What is the difference between reactive and imperative programming?

What is the difference between reactive and imperative programming?

Imperative programming focuses on how to perform tasks using statements that change a program's state, while reactive programming is about responding to changes and events, often using asynchronous data streams.

Can you give me an example of each?

Sure! In imperative programming, you might use a loop to process a list of items one by one. In reactive programming, you would set up a stream that automatically updates whenever new data is available.

Which one is better for modern applications?

It depends on the application. Reactive programming is often better for applications that require real-time updates, like chat apps, while imperative programming can be simpler for straightforward tasks.

Are there any frameworks that support reactive programming?

Yes, popular frameworks include RxJS for JavaScript, Reactor for Java, and Akka Streams for Scala.