Vue 2 vs. Vue 3: What Are the Differences and Which Version Should You Choose?

Vue.js 2 vs. Vue.js 3: A Comprehensive Comparison for Web Development

Introduction

Vue.js 2, also known as Vue 2, has been a prominent force in interactive web development for several years, earning the title of ‘progressive JavaScript framework.’ Widely adopted for building single-page applications (SPAs) and embedding web components, Vue 2 has been a go-to choice for developers. However, with the emergence of Vue 3 in September 2020, a critical question arises: is Vue 3 a mere enhancement of Vue 2, or does it introduce substantial changes that redefine the Vue developer’s experience? This comprehensive guide delves into the nuances of Vue 2 and Vue 3, aiding developers in making informed decisions for their projects.

Understanding Vue.js 2

Vue.js 2, launched in October 2016, quickly gained popularity for its lightweight, simplicity, and versatility in web development. Renowned for creating responsive and progressive web interfaces, Vue 2 has been extensively utilized worldwide. Despite the imminent end-of-life scheduled for Vue 2 by the close of 2023, its continued usage persists due to its established benefits and the relatively short time Vue 3 has been available.

When to Use Vue 2 and When Not To

Vue 2 remains a pragmatic choice in scenarios where application dependencies are incompatible with Vue 3 or when developers are primarily engaged in maintaining Vue 2 code. However, for all other situations, migrating to Vue 3 is advisable, considering its enhanced performance, powerful features, and future-proof nature.

Unveiling Vue.js 3

Vue.js 3, presented as a more streamlined, faster, and maintainable alternative to Vue 2, brings forth not only additional features but also addresses limitations present in its predecessor. Despite maintaining syntactical similarities with Vue 2, Vue 3 aims to simplify code and enhance readability.

When to Use Vue 3 and When Not To

For new Vue development projects, Vue 3 is the default choice, offering superior performance and ease of understanding. However, considerations such as the need for IE11 support or waiting for stable versions of projects like Vuetify or Nuxt for Vue 3 may prompt developers to stick with Vue 2.

Technical Differences Between Vue.js 2 and Vue.js 3

To make an informed choice between Vue 2 and Vue 3, understanding the technical disparities is crucial. The following key differences highlight the nuances of each version:

1. Creating a New Application

Vue 2 requires the command npm install vue@2.x.x for installation, whereas Vue 3 uses npm install vue.

2. Multiple Roots

Vue 3 allows multiple root nodes in a template, eliminating the restriction present in Vue 2.

3. Fragments

Vue 3 introduces fragments, enabling the creation of components with multiple root nodes, unlike Vue 2.

4. Setting Up Data

Vue 3 introduces the Composition API, allowing code grouping by function, unlike Vue 2’s separation into different properties.

5. Creating Methods

Vue 3’s Composition API requires declaring and ‘returning’ methods, deviating from Vue 2’s Options API.

6. Lifecycle Hooks

In Vue 3, almost everything, including lifecycle hooks, is inside the setup() method, unlike Vue 2.

7. Computed Properties

Vue 3 requires importing ‘computed’ into the component before using it inside the setup() method, unlike Vue 2.

8. Accessing Props

Vue 3 uses the setup() method with ‘props’ and ‘context’ arguments instead of the ‘this’ keyword used in Vue 2.

9. Emitting Events

Vue 3 handles emitting events by adding the ‘context’ object to the setup() method, providing more control.

10. Portals

Vue 3 incorporates an in-built portal with the <teleport> tag, simplifying the rendering of code in different components.

Significant Improvements in Vue.js 3

Certain improvements in Vue 3 stand out as transformative, contributing to a more efficient and maintainable development process:

1. Composition API

Vue 3’s Composition API allows logical organization of code, enhancing readability as the codebase grows.

2. Lifecycle Hooks

Centralizing lifecycle hooks in the setup() method streamlines code organization, rendering some Vue 2 hooks redundant.

3. Fragments

The introduction of fragments in Vue 3 facilitates cleaner code by enabling the declaration of multiple roots in a single template.

4. Teleport

Vue 3’s <teleport> tag simplifies the process of rendering code in a different location, particularly useful for popups and modals.

5. Initialization Code

Vue 3’s ability to return a new instance of a Vue app with each ‘createApp’ initialization enhances configurability in large projects.

Choosing Between Vue.js 2 and Vue.js 3

In summary, opting for Vue 3 is recommended unless specific dependencies necessitate the use of Vue 2. Vue 3 offers improved performance, maintainability, and a future-proof framework, making it the preferred choice for developers and organizations alike.

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Conclusion

Vue.js 2 and Vue.js 3 both excel as web development frameworks, each with strong community support. The choice between the two depends on the unique requirements of a business. For those seeking Vue.js developers globally, provides a comprehensive solution, streamlining the hiring process from start to finish. Contact today to explore how we can meet your Vue.js development needs effectively.