might have a smaller community and fewer resources compared to more widely-used frameworks.
• The additional features and capabilities geared towards complex applications can introduce unnecessary overhead for simpler projects.

11. Suave UI

Suave UI is tailored for developing web-based user interfaces in AngularJS. It provides various CSS definitions, directives, and services to simplify the UI construction process.

Type: Angular User Interface

Features:

• Comes with a set of CSS definitions for standard UI elements, providing a base for styling applications.
• Features a grid system for layout management, essential for creating responsive web designs.

Advantages:

• Suave UI emphasizes user interface design, helping developers create more visually appealing and user-friendly applications.
• Offers a collection of UI components that are particularly useful for quickly building user interfaces.

Drawbacks:

• Compared to other UI frameworks, Suave UI might be less comprehensive in terms of features and components.
• While it aids in UI development, the design flexibility might be limited compared to more robust frameworks.

These are a few most popular frameworks you can use for AngularJS web development in 2024. You can either choose these AngularJS frameworks or look for other Javascript frameworks like Vue, React, etc., compare Vue vs Angular or other frameworks, and finally decide the one suited for your project.

Subsequently, if you choose AngularJS or its other frameworks, connecting with an AngularJS development company can help you. The experienced and skilled developers will help you form a robust strategy and build a fast and responsive web app.

Are you looking for an implementation partner who can help build engaging and transformative web applications? Then, team BiztechCS can extend you the requisite technical assistance. Connect with our team to talk more!

Conclusion

As we conclude the list of best frameworks to be used in 2024 for Angular, it’s evident that each framework, library, or UI offers a unique set of features, advantages, and limitations, catering to various development needs and preferences.

From the comprehensive UI component libraries of PrimeNG and Quantum UI to the mobile-first approaches of Ionic and Mobile Angular UI, developers have a wealth of options to enhance their AngularJS applications. Frameworks like Angular Material and Angular UI Bootstrap provide seamless integration with AngularJS, offering familiar design principles and extensive customization capabilities.

However, it’s crucial for developers to carefully consider their project requirements, scalability needs, and the specific advantages of each. Factors such as application size, performance requirements, design aesthetics, and the existing skill set of the development team play a significant role in determining the most suitable framework.

Additionally, keeping in mind the evolving landscape of web development, the chosen framework should not only address current needs but also be adaptable to future technological advancements and trends.