Summary: It’s really challenging to pick the right framework for your web development project when many frameworks are available in the marketplace. The debate about the right framework for developing an interactive web app is not something new! This time, the buzz is between Blazor vs React. Whether you are a seasoned developer or have a business, you must read this blog till the last to know the nuances of both frameworks and which framework can be best to leverage.
In the world of web development, picking out the right framework for your project is crucial. Right? As it can make a big difference and be a vital factor in your business’s success.
Sometimes, it is an overwhelming task when it comes to selecting the framework, as a large pool of frameworks is available.
And the debate of the “best framework” to build interactive and dynamic web apps continues to rage.
Blazor vs. React is another eye-catching debate. There is no doubt both frameworks have gained their popularity in recent years. Thus, finding out which framework can be a good fit for your project becomes challenging.
In this blog, we cover the ins and outs of Blazor and React frameworks to help you navigate the complexities of web development and make an informed decision.
Blazor Overview
It is an open-source framework which is founded by Microsoft utilizing C# to craft interactive web UI for the client side, which can be seamlessly written in .NET. The applications created by Blazor can be perfectly executed within the Web Assembly, which indicates that they can run across all browsers.
This framework doesn’t require third-party plugins and add-ons for its implementation. The result? The user can enjoy the platform’s independence.
It might be fascinating to know why Blazor is becoming the prominent choice for developers. The answer is its interoperability with JavaScript. It also enables calling JavaScript functions for .NET methods and vice versa. The C# codebase can be leveraged to craft modern SPAs for the client and server side.
React Overview
It is a JavaScript library developed by Facebook to create a highly interactive user interface with less code. It can be used to build feature-rich client site applications.
Tech Giants using React are PayPal, Netflix, Walmart, Twitter, etc. React is being used widely because of its code reusability as it can quickly the development process while SPAs maintenance is easy.
Blazor vs. React Features
Blazor Features:
1. HTML & CSS support
Blazor leverages Razor templates for building UI components, but CSS frameworks can be utilized for styling page components.
2. Two hosting models
Blazor has two hosting models: server-side and Blazor web assembly (WASM). The server side helps host the application seamlessly on ASP.NET while the razor components can be rendered. On the other hand, the WASM model enables .Net applications directly on the web browser.
3. Pre-rendering
Slow loading time can be experienced in single-page applications when the data is retrieved from the server to the client browser. But thanks to Blazor, it can pre-render the server side and provide the static HTML on the client side. This way, the UI can be displayed before an application download, making the single-page applications load faster.
4. Lazy loading
This is quite an exceptional feature that can load specific files when any user requests those files on the application. In other words, all the resources do not download simultaneously, which in turn can enhance the app speed.
React Features:
1. Virtual DOM
Due to the DOM manipulation, the process is usually getting slow. If a user wants to check only three or four items, the app can update the entire list, reducing the performance.
But with virtual DOM, it can only update the part of the app which needs to be modified instead of modifying the entire list. React library uses this great Virtual DOM feature, which can improve the app’s performance.
2. JSX
It is referred to as JavaScript Syntax extension, which is a JavaScript and HTML combination. React app can provide a high performance due to JSX, which can help to write JavaScript and HTML code together, which makes it easy to debug and understand.
3. Components
React can fractionate the user interface into various components. As these components are divided up, it becomes easy to debug them as all have their set properties and functions. Additionally, the speed of the development process can be accelerated due to the component reusability.
4. Huge extension support
React can enable developers to develop a full-fledged user interface application because it has a huge set of extensions available. From mobile app development to server-side rendering, React JavaScript library can provide full support due to the various extensions available such as Redux, Flux, React Native, etc.
Blazor vs. React Pros and Cons
Here are some of the Blazor vs. React pros and cons that help you understand which framework is well-suited for web development.
