Vue 3 vs Vue 2: A Hiring Consideration
Vue 3 (Current Standard)
Released in 2020, Vue 3 introduced significant changes:
- Composition API: Similar to React Hooks, more flexible logic reuse
- TypeScript support: First-class TS integration
- Better performance: Smaller bundle, faster rendering
- Script setup syntax: Cleaner component structure
Vue 2 (Legacy)
End of life as of December 2023:
- Options API (data, methods, computed)
- Less TypeScript support
- Still runs in many production apps
Interview Question: "Are you more experienced with Vue 2 or Vue 3? Have you migrated between them?"
What Vue Developers Build
Enterprise Applications
GitLab uses Vue for their entire DevOps platform:
- Complex dashboards with real-time updates
- Merge request interfaces
- CI/CD pipeline visualization
E-Commerce
Alibaba powers massive e-commerce with Vue:
- Product listing pages
- Shopping cart management
- Checkout flows
Content Platforms
Grammarly uses Vue for:
- Real-time text analysis UI
- Writing suggestions interface
- Account management
Admin Dashboards
Vue excels at data-heavy admin interfaces:
- Table management with Vuetify or Element Plus
- Form-heavy applications
- Reporting dashboards
Skills to Evaluate
Vue 3 Composition API
Modern Vue development uses the Composition API:
<script setup lang="ts">
import { ref, computed } from 'vue'
const count = ref(0)
const doubled = computed(() => count.value * 2)
</script>
Candidates should explain:
refvsreactive- Composables for logic reuse
- When to use
computedvs methods
State Management
- Pinia: The official state management solution for Vue 3
- Vuex knowledge for legacy projects
- When global state is necessary vs. prop drilling
Nuxt.js
For SSR/SSG applications:
- Server-side rendering benefits
- File-based routing
- API routes and serverless functions
Vue vs React: Hiring Implications
| Aspect | Vue | React |
|---|---|---|
| Talent pool | Smaller | Much larger |
| Learning curve | Gentler | Steeper |
| Opinionatedness | More structured | More flexible |
| TypeScript | Good (Vue 3) | Excellent |
| Enterprise adoption | Growing | Dominant |
When to prefer Vue developers:
- Existing Vue codebase
- Team values clear conventions
- Prefer HTML-like templating
- Want faster onboarding for juniors
Common Hiring Mistakes
1. Confusing Vue 2 and Vue 3
They're quite different. A Vue 2 developer needs adjustment time for Vue 3's Composition API. Ask specifically about their Vue 3 experience.
2. Expecting React Developers to Switch Instantly
While both are frontend frameworks, Vue's approach differs. React developers need 2-4 weeks to become productive in Vue.
3. Ignoring Nuxt Experience
If you use Nuxt for SSR, specifically ask about Nuxt experience. Vue + Nuxt is a different skillset than Vue for SPAs.
4. Undervaluing TypeScript
Vue 3 has excellent TypeScript support. Prefer candidates with TypeScript experience for production applications.
Skills by Experience Level
Junior Vue Developer (0-2 years)
- Solid understanding of Vue 3 basics (components, props, events)
- Familiar with Composition API and ref/reactive
- Can build straightforward UI components
- Basic state management with Pinia
- Understand Vue's reactivity system fundamentals
- CSS/styling with scoped styles or Tailwind
Mid-Level Vue Developer (2-4 years)
- Deep Composition API expertise including custom composables
- Strong TypeScript integration in Vue components
- Performance optimization awareness (lazy loading, virtual scrolling)
- Testing with Vue Test Utils and Vitest
- Can architect medium-complexity features independently
- Experience with Nuxt.js for SSR applications
Senior Vue Developer (5+ years)
- Leads technical decisions on Vue architecture
- Creates reusable composables and component libraries
- Performance profiling and optimization
- Migration experience (Vue 2 → Vue 3, or other frameworks)
- Mentors junior developers on Vue best practices
- Deep understanding of Vue internals and the Virtual DOM
Recruiter's Cheat Sheet
Resume Green Flags
- Vue 3 + Composition API mentioned explicitly
- TypeScript alongside Vue experience
- Nuxt.js for SSR/SSG projects
- Pinia for state management (modern choice)
- Open source Vue contributions or plugins
- Testing experience with Vue Test Utils
Resume Yellow Flags
- Only Vue 2 experience (needs Vue 3 training)
- No TypeScript mentioned (common in Vue, but risky)
- Only tutorial-level projects
- No mention of state management
Conversation Starters
- "What made you choose Vue over React?"
- "How do you structure composables for reusability?"
- "What's your experience with Vue 3's Composition API?"
- "Have you worked with Nuxt.js?"
Technical Terms to Know
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Composition API | Modern Vue 3 way to organize component logic (vs Options API) |
| Composables | Reusable logic functions (similar to React hooks) |
| Pinia | Official Vue 3 state management library |
| Nuxt.js | Vue framework for server-side rendering |
| SFC | Single File Component (.vue files) |
| Script Setup | Cleaner Vue 3 syntax for Composition API |