Why Learn Angular 2 When Angular 6 is About to Release?

As a professional SEO aiming to provide insightful content for Angular learners, it's essential to clarify and provide a clear understanding of the Angular framework's evolution. This article examines the continuous learning of Angular versions, starting from Angular 2, and the rationale behind continuing to focus on the foundational version while newer major versions like 6 are available.

The Evolution of Angular

Starting from Angular 2 onward, the core concepts remained consistent. However, with every subsequent release, features were introduced and deprecated. What has always been clear is that each version brings significant improvements and enhancements. In this respect, whenever there is a major version update, developers can expect noteworthy changes.

Learning Progression

My journey with Angular is a testament to the importance of continuous learning. After mastering version 2, I found that the significant changes introduced in subsequent versions like 4 (relating to TypeScript 2) were minor in comparison. Given that Angular follows semantic versioning, it is evident that each release will offer something valuable. Those who have experienced the transition from Angular 1.5 to 2 understand that the pain and requirements for a smooth migration are vastly different from what a new minor version entails.

Angular 6 and Beyond

As we prepare for the release of Angular 6, it is important to understand that moving from Angular 2 is not just about jumping to a specific major version. Angular 6 is simply a new major version in the ongoing evolution of the framework. Any learning or implementation should aim for the latest version, but for the purpose of comprehensive learning, starting from Angular 2 can be beneficial.

Chasing the Latest

When it comes to implementation, it is advisable to always strive for the latest version to benefit from the latest features and improvements. However, for a deep understanding and mastery of the framework, starting with Angular 2 can provide a solid foundation. This approach ensures that learners are familiar with the core concepts before diving into more advanced topics.

Understanding Semantic Versioning

Officially, you are learning Angular, not just a numbered version like Angular 2, Angular 6, etc. The framework was rebranded to Angular with versions like 2, 4, 5, 6 to differentiate it from its predecessor AngularJS, which is a different framework. Each new version, such as Angular 6, introduces minor changes and some deprecated features, but the overall framework remains consistent.

Breaking Changes and Deprecations

Despite these minor changes, it's important to understand that many components and their functionalities from Angular 2 carry over to later versions. Take, for instance, the HTTP service. While certain features may be deprecated in the newer versions, the fundamental structure and many functionalities remain the same. Therefore, a learning journey that begins with Angular 2 can still provide a comprehensive understanding of the framework. Newer advancements can be tackled with each subsequent version update.

Conclusion

Continuing to learn from Angular 2 is a sound strategy. The core concepts of the framework remain stable, and the minor changes and deprecated features are part of the natural evolution of the framework. With each version, there are improvements and new features, but the fundamental framework remains the same. This continuity ensures that learners can benefit from a solid foundation before exploring the latest features and improvements.

Final Notes

Remember, the key is to stay up-to-date with the latest releases while building a strong foundation with Angular 2. The journey of learning a framework like Angular is not just about keeping up with the latest version; it's also about understanding the evolution of the framework and being able to apply it effectively in different scenarios.