Angular stands out as a flexible framework in the changing web development realm. Introduced initially as AngularJS in 2010 by Google, Angular has changed to become the efficient and feature-rich framework we know today. This article explores the angular version history, features, and distinctions between versions of Angular, providing a guide to comprehending its growth and capabilities.
What Is Angular?
Angular serves as both a platform and framework for constructing intricate web applications. Utilizing TypeScript, a typed extension of JavaScript, simplifies the process of building durable, maintainable, and testable applications. Its component-based structure promotes reusability and modularity, empowering developers to create user experiences.
What is a Single-Page Application?
A Single Page Application (SPA) is a web application that loads a single HTML page and updates content dynamically as users engage with the application. SPAs enhance the user experience by reducing page reloads and lessening server load through their fluidity and responsiveness. Angular excels in crafting SPAs by equipping developers with tools for managing routing, state control, and data flow.
What is a Cross-Platform Application?
A cross-platform application is created to operate on operating systems and devices without modifications. It facilitates cross-platform development, enabling developers to construct web, mobile, and desktop applications using a codebase. This feature reduces development time and effort, significantly guaranteeing platform user experiences.
All Angular Versions History and Features
Angular, developed and maintained by Google, has a rich history characterized by continuous improvements and innovations. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the angular version history and key features of each major Angular version:
| Version | Angular Version Release Dates | Angular Version Wise Features |
| AngularJS | 2010 |
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| Angular 2 | 2016 |
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| Angular 4 | 2017 |
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| Angular 5 | 2017 |
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| Angular 6 | 2018 |
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| Angular 7 | 2018 |
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| Angular 8 | 2019 |
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| Angular 9 | 2020 |
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| Angular 10 | 2020 |
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| Angular 11 | 2020 |
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| Angular 12 | 2021 |
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| Angular 13 | 2021 |
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| Angular 14 | 2022 |
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| Angular 15 | 2022 |
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| Angular 16 | 2023 |
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Difference Between All Angular Versions
Each version of Angular brings improvements in performance, developer experience, and new features that help developers build more efficient and maintainable applications. Here is a detailed breakdown of the differences between various versions of Angular in table format:
What is the Difference Between AngularJS and Angular 2 ?
Angular 2 introduced a complete rewrite using TypeScript and a component-based architecture, moving away from AngularJS’s JavaScript and MVC patterns. The following are their differences in detail:
| Feature/Aspect | AngularJS | Angular 2 |
| Language | JavaScript | TypeScript |
| Architecture | MVC (Model-View-Controller) | Component-based |
| Data Binding | Two-way data binding | One-way data binding |
| Directives | ng-* directives | Improved directives |
| Dependency Injection (DI) | Basic DI | More powerful and flexible DI system |
| Mobile Support | Limited | Enhanced performance and support |
What is the Difference Between Angular 2 and Angular 4
Angular 4 focuses on reducing the size of the generated code and improving performance while maintaining backward compatibility with Angular 2. The following are their differences in detail:
| Feature/Aspect | Angular 2 | Angular 4 |
| Code Size | Standard | Reduced size of generated code |
| Performance | Standard | Improved performance |
| Animations | Integrated | Moved to @angular/animations package |
| New Features | Basic | ngIf and ngFor with an else clause |
| Type Checking | Standard | Enhanced in templates |
| Compatibility | N/A | Backward compatible with Angular 2 |
What is the Difference Between Angular 4 and Angular 5
Angular 5 introduced a build optimizer, a new HttpClient module, and improved support for internationalization (i18n) and forms. The following are their differences in detail:
| Feature/Aspect | Angular 4 | Angular 5 |
| Build Optimizer | N/A | Added for performance improvement |
| HttpClient | N/A | New HttpClient module |
| Compiler | Standard | Improved compiler to reduce size |
| Internationalization (i18n) | Basic | Dynamic imports for lazy loading |
| Forms | Standard | Improved validation and new features |
What is the Difference Between Angular 9 10 and 11?
Angular 9 introduced the Ivy renderer, Angular 10 updated the default browser configuration, and Angular 11 added Hot Module Replacement (HMR) and ESLint support. The following are their differences in detail:
| Feature/Aspect | Angular 9 | Angular 10 | Angular 11 |
| Renderer | Ivy as default | Ivy as default | Ivy as default |
| TypeScript Support | 3.7 | 3.9 | 4.0 |
| Bundle Sizes | Smaller | Smaller | Smaller |
| Default Browser Config | Standard | Updated | Updated |
| CommonJS Imports | N/A | Warnings added | Warnings added |
| Hot Module Replacement (HMR) | Basic | Improved | Further improved |
| ESLint Support | N/A | Basic | Official support added |
| Build Performance | Standard | Improved | Improved |
What is the Difference Between Angular 13 and 14?
Angular 14 introduced typed forms and experimental standalone components, enhancing type safety and modularity compared to Angular 13. The following are their differences in detail:
| Feature/Aspect | Angular 13 | Angular 14 |
| Typed Forms | Standard | Introduced strict typing |
| Standalone Components | N/A | Experimental support |
| Template Diagnostics | Standard | Improved diagnostics |
| Dynamic Imports | Standard | Enhanced for standalone components |
What is the Difference Between Angular 12 and 13?
