So far, the Angular team has released twelve versions of the TypeScript-based, open-source web application framework. Angular is a platform and interface that helps app developers build single-page client applications in TypeScript and HTML. Released on May 12, 2021, the latest version of the Angular framework comes with many new features that help developers build mobile and desktop web applications more efficiently. Every time Angular gets an update, it comes with some new features, deleted features, and depreciated items. Read the content and know the breaking changes and new deprecations in the new Angular Version 12.
Unique Added and Deleted Features of Angular 12 Version
The Angular framework is a thorough rewrite from the makers of AngularJS developers use Angular as the MEAN stack’s front-end, consisting of the following software components: Angular and alternatives, Express.js web application server framework, MongoDB database program, and Node.js server runtime environment.
Angular has now rolled out two versions (12.0.0-next.0 and 12.0.0-next.1), with significant and breaking updates. These changes directly affect the scenario of forthcoming Angular version releases. First, the NG create compiler command is now the default. Secondly, the yarn build bundler command is by default set to run production builds. Angular Ivy has been the default rendering engine since the release of version 9. The new version is finally deprecating View Engine for libraries. This means Angular users will miss View Engine in a future major release. Now, apps will no longer work with View Engine by setting enableIvy: false. Ivy apps will still work with current libraries using View Engine. But library authors should start making arrangements to change to Ivy. Check out these unique features.
- Added emitEvent option for AbstractControl class methods.
- A build option named inlineStyleLanguage was added in Angular v12 for defining the style sheet language.
- HttpClient in Angular v12supports specifying request metadata.
- Ivy LS will be the default in Angular v12.
- Strict mode is now the default in the CLI.
- Support for APP_INITIALIZER added to work with observables.
Breaking Changes
- Support added for TypeScript 4.2.
- TypeScript <4.2.3 is no longer supported.
- 4.2.3 to 4.2.x is the supported range of TypeScript versions.
- Angular CDK and Angular Material will use the new Sass module system
- Apps will no longer consume Angular CDK/Material’s Sass with the node-sass npm package.
- The Angular tooling now uses Webpack 5, which generates files for lazy-loaded JavaScript files, to build applications.
- Webpack 4 usage and support are deprecated.
- Webpack 5 will support web workers.
- Critical CSS inlining is now enabled by default.
- ng build will now produce a production bundle by default.
Deprecated Features
- Angular’s View Engine-based algorithm for generating i18n message IDs
- No support for Internet Explorer 11
- Sass imports from @angular/material/theming (replaced with a new Angular Material Sass API)
- Support for publishing libraries with View Engine
Also Read: Why Businesses Elect Angular for Developing Digital Products
Despite these deprecated features, you can compile libraries in partial compilation mode to create Ivy-compatible output. You can still build a library using View Engine. New features of the Angular 12 version also include support for adding directives to host elements, improved test times, debugging with automatic test environment teardown, inline Sass in components, and performance with ngc as a tsc Plug-In Distribution. Web app enthusiasts can ask their Angular web app developers to develop their apps with the newest version. It will let them get added benefits for their app improvement and performance.
With enhanced build performance and legacy system removal, the latest version of Angular is all set to give front-end web developers an edge. Hope this version will make Angular developers’ lives easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
When comparing TypeScript vs JavaScript, TypeScript provides stronger tooling support and improves code reliability by catching errors during development. This makes it a better choice for large-scale, complex applications.
Before upgrading, teams should review their current Angular version, dependencies, TypeScript compatibility, third-party libraries, build configuration, and application code. A proper compatibility assessment can help identify potential issues before the migration begins and reduce unexpected downtime or rework.
Breaking changes can affect applications that rely on deprecated APIs, outdated dependencies, or configurations that are no longer supported. Teams should review the Angular 12 migration guidance, test existing functionality, and address compatibility issues before moving production applications to the new version.
Angular 12 introduced several deprecations as part of its effort to modernize the framework and prepare developers for future releases. Businesses maintaining older applications should identify deprecated APIs and dependencies early and create a plan to replace them before they become unsupported.
Upgrading can help businesses maintain a more current technology stack, improve maintainability, and prepare applications for future Angular releases. However, the value depends on the application’s age, complexity, dependencies, and business requirements. A technical assessment can help determine whether an incremental upgrade or broader modernization strategy is more appropriate.
A development partner can be useful when an application has complex dependencies, extensive legacy code, or limited in-house Angular expertise. Experienced Angular developers can assess compatibility, plan the migration, resolve breaking changes, test the application, and help reduce technical and business risks during the upgrade.
