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AngularJS

AngularJS (Angular 1.x) is the original Angular framework that pioneered two-way data binding and dependency injection in frontend development.

End of Life

AngularJS reached End of Life on December 31, 2021. No new features, bug fixes, or security patches are being released. This guide is for maintaining legacy applications and planning migrations.

What You'll Learn​

Fundamentals​

Understand AngularJS core concepts and patterns.

Topics covered:

  • Controllers and $scope
  • Directives (built-in and custom)
  • Services, factories, and providers
  • Filters and two-way data binding
  • Routing (ngRoute and UI-Router)
  • Forms and validation

Testing​

Test your AngularJS applications.

Topics covered:

  • Jasmine testing framework
  • Karma test runner
  • Testing controllers and services
  • Testing directives
  • End-to-end testing

Migration​

Migrate from AngularJS to modern frameworks.

Key considerations:

  • Migration strategies
  • Upgrading to Angular (modern)
  • Hybrid approach with ngUpgrade
  • Rewrite considerations
  • Alternative frameworks (React, Vue)

Quick Start​

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html ng-app="myApp">
<head>
  <title>AngularJS App</title>
  <script src="https://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/angularjs/1.8.2/angular.min.js"></script>
</head>
<body ng-controller="MainController as vm">
  <h1>{{ vm.title }}</h1>
  <input type="text" ng-model="vm.name">
  <p>Hello, {{ vm.name }}!</p>

  <script>
    angular.module('myApp', [])
      .controller('MainController', function() {
        var vm = this;
        vm.title = 'My AngularJS App';
        vm.name = 'World';
      });
  </script>
</body>
</html>

Why AngularJS Was Important​

Historical Significance​

  • Pioneered Two-Way Data Binding - Automatic UI synchronization
  • Dependency Injection - Made testing and modularity easier
  • Declarative Templates - HTML-based templates with directives
  • First Major SPA Framework - Showed the way for modern frameworks
  • Massive Adoption - Used by millions of developers

Why It's Now Legacy​

  • Performance Issues - Digest cycle can be slow
  • Complexity - Steep learning curve, quirky behaviors
  • Overtaken - Modern frameworks (React, Vue, Angular) are better
  • End of Life - No security updates or bug fixes
  • Outdated Patterns - Modern JavaScript has better solutions

Migration Path​

If you're maintaining an AngularJS app:

  1. Assess the Application - Size, complexity, dependencies
  2. Choose a Strategy:
    • Incremental Upgrade - Use ngUpgrade to migrate component-by-component
    • Full Rewrite - Build a new app in modern framework
    • Hybrid Approach - Run AngularJS and Angular side-by-side
  3. Plan Migration - Assess your application and choose a strategy
  4. Plan Timeline - Migration can take months to years for large apps

Alternatives​

Modern Angular​

  • Direct upgrade path with ngUpgrade
  • TypeScript-first framework
  • Complete rewrite, but similar concepts

React​

  • Component-based like AngularJS directives
  • Easier migration for smaller apps
  • Huge ecosystem and community

Vue​

  • Similar template syntax to AngularJS
  • Easier learning curve
  • Good for gradual migration

Learning Path​

  1. Review Fundamentals - Understand existing codebase
  2. Learn Testing - Add tests before migrating
  3. Plan Migration - Choose strategy and timeline
  4. Learn Modern Framework - Angular, React, or Vue
  5. Execute Migration - Incrementally or full rewrite

AngularJS served us well, but it's time to move forward. Plan your migration today!