Angular, a front-end framework created by Google, is a widely embraced solution for crafting advanced and efficient mobile and desktop applications. What sets Angular apart from other web development frameworks is its reliance on TypeScript language. With two million downloads of Angular packages per week from npm, it is the second most widely-used front-end framework. Distinguished websites, including PayPal, Cloudflare, YouTube, and Upwork, leverage Angular for their front-end solutions.
Due to its widespread acceptance, there’s an immense demand for Angular developers. This guide outlines essential skills to consider when recruiting Angular developers.
What is Angular?
Angular is a comprehensive web development framework that is suited for creating both single-page applications (SPAs) and progressive web applications (PWAs). It offers a complete set of features and tools needed to develop large-scale, high-quality web applications, making it an ideal choice, especially for enterprise application development.
Angular employs TypeScript, a robust programming language created by Microsoft that compiles to JavaScript. TypeScript’s type safety is instrumental in curbing bugs and accelerating development, bestowing Angular with a definite edge over other web development frameworks.
Benefits of Utilizing Angular
It has not gone unnoticed that Angular is a favored option among developers. This is likely a result of the framework’s numerous benefits, which comprise:
Enhanced Speed and Efficiency
Angular employs various optimisation strategies, such as lazy loading, tree shaking, and Ahead-of-Time (AOT) compilation to guarantee a seamless and swift experience for users. These techniques aid in rapid loading and optimum function of your web application.
Swift Evolution and Progression
Angular is more than just a basic framework – it features an extensive library of pre-built modules, components, and other critical tools. The setup and configuration process in Angular are relatively straightforward, unlike lightweight frameworks like React and Vue.js.
Exceptional Community, and Resourceful Assets
A plethora of resources are accessible on the Angular framework. The official website entails extensive documentation on its APIs, tutorials, best practices, and developer resources. Furthermore, Angular is fortified by an enthusiastic community of users who are always eager to assist with any inquiries you may have.
Neat, Testable, and Readable Code
Angular is founded on TypeScript, which supports code that is both concise and comprehensible. It is strongly recommended that you embrace the MVC structure and style guide utilized by the framework to guarantee that any Angular developer can perceive your code.
Furthermore, the framework encompasses in-built testing. It comes pre-packaged with integration to the Jasmine test framework and Klarna test runner, ensuring easy setup for unit and end-to-end (E2E) tests. It also includes test and mock modules that simplify testing.
Efficient Web-Based Applications
Angular is a framework for single-page applications. This implies that the site gets loaded in its entirety, with JavaScript managing any adjustments to the page without the need for a refresh. However, if a multi-page application (MPA) is employed, the browser will need to refresh each time a user navigates between pages on the same site, leading to a slower browsing experience.
Angular simplifies routing, resulting in quicker and lighter loading sites, which leads to an enhanced user experience.
Efficient Procedures for Troubleshooting
Angular is highly revered for its persistent priority towards troubleshooting right from the start. By implementing a range of patterns like MVC, factory methods, dependency injection, singletons, commands, and laziness, Angular offers performance benefits and high-quality code. Upholding these principles ensures that your online applications remain maintainable, scalable, and testable.
Characteristics of a Competent Angular Developer
Hiring an experienced Angular developer can prove to be a daunting task, considering the broad repertoire of the framework. When recruiting for this position, it is essential to ensure that the applicant possesses the following key qualifications:
Mastery of JavaScript ES6
JavaScript ES6 or ECMAScript 6 was introduced in 2022. The new version of JavaScript boasts several extra features such as arrow functions, classes, constants, default parameters, module imports, promises, and template literals.
Top browsers widely support ES6 features, providing JavaScript with useful features for contemporary web development. ES6 is rapidly becoming the preferred method of writing JavaScript. Therefore, comprehending its features is requisite for every web developer.
Thorough Mastery of Templates, Directives, and Dependencies
Angular development relies on directives, templates, and dependency injection. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of these concepts is vital for an Angular developer, collectively forming the foundation of the framework.
Angular templates comprise HTML and Angular-specific syntax. These templates act as fragments of the user interface and use directives to manipulate the DOM and display dynamic content on the UI. Directives are utilized to add behavior to elements, with common examples being `ngIf`, `ngFor`, `ngClass`, and `ngStyle`.
Dependency injection is a design pattern implemented in Angular applications to decouple them. It efficiently creates service and module dependencies for the parts of the app requiring them, all while keeping the module autonomous.
Proficiency in TypeScript
TypeScript is an extension of JavaScript that provides a more sturdy and type-safe option for developing web applications. This enhances productivity while reducing errors.
The ideal candidate should possess familiarity with TypeScript and its features, as it is the language used to write Angular apps. Key features include type checking, interfaces, modules, and namespaces. In addition, Angular developers must be well-versed with the TypeScript compiler and know how to use it to convert TypeScript files into JavaScript.
Education in Reactive Programming (RxJS)
Reactive Programming (RxJS) is based on the primitives of asynchronous and non-blocking concepts, making it possible for real-time data updates to propagate throughout a system.
Angular utilizes the RxJS library for reactive programming. Therefore, a proficient Angular developer should possess adequate knowledge of reactive programming to capably handle data updates within the web app.
Experience with API Integration
Angular developers usually have expertise in frontend development and must have the competency to integrate APIs with the backend. This integration is crucial for project success.
Developers should be knowledgeable of REST and effective utilization of its standard methods, including GET, POST, PUT, UPDATE, and DELETE. Understanding SOAP and GraphQL is also valuable, as they are prevalent alternatives to RESTful APIs.
Proficiency in developing Responsive Layouts
Websites developed with responsive design can adjust to an array of screen sizes ranging from mobile to desktop, providing excellent user experiences.
A competent Angular developer is knowledgeable in responsive design and has the capability to create websites that display attractively on all devices, including mobile, tablet, and desktop.
Means of Generating Multiple Versions of a Document
Version control tools empower the tracking and administration of code modifications over time. They are particularly advantageous for large, agile development teams as they make it easier to observe changes between versions and individuals.
Versioning tools have become necessary in the era of collaborative and iterative programming. A competent Angular developer should have expertise in versioning tools such as Git, Apache Subversion (SVN), and Mercurial SCM.
It would be advantageous for an Angular developer to have knowledge of repository management tools, such as GitLab, GitHub, and BitBucket, for remote code administration.
Tools for Remote Collaboration and Communication
The ability to work remotely is becoming more important, and an efficient Angular developer should be capable of conducting business and collaborating effectively while working remotely. The most successful developers are those who can work independently, with little supervision, and consistently meet deadlines.
Apart from technical competencies, a great developer must have excellent communication skills. It is important that your ideal candidate can work with project managers and technical leads to identify tasks, collaborate with other team members, including back-end developers and designers, effectively manage their everyday activities, and promptly inform the team of any problems. Additionally, they should possess adequate knowledge of popular tools used to facilitate remote work, such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Google Meet.
Management and Monitoring of Processes
A competent developer should possess exceptional organizational skills. They often exhibit their proficiency by utilising technologies like Jira, Asana, and ClickUp, which are employed for monitoring issues and processes.
A competent developer should ensure that their backlog and version control commits are promptly updated. This will allow key stakeholders to easily evaluate the developer’s progress and output.
Lastly, Some Suggestions
This article highlighted the diverse competencies and knowledge necessary for a top-notch Angular developer. Employing such an expert would be immensely beneficial to any organisation. Are you seeking a skilled Angular developer to join your team? Commence your quest today.