Code written in language that allows imperative constructs != imperative code I would say that React is far more friendly to a declarative style than Angular 1

Code written in language that allows imperative constructs != imperative code I would say that React is far more friendly to a declarative style than Angular 1 at least. Immutable data, redux, and virtual dom all encourage this style, whereas the path of least resistance in Angular 1 is definitely imperative mutation of state. Anyway, if you're doing significant amounts of logic in your JSX/angular templates, you're Doing It Wrong.