Although the term “Angular in Java” may seem a bit contradictory, both languages together enable software developers to create a single type of full-stack application. The reason that the concept appears misleading is that both languages mainly serve different purposes. Secondly, while Angular is built using JavaScript or TypeScript and is a frontend framework, Java is popular for its backend technology. Importantly, Java does not play a role in developing Angular applications.
Where and When is the Term Angular along with Java Popular?
It is popular due to the following reasons,
Angular for Frontend and Java using Spring Boot as Backend
Angular runs on the browser and can handle API calls, routing, and UI. On the contrary, Java runs on the server and can handle REST APIs, security, databases, and business logic.
Here, HTTP APIs act as a mediator to enable communication between both these technologies. Combining these two technologies is a powerful and popular approach to full-stack programming.
Install Angular App Within a Java Web Project:
In the second scenario, Angular within Java refers to integrating an Angular App into a Java Web application.
Here, after developing an Angular app, the compiled output, including CSS, JS, and HTML, is inserted into the static folder or resources of the Java project. The final application functions as a Java web app. Though technically it is not Angular in Java, Java is serving Angular.
The process of integrating an Angular app within a Java web application is a routine practice across full-stack development, especially when the developer is using Spring Boot as the backend. Such an approach, using Angular for the front end and Java as the backend, can simplify the entire deployment procedure while making it appear as a single app to the user.
Java Frameworks Scaffold Angular Projects
In the third instance, the term Angular within Java refers to the process of scaffolding Angular projects using Java frameworks, such as JHipster.
The scaffolding process involves auto-generating code that enables a basic structure for an application. Such a facility allows developers to fetch ready-to-run projects, comprising configuration files, frontend components, backend endpoints, and security setup.
Finally, this process makes one feel that Angular is also a portion of the Java project. However, it is essential to remember that both technologies are distinct yet complementary, working together.
Several Java tools and frameworks are capable of scaffolding full-stack projects, including Java (which often utilizes Spring Boot) for the Backend and Angular for the frontend. Such tools enable developers to generate codebases that are production-ready more quickly.
Such practices offer several advantages, including saving time by eliminating the repetitive configuration process. Adopt best practices by using secure and standardized patterns, maintaining a consistent structure, improving teamwork, and accelerating the development process, thereby enabling a quick move toward business logic.
During the scaffolding process, there are a few recommendations as follows:
Use JHipster for production-capable enterprise scaffolding. Secondly, use JHipster Lite or Spring+Angular manually to deploy lightweight projects. Finally, Bootify.io for small apps or prototypes.
What are the Familiar Misconceptions?
With that term, many imply that Angular runs in Java. However, it is not true because Angular runs in a browser while Java runs on a server. Similarly, there is a chance to think that Angular is built using Java, but in practice, TypeScript is the language behind Angular. At the same time, instead of assuming, it is to be understood as a full-stack app with Angular in the frontend with a Java backend. Lastly, it is not Angular built into Java; instead, it is to be like Angular, served by Java, with both technologies entirely different.