Tech's Special with Sonu Kapoor: In the ever-changing world of software development, staying on top of the latest frameworks and technologies isn't just a "nice to have"—it's essential for maintaining an app’s security, performance, and overall functionality. Unfortunately, many businesses choose to run outdated versions of frameworks like Angular, often putting delivery and deadlines ahead of technology updates. While this approach may seem sensible in the short term, it can expose businesses to big risks—risks that could ultimately hurt both the company and its customers. In this article, we’ll talk about why upgrading frameworks like Angular is not just important but necessary for long-term success.
The Risks of Sticking with Outdated Frameworks
Security Vulnerabilities
Every software framework, including Angular, goes through a process of discovering and fixing security flaws. When you stick with an older version of Angular, your application is at risk because you’re exposed to vulnerabilities that have already been patched in newer releases. For instance, Angular 1.6.3 had a security flaw in its ngSanitize service, which allowed hackers to run malicious JavaScript. Though this was fixed in later versions, companies still using AngularJS (1.x) could be putting themselves in harm’s way.
The bottom line? Relying on outdated frameworks can jeopardize user data and damage your company’s reputation. No business can afford that.
Performance Improvements
Every time Angular releases a new version, it comes with performance tweaks and improvements that make apps run faster and more smoothly. For example, Angular 9 introduced the Ivy compiler, which significantly reduced JavaScript bundle sizes, leading to faster load times and better overall performance. If you haven’t upgraded to Angular 9 or beyond, you’re missing out on these improvements—leaving your app running slower than it could be, which ultimately impacts the user experience.
In the competitive world of app development, performance matters. You don’t want to fall behind just because you’re holding on to outdated technology.
Compatibility and Support
As web technologies evolve, so do the tools, libraries, and browsers that developers use. If your Angular version is out of date, you’ll struggle to keep up with modern web standards, third-party services, and new libraries. Take Angular 12, for example, which introduced "strict mode" for better stability and compatibility with TypeScript 4.2. Without an upgrade, your app might face compatibility issues, leading to more tech debt and costly maintenance in the long run.
The older your framework gets, the harder it becomes to integrate new technologies. And that only increases your costs down the line.
Developer Satisfaction
Let’s face it: developers want to work with the latest and greatest technologies. Using outdated frameworks can be frustrating and demotivating, especially when newer versions offer more powerful features, better tooling, and improved performance. When developers are stuck with old tech, they’re more likely to feel bored, unmotivated, or even frustrated—leading to higher turnover rates and difficulty attracting top talent.
Investing in upgrades not only keeps your app up to date, but it also helps keep your developers engaged and productive.
Compliance and Regulatory Requirements
For industries handling sensitive data—like finance, healthcare, and government—staying compliant with regulatory standards is a must. Running outdated software can lead to compliance issues, which could result in fines, legal action, and a tarnished reputation. Regulatory bodies expect businesses to keep their software updated and free of known vulnerabilities.
In the banking sector, for instance, using outdated npm packages with security vulnerabilities can result in non-compliance. Tools like Black Duck and SonarQube can help keep track of outdated dependencies and ensure everything’s in line with industry regulations. Without regular updates, businesses face unnecessary risks.
Current Angular Versions
As of June 2024, the latest Angular versions are 18, 17, and 16. These versions receive regular updates and support for 12 months, ensuring that your application stays secure and efficient. On the other hand, Angular versions 2 to 15 are no longer supported, meaning they don’t receive security updates, bug fixes, or any kind of support. Running unsupported versions exposes your app to unnecessary risks.
Overcoming the Resistance to Upgrade
One of the biggest hurdles when it comes to upgrading frameworks is the fear of disrupting business operations. Managers often worry that upgrading will slow down delivery or affect ongoing projects. But the risks of keeping outdated software are far greater than the temporary inconvenience an upgrade might cause. Here are a few ways to make the case for upgrading:
Highlight Security Risks
The cost of a security breach—both financially and in terms of reputation—can be enormous. Just look at the 2017 Equifax data breach, which was partially caused by an unpatched vulnerability in an outdated framework. The breach affected 147 million people and resulted in a $700 million settlement. A framework upgrade might seem expensive, but it’s far cheaper than dealing with the aftermath of a security failure.
Demonstrate Cost Savings
While upgrading does come with upfront costs, the long-term savings make it worthwhile. Regular upgrades reduce technical debt, improve app performance, and make developers more productive. According to a study by IBM, the average cost of a data breach is $3.86 million. Regularly updating your frameworks can prevent such breaches and save you from those costs down the line.
Showcase Success Stories
Real-world examples of successful upgrades can help ease fears. For instance, one e-commerce company upgraded from AngularJS to Angular 10, reducing page load times by 30%. This resulted in a 15% increase in user engagement and a 10% boost in sales. These kinds of success stories show that upgrading isn’t just about keeping things secure—it can also drive real business results.
Plan for Minimal Disruption
To minimize disruption, it’s important to have a clear, phased upgrade plan. Testing and parallel development can ensure the transition goes smoothly. For example, you can start by upgrading a smaller part of the app and work out any issues before applying the changes to the entire system.
The Case for a Dedicated Framework or Developer Experience (DX) Team
One way to make sure upgrades happen regularly and smoothly is to create a dedicated Framework or Developer Experience (DX) team. This team would be in charge of staying on top of updates, evaluating their impact, and making sure the upgrade process doesn’t interrupt day-to-day business. A DX team can conduct regular audits, keep track of outdated dependencies, and ensure that frameworks are always up-to-date.
For example, one large tech company created a DX team to regularly audit code using tools like Black Duck and SonarQube. By centralizing the responsibility for framework maintenance, the company was able to stay ahead of potential security issues without disrupting regular operations.
Conclusion
Upgrading frameworks like Angular isn’t just a technical task—it’s a smart business strategy. The risks associated with outdated frameworks—security vulnerabilities, performance problems, and compliance issues—can have serious consequences. By upgrading regularly, you’re investing in long-term security, efficiency, and success. A dedicated Framework or DX team can make this process smoother, ensuring that updates happen without disrupting business operations. In today’s fast-paced tech world, staying up to date isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity for maintaining a secure, high-performing, and competitive application.