Salesforce DictionarySalesforce DictionaryModern web standards vs legacy framework
The Lightning Web Component (LWC) Framework is Salesforce's modern UI development framework built on web standards including HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. It leverages native browser capabilities and the Web Components standard to create fast, reusable components that run on the Lightning Platform with strong encapsulation and efficient rendering.
An Aura Component is a reusable UI building block created using Salesforce's legacy Aura framework. Aura components use a proprietary markup language (.cmp files), JavaScript controllers, and helpers to define interactive interfaces. While still supported, Salesforce recommends Lightning Web Components (LWC) for all new development due to better performance and alignment with modern web standards.
| Dimension | Lightning Web Component Framework | Aura Component |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Built on native Web Components standards | Built on proprietary Aura framework |
| Performance | Faster — leverages native browser APIs | Slower — additional framework overhead |
| Syntax | Standard HTML, JavaScript, CSS | Custom markup language and controllers |
| Testing | Jest for unit testing | Lightning Testing Service |
| Direction | Salesforce's recommended component model | Maintenance mode — no new features |
All new Lightning component development — better performance and standards.
Only when maintaining legacy Aura components or using Aura-only features.