Blazor Pros and Cons:
Blazor Pros | Blazor Cons |
---|---|
It can help single-page applications to work in an offline state on the client side. | It offers a limited set of debugging capabilities and tools for .NET. |
It does not require extra plugins to run Blazors WASM applications on most browsers. | It has limited scalability on the server side as it incorporates SignalR to handle events, as this connection has limited capabilities. |
Server-side apps can be developed utilizing C#, making the development process faster. | It does not run seamlessly in high-latency surroundings. |
On the server side, a component download size is small than the browser WASM, which can significantly enhance the performance of an app. | On the server side, the app should always be connected to the server due to no offline support. |
It is interoperable with JavaScript, which can help developers to leverage JavaScript functions and .NET methods. | On the client side, it takes a long-drawn loading time. |
React Pros and Cons:
React Pros | React Cons |
---|---|
As React uses virtual DOM capability, it can be able to provide improved app performance. | The major disadvantage is that it lacks proper documentation whenever any new updates or release happens. |
Due to its reusable component, the development process can be fast and saves time. | Developers need to spend their time learning new developments in React as it offers fast-paced updates. |
It is easy to apprehend and debug due to its less maintained code. | JSX acts as a barrier, especially for new developers, as they find learning difficult. |
It has a huge user community which helps developers to get the right solutions easily. | For the complete project, you need other technology because React only covers the app’s UI layer. |
Due to the native tools available, testing the app and debugging is extremely easy. | There is no convention, so when the team gets changes, the code becomes messy as everyone might have different coding conventions and habits. |
Blazor vs React: Head-To-Head Comparison
Both Blazor and React have specific advantages and disadvantages. The right framework will depend on a business’s evolving needs. Here we discuss the head-to-head comparison of Blazor vs. React to help you decide the best framework for your project.
Parameters | Blazor | React |
---|---|---|
Developed by | Microsoft | |
Release date | 2018 | 2013 |
Language | C#, HTML | JavaScript |
Type | Released framework | Front-end library |
License | Apache | MIT |
DOM | Incremental | Virtual |
Testing & debugging | PlaceHolder | Jest |
Data binding | One-way unidirectional) | One-way unidirectional) |
Learning curve | Easy & smooth | Easy & smooth |
Routing | Yes | Not included |
PWA | Yes | Yes |
HTTP client | Yes | Not included |
Static deployment | Yes | Yes |
Dependency injection | Yes | Not included |
Server-side rendering | Yes | Yes |
SEO optimization | Yes | Yes |
Tooling | CLI, 3rd party options & Visual studio. | CLI, & 3rd party options |
[ Also Read: Blazor vs Angular: Head-To-Head Comparison of Frameworks in 2023 ]
When to use Blazor and React?
When to use Blazor?
- For creating modern apps, one can utilize the Microsoft .NET ecosystem.
- If your project requires a quick turnaround time, you can utilize Blazor.
- If you are a seasoned C# developer and need to develop your app faster, Blazor can be a good choice.
When to use React?
- If you want to leverage the advantage of a mature UI library, then React can help you build a modern web app.
- Experienced JavaScript developers can use React to select their own libraries to build an interactive web app.
Companies using Blazor and React
Companies using Blazor
- GE Digital
- The Postage
- Scopeland technology
- Weland Solutions
- Allegiance Consulting
Companies using React
- Dropbox
- Airbnb
- Discord
- Walmart
Conclusion: Over to you!!
So, what do you think about which framework can be best suited to develop your web app?
Although both are powerful frameworks and can be used to build an app, it depends entirely on your business needs. In other words, which is the most appropriate framework to meet your project’s demands?
Are you still on the fence and unable to decide? Gleexa, an experienced React, and Microsoft Blazor Development Company, can assist you in selecting the right framework for your project and making your dream of building an immersive web app into reality.
FAQs
Which apps are faster: Blazor vs React?
Usually, React apps are faster as compared to Blazor WASM. On the other hand, React apps are slightly slower than client-side Blazor apps.
Can I use Blazor Framework for enterprise development?
Using the Blazor framework for enterprise development depends upon your application complexity. There is no doubt that Blazor is a relatively newer Framework in comparison with the JavaScript framework.
Can Blazor replace JavaScript in the near future?
No, JavaScript has a proven track record of developing single-page applications and has a thriving ecosystem when it comes to development tools. On the other hand, a Blazor is not a mature framework, and making its place among JavaScript developers can take time.