Angular 13 improved the Angular Package Format (APF) and persistent build cache, while Angular 12 deprecated Angular View Engine in favor of Ivy. The following are their differences in detail:
| Feature/Aspect | Angular 12 | Angular 13 |
| Ivy | View Engine deprecated | Improved Ivy |
| Nullish Coalescing | Template support | Template support |
| Strict Mode | Default for new projects | Default for new projects |
| Component Testing Harnesses | New testing harnesses | Improved testing harnesses |
| Angular Package Format (APF) | Standard | Simplified with Ivy |
| TypeScript Support | 4.2 | 4.4 |
| Component API | Standard | Simplified ViewContainerRef API |
| Build Cache | N/A | Persistent build cache enabled |
What is the Difference Between Angular 14 and 15?
Angular 15 further enhanced standalone components and APIs, introducing signal support for state management, and building on Angular 14’s features. The following are their differences in detail:
| Feature/Aspect | Angular 14 | Angular 15 |
| Standalone APIs | Experimental | Further enhancements |
| Signal Support | N/A | Introduced |
| NgModules | Required | Reduced reliance |
| Tooling | Standard | Enhanced CLI and diagnostics |
What is the Difference Between Angular 11 and 14?
Angular 14 added typed forms and standalone components, while Angular 11 focused on HMR, ESLint support, and faster builds with TypeScript 4.0. The following are their differences in detail:
| Feature/Aspect | Angular 11 | Angular 14 |
| TypeScript Support | 4.0 | 4.7 |
| Typed Forms | N/A | Introduced |
| Standalone Components | N/A | Experimental support |
| Performance | Standard | Improved |
| Tooling | Standard | Enhanced |
What is the Difference Between Angular 15 and 16?
Angular 16 introduced a new Signals API for reactive programming and improved rendering capabilities, building on Angular 15’s standalone APIs and signal support. The following are their differences in detail:
| Feature/Aspect | Angular 15 | Angular 16 |
| Signal API | Introduced | Further developed |
| TypeScript Support | 4.7 | 4.8 |
| Rendering Capabilities | Standard | Improved pipeline |
| Dependencies | Standard | Updated for performance and security |
What is the Difference Between Angular 13 and 16?
Angular 16 brought advanced standalone component support, enhanced signal API, and updated TypeScript from 4.4 to 4.8, surpassing Angular 13’s improvements. The following are their differences in detail:
| Feature/Aspect | Angular 13 | Angular 16 |
| Standalone Components | Standard | Major advancements |
| Signal API | N/A | Introduced and developed |
| TypeScript Support | 4.4 | 4.8 |
| Rendering Performance | Standard | Enhanced |
What is the Difference Between Angular 16 and 17?
Angular 17 further optimized the Ivy rendering engine, added more features to the Signals API, and enhanced developer tooling and security updates over Angular 16. The following are their differences in detail:
| Feature/Aspect | Angular 16 | Angular 17 |
| Ivy Rendering Engine | Improved | Further optimized |
| Signals API | Introduced and developed | Additional features and stability |
| Developer Experience | Standard | Enhanced tooling and CLI |
| Dependencies | Updated | Ongoing updates for security |
FAQs
Can I upgrade Angular 12 to 14?
Yes, you can upgrade from Angular 12 to 14. To do so, follow these steps:
First, upgrade the `@angular-eslint/schematics` package:
“`
ng update @angular-eslint/schematics@14
“`
Then, upgrade Angular itself:
“`
ng update @angular/core@14 @angular/cli@14
“`
Which Angular version is best?
The best Angular version depends on your specific requirements and project context. Angular 17 and 18 offer significant improvements in performance, developer experience, and stability.
Consider upgrading to Angular 17 or 18 for faster app starts, improved memory usage, and enhanced features like declarative control flow and standalone components.
Is Angular 17 released?
Angular 17 was released on November 8, 2023. It brings several exciting features and enhancements. Notably, Angular 17 focuses on speed, simplicity, and efficiency for both developers and users.
Is Angular 17 a stable version?
Angular 17 is a stable version. It includes features like declarative control flow, built-in performance enhancements, and standalone components. Developers have reported improved app starts (over 50% faster) and reduced memory usage (up to 30%) with Angular 17.
What’s new in Angular 18?
Angular 18 introduces zoneless change detection, which improves performance and simplifies debugging. It also stabilizes features like Material 3, deferrable views, and built-in control flow. Additionally, Angular 18 enhances server-side rendering (SSR) and offers better internationalization (i18n) support.
Is Angular 17 better than React?
Comparing Angular and React depends on your project goals and preferences:
Angular:
A comprehensive framework with a strong ecosystem.
Opinionated structure and powerful features.
Ideal for large-scale applications.
React:
A library for building UI components.
Lightweight and flexible.
Popular for smaller projects and dynamic interfaces.
For a more detailed overview explore this beginner-friendly Angular course!