Boosting React app performance
Tags: react, javascript, beginners, performance
Published: 2024-06-17 12:58:58

---
title: Boosting React app performance
published: true
description: Boosting performance of react application
tags: react, javascript, beginners, performance
cover_image: https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/7vtfbjtql15a0n08llxs.png
# Use a ratio of 100:42 for best results.
# published_at: 2024-06-17 12:38 +0000
---

React is a leading library for building dynamic and interactive web applications. As your React application scales, maintaining performance becomes increasingly crucial. Here are some proven techniques to enhance the performance of your React applications.

##### Leverage React’s Native Optimizations
#### Memoization with `React.memo`
`React.memo` is a higher-order component that optimizes functional components by preventing unnecessary re-renders. It achieves this by performing a shallow comparison of props.

```
import React from 'react';

const MyComponent = React.memo((props) => {
  return <div>{props.value}</div>;
});
```
---
#### Optimize with `useMemo` and `useCallback`

* **useMemo**: Cache expensive calculations to avoid recalculating on each render.
* **useCallback**: Cache function references to prevent unnecessary re-creations.

```
import React, { useMemo, useCallback } from 'react';

const MyComponent = ({ items }) => {
  const total = useMemo(() => items.reduce((sum, item) => sum + item, 0), [items]);

  const handleClick = useCallback(() => {
    // Event handler logic
  }, []);

  return (
    <div onClick={handleClick}>
      {total}
    </div>
  );
};
```
---
#### Implement Code Splitting
Reduce initial load times by splitting your code into manageable chunks that are loaded on demand.

#### Dynamic Imports
```
import React, { Suspense } from 'react';

const LazyComponent = React.lazy(() => import('./LazyComponent'));

const MyComponent = () => (
  <Suspense fallback={<div>Loading...</div>}>
    <LazyComponent />
  </Suspense>
);
```

#### Using React Loadable
```
import Loadable from 'react-loadable';

const LoadableComponent = Loadable({
  loader: () => import('./LazyComponent'),
  loading: () => <div>Loading...</div>,
});

const MyComponent = () => <LoadableComponent />;
```
---
#### Optimize Rendering
#### Avoid Inline Functions
Inline functions can cause unwanted re-renders due to new references being created on each render.

```
// Inefficient
<div onClick={() => handleClick()}>Click me</div>

// Efficient
const handleClick = () => {
  // Logic here
};
<div onClick={handleClick}>Click me</div>;
```
#### Utilize `PureComponent` and `shouldComponentUpdate`
In class components, use `PureComponent` or `shouldComponentUpdate` to prevent unnecessary updates.

```
import React, { PureComponent } from 'react';

class MyComponent extends PureComponent {
  render() {
    return <div>{this.props.value}</div>;
  }
}
```
---
#### Effective State Management
#### Lift State Up
Consolidate state to the closest common ancestor to minimize redundant prop drilling and re-renders.

#### Use Context API Wisely
While React's Context API is powerful, it can introduce performance issues if misused. Avoid frequent updates to context values and consider memoizing context values.

---
#### Optimizing Lists and Tables
#### Virtualization
For large lists or tables, use libraries like `react-window` or `react-virtualized` to render only the visible items.

```
import { FixedSizeList as List } from 'react-window';

const MyList = ({ items }) => (
  <List
    height={500}
    itemCount={items.length}
    itemSize={35}
    width={300}
  >
    {({ index, style }) => (
      <div style={style}>
        {items[index]}
      </div>
    )}
  </List>
);
```
#### Use Stable Keys
Ensure each list item has a unique, stable key to help React track items and minimize re-renders.

```
const items = ['apple', 'banana', 'cherry'];
items.map((item) => <div key={item}>{item}</div>);
```
---
#### Optimize Asset Loading
#### Lazy Load Images
Use libraries like `react-lazyload` to defer loading of images until they are needed.

```
import LazyLoad from 'react-lazyload';

const MyComponent = () => (
  <LazyLoad height={200}>
    <img src="path/to/image.jpg" alt="description" />
  </LazyLoad>
);
```
#### Compress and Optimize Images
Reduce image sizes using tools like `ImageOptim`, `TinyPNG`, or using WebP format for faster loading.

#### Use Production Builds
Ensure your application runs in production mode, which enables optimizations and minification for better performance.

```
# Create a production build
npm run build

# Serve the build
serve -s build
```
#### Conclusion
Optimizing React applications for performance involves leveraging React’s built-in tools and following best practices. By applying these strategies, you can significantly enhance your app’s responsiveness and efficiency, ensuring a smooth experience for your users.