What is Blazor?
Blazor is a web UI framework developed by Microsoft that allows you to build interactive web applications using C# instead of JavaScript.
It runs on top of .NET and offers a way to build client-side and server-side web apps using familiar C# and Razor syntax (instead of JavaScript frameworks like Angular or React).
There are two main hosting models:
Blazor Server
- Runs on the server using SignalR (real-time connection).
- Thin client—UI events are sent to the server and the DOM is updated remotely.
- Very lightweight on the browser.
Blazor WebAssembly (Blazor WASM)
- Runs directly in the browser using WebAssembly.
- Downloads the .NET runtime and executes your app client-side.
- Fully offline-capable and no server dependency for UI updates.
How is Blazor related to Angular?
Blazor and Angular aren’t directly related, but they serve similar purposes in different ecosystems:
| Feature | Blazor | Angular |
|---|
| Language | C# (.NET) | TypeScript (JavaScript) |
| Framework Type | Component-based SPA framework | Component-based SPA framework |
| Runs In Browser? | Yes (via WebAssembly) | Yes |
| Reactive Programming | Supports with Rx.NET | Built-in with RxJS |
| Dependency Injection | Built-in | Built-in |
| Templates / Views | Razor syntax | HTML + Angular syntax |
| Community Ecosystem | .NET / Microsoft | JavaScript / Google |
Conceptual Similarities
Even though they’re in different tech stacks, both frameworks share conceptual design patterns:
Component-based architecture
- Angular uses components with decorators and templates.
- Blazor uses Razor components with
.razor files.
Routing
- Both support client-side routing for SPAs.
Dependency Injection
- Both have a built-in DI system to manage services.
Reactive UI patterns
- Angular uses RxJS (Reactive Extensions for JavaScript).
- Blazor can use System.Reactive (Rx.NET) for similar observable-based programming.
Why Compare Angular and Blazor?
If you’re coming from Angular and switching to Blazor (or vice versa), you'll notice:
- The architecture and component model are very familiar.
- Blazor uses C# everywhere, so you don't need to context switch between JavaScript and C#.
- You can reuse .NET code and libraries across server, desktop, and web.
Summary
- Blazor is a Microsoft framework for building web apps with C# and .NET.
- It offers a modern, Angular-like experience but using .NET instead of JavaScript.
- While it’s not related to Angular in code, it is comparable in purpose and architecture.
- Angular developers often find Blazor easy to pick up, especially with concepts like components, dependency injection, and reactive programming.