Should I learn AngularJS 1.5 instead of AngularJS 2 if I don't know TypeScript?
It is generally not recommended to learn AngularJS 1.5 over Angular 2 (or later versions of Angular) for several reasons, even if you don't know TypeScript yet:
Performance and Modernity
Angular 2 and later versions are significantly faster and more efficient than AngularJS 1.5. They implement unidirectional tree-based ultrafast change detection and immutable data structures, making them about 5 times faster than AngularJS 1.514.
Component-Based Architecture
Angular 2 and later versions are fully component-based, which is a more modern and maintainable approach compared to the $scope and controllers used in AngularJS 1.514.
TypeScript Integration
While it is true that Angular 2 and later versions are written in TypeScript, learning TypeScript is highly beneficial for working with these frameworks. TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript and adds type safety, which can help in catching errors early and improving code maintainability. Although JavaScript is valid TypeScript code, using TypeScript is highly recommended and is the standard approach for Angular development135.
Future Proofing and Community Support
AngularJS 1.5 is an older framework and does not receive the same level of support or updates as the newer versions of Angular. Learning Angular 2 or later versions will make you more relevant in the job market and provide access to a larger community and more resources24.
Ease of Transition
If you start with AngularJS 1.5, you will eventually need to transition to a newer version of Angular, which could be more challenging than learning the newer version from the start. The differences between AngularJS 1.5 and Angular 2 are significant, and learning the newer version will prepare you better for modern web development practices14.
In summary, even though there might be a learning curve for TypeScript, it is worthwhile to learn Angular 2 or later versions due to their superior performance, modern architecture, and better future prospects.