A comparison of React and Svelte and my expectations at the HNG Internship.
Published: 2024-06-28 09:10:40

React and Svelte are popular frameworks in the front-end development workspace, each with advantages and unique features. React, a user interface library developed and maintained by a community of developers and Facebook has dominated the industry for years, while Svelte, a compiler-based framework, is rapidly gaining traction. This article will compare React and Svelte, highlighting their ideal use cases and my expectations at the HNG11 internship, where React is the primary front-end development library.
React emphasizes a component-based architecture, allowing developers to build components that manage their state. Another key feature of React is the ability to update and render components through a virtual DOM, which minimizes direct DOM manipulation. React has extensive libraries and tools like Redux for state management and React Router for routing. React version 16.8 introduced Hooks, allowing functional components to manage state and side effects. Despite strong community support, extensive documentation, scalability, and a rich ecosystem, React has a steep learning curve that requires relatively more setup and configuration. 
On the other hand, Svelte has a less mature ecosystem, fewer third-party libraries, and limited corporate backing. However, Svelte does not have a virtual DOM, which leads to excellent performance. It is easier and more intuitive with a smaller bundle size that loads faster.
Therefore, React is ideal for large-scale applications requiring robust state management and extensive third-party integrations. Svelte is perfect for small to medium-sized projects where performance and simplicity are priorities.
At HNG11 I expect to create scalable, maintainable codebases for diverse projects using React. I intend to deepen my understanding of React’s advanced features, such as reusability, performance, React Router 6, and context API in collaboration with a team of skilled developers. React’s rich ecosystem, including libraries like Redux for state management and Next.js for server-side rendering, provides ample opportunities to build robust applications.
In conclusion, React and Svelte are suitable for different types of projects. React’s mature ecosystem and versatility make it a go-to choice for large-scale applications, while Svelte’s performance and simplicity offer a refreshing alternative for small to medium-sized projects. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each can help you choose the right tool for your next project.
For those of us at HNG11, ReactJS will be a powerful ally in building cutting-edge web applications, providing a solid foundation for tackling complex front-end challenges.
Join the HNG11 internship by clicking on this link https://hng.tech/internship for in-depth mentorship and guides on these front-end technologies. Subscribe to HNG Premium through https://hng.tech/premium and have special access to more updates and jobs! Stay tuned!
Ayuba Kwasako Danburam is a front-end developer at HNG with five years of experience building interactive web applications. Passionate about learning technologies and sharing knowledge, Ayuba enjoys writing and speaking at tech conferences. 
follow me on Twitter https://x.com/kwasako.