PrimeFaces vs PrimeNg: What are the differences?

PrimeFaces vs PrimeNG

PrimeFaces and PrimeNG are popular UI component libraries for building web applications using Java and Angular, respectively. While both provide a wide range of UI components and functionality, they have some key differences that set them apart.

1. Technology: PrimeFaces is based on JavaServer Faces (JSF), a Java-based web application framework, while PrimeNG is based on Angular, a popular JavaScript framework for building web applications. This difference in technology means that PrimeFaces is better suited for Java-based web applications, while PrimeNG is more suitable for Angular-based applications.

2. Community Support: PrimeFaces has been around for a longer time and has a larger community of users and developers. This means that there is a wealth of resources and support available for PrimeFaces, including a dedicated forum and active community members. In contrast, PrimeNG is relatively newer and has a smaller community, which may result in less support and resources.

3. Component Set: PrimeFaces and PrimeNG have different sets of UI components. PrimeFaces offers a comprehensive set of more than 100 ready-to-use components, including data tables, charts, dialogs, and menus. PrimeNG also provides a wide range of UI components, but the set is not as extensive as PrimeFaces. The specific components available in each library may also differ, so developers should consider their requirements when choosing between the two.

4. Styling and Theming: PrimeFaces and PrimeNG come with their own styling and theming options. PrimeFaces uses the jQuery UI framework for styling its components, which provides a consistent and familiar look and feel. On the other hand, PrimeNG uses its own styling and theming options, which are based on the Material Design guidelines. This means that PrimeNG offers a more modern and visually appealing design, but it may require more customization to match the overall look and feel of the application.

5. Integration with Frameworks: PrimeFaces is closely integrated with JSF and provides seamless integration with other Java technologies, such as EJB and CDI. It also offers support for popular IDEs like Eclipse and IntelliJ IDEA. PrimeNG, being an Angular-based library, integrates well with the Angular ecosystem and takes full advantage of Angular's features, such as dependency injection and reactive programming. This makes PrimeNG a preferred choice for developers who are already using Angular or want to leverage its capabilities.

6. License: Another difference between PrimeFaces and PrimeNG is their licensing. PrimeFaces is licensed under the Apache License, which allows for free and open-source use in both commercial and non-commercial projects. PrimeNG, on the other hand, has a dual licensing model - it offers a free open-source version under the MIT license, and a commercial version with additional features and support. This difference in licensing may be a factor to consider when choosing between the two libraries.

In Summary, PrimeFaces and PrimeNG are UI component libraries with different technology stacks, community support, component sets, styling options, integration with frameworks, and licensing. Developers should evaluate their specific requirements and preferences to decide which library is best suited for their project.