React
What is React? A handy Javascript library for creating interfaces
After finishing the backend, it’s time to create the frontend services, including interfaces. There are multiple libraries, depending on which programming language we use. However, when we apply Javascript functions in our programming, React (or ReactJS) is a library to consider.
React – a Javascript library for user interfaces
React is sometimes referred to as a framework. However, it’s a library that allows the creation of interfaces with reusable UI components. Frameworks tend to limit the flexibility of the code. However, since React is a library, it offers the necessary flexibility in the Javascript code.
SPAs (single-page applications) are the best and most default environments to use React. Other frameworks and libraries alongside React would be required when creating more complex applications. Since there are no dependencies, the team can choose the entire tech stack.
How does it work?
Coding with React means using Javascript/Typescript and its feature called JSX/TSX. The code used with React is declarative. It’s a result-focused instruction that describes the result, not how to achieve it. React is responsible for performing the steps required to achieve the desired result. It might be challenging, as the team needs to know how to define the effect clearly.
Since the declarative code can be ultimately easier to read and manage in the long run, the challenge of defining the result as precisely as possible may be worth taking. It will allow the creation of reusable components and a user interface exactly as needed.
React component and modularity
One of the undeniable assets highlighted by React developers is the range of components and modularity. It makes it helpful in building interfaces in large-scale applications. It’s good to keep the large scale in mind when building React applications, as it makes the development process easier when needing an extension.
To create React app, the developers make components corresponding to different user interface elements of the entire page. Each React component represents React element, a reusable HTML page piece with logic and controls. Consequently, it makes unit testing easier.
Organising React components
React binds the model’s value to the view, not vice versa. It uses one-way data binding, which means unidirectional data flow. Developers can modify React component properties, and updates to function components are propagated to components that are nested inside of them.
Two-way data binding, used in other frameworks like Angular, means that when data changes in the model (the model gets a component and data patterns updated), so does the UI. When the UI elements get updated, that change is propagated back to the model.
Learning the library
Learning library and React code can be pretty straightforward, especially for those familiar with the Javascript/Typescript syntax. However, without solid frontend experience, React’s learning curve gets steeper. Its flexibility gives a range of opportunities and creative freedom to frontend experts.
However, without a certain level of knowledge, this flexibility can cause a mess in the architecture that might be hard to fix. Big developer teams also need to remember to keep the code unified at all stages of web development to avoid problems in the future.
React vs React Native
Developers familiar with React probably also know about React Native. While React is mainly used to create React app in web development, React Native is commonly used in mobile apps for iOS and Android, alongside Kotlin.
React.js uses a Javascript virtual DOM (React DOM) as a render method for server-side rendering browser code in React, whereas Native uses Native API to generate components for mobile applications.
Vast growing community
React is becoming increasingly popular for building user interfaces. The Javascript community and React community are vast. Therefore it might be sensible to add React to the technology stack, as developers will find the support they need.
Why choose React?
There are multiple reasons to adopt React in the technology stack. The features and reusable UI components make React arguably one of the best to build user interfaces. It offers stability and flexibility that experienced developers can appreciate. Its stable and supportive community can also be an asset for those who want to start using React in their projects.
React can make an excellent choice for building large-scale apps. Since it’s a library, not a framework, it doesn’t limit the creation, allowing to create scalable interfaces that can be expanded accordingly. Interactive React components. We value React in our work at DAC.digital
Let’s build your next React project together
If you’re convinced to start using React in your current or next projects, we have experts that will be glad to make it happen and build interfaces tailored to your needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out and talk about your needs.