What is Angular Zone.js and how does it affect change detection?

Updated Apr 28, 2026

Short answer

Zone.js intercepts async operations and triggers Angular change detection automatically.

Deep explanation

Zone.js patches async APIs (setTimeout, promises, events) and notifies Angular when tasks complete. Angular then runs change detection across the component tree. While convenient, it can cause unnecessary checks, which is why modern Angular explores zone-less approaches using signals.

Real-world example

Updating UI after HTTP request without manually triggering detection.

Common mistakes

  • Over-triggering change detection
  • not using OnPush strategy.

Follow-up questions

  • What is NgZone?
  • Why go zone-less?

More Angular interview questions

View all →