Frontend Frameworks Comparison

A comparison of the four major frontend frameworks: Svelte, React, Vue, and Angular.

Overview

Architecture

Svelte

• Compiler-based: Compiles components to vanilla JavaScript at build time
• No virtual DOM: Direct DOM manipulation for better performance
• Reactive by default: Variables are reactive without special syntax
• Smaller runtime: No framework code shipped to browser

<script>
  let count = 0;
  $: doubled = count * 2;
</script>

<button on:click={() => count++}>
  Count: {count}, Doubled: {doubled}
</button>

React

• Virtual DOM: Diffing algorithm for efficient updates
• Component-based: UI as functions of state
• Unidirectional data flow: Props down, events up
• Large ecosystem: Extensive third-party libraries

function Counter() {
  const [count, setCount] = useState(0);
  const doubled = count * 2;

  return (
    <button onClick={() => setCount(count + 1)}>
      Count: {count}, Doubled: {doubled}
    </button>
  );
}

Vue

• Virtual DOM: With optimized reactivity system
• Options API & Composition API: Flexible component patterns
• Template-based: HTML-like templates with directives
• Progressive framework: Incrementally adoptable

<script setup>
import { ref, computed } from 'vue';

const count = ref(0);
const doubled = computed(() => count.value * 2);
</script>

<template>
  <button @click="count++">
    Count: {{ count }}, Doubled: {{ doubled }}
  </button>
</template>

Angular

• Full framework: Includes routing, forms, HTTP client
• TypeScript-first: Built with TypeScript from the ground up
• Dependency injection: Built-in DI system
• Two-way data binding: With zones for change detection

@Component({
  selector: 'app-counter',
  template: `
    <button (click)="increment()">
      Count: {{ count }}, Doubled: {{ doubled }}
    </button>
  `
})
export class CounterComponent {
  count = 0;
  get doubled() { return this.count * 2; }
  increment() { this.count++; }
}

Performance Benchmarks

Lighthouse Scores (2025)

Bundle Size (min+gzip)

Runtime Benchmark (js-framework-benchmark)

Memory Usage

Rendering Performance

Key Insights

• Svelte: No virtual DOM overhead, compiles to efficient vanilla JS, 20% less memory than React
• React: Virtual DOM adds overhead but enables concurrent features like Suspense
• Vue: Optimized reactivity with fine-grained updates, good balance of performance and DX
• Angular: Larger bundle but includes everything out of the box, best for enterprise

Note: Benchmarks from js-framework-benchmark and FrontendTools 2025. Results may vary based on app complexity.

State Management

Use Cases

Choose Svelte When

• Performance is critical
• Bundle size matters (mobile, low-bandwidth)
• Building smaller to medium applications
• Want minimal boilerplate

Choose React When

• Building large-scale applications
• Need extensive ecosystem support
• Team has React experience
• Need React Native for mobile

Choose Vue When

• Gradual migration from legacy code
• Need gentle learning curve
• Want flexibility in architecture
• Building progressive web apps

Choose Angular When

• Enterprise applications
• Need full framework features built-in
• Team prefers TypeScript and OOP
• Long-term maintainability is priority

Community & Ecosystem

Example Projects

Svelte

React

Vue

Angular

RealWorld Example Apps

Same app (Medium clone) built with different frameworks:

Summary