React's Layout Component's Concept
Published: 2023-05-30 23:31:24

by [Precious Onyeije](https://blog.openreplay.com/authors/precious-onyeije)


<blockquote><em>A web application or website's layout can be made consistent by using `React` components. They offer a systematic and logical manner to specify the arrangement of various UI components, which can enhance a codebase's maintainability and scalability.  This article will show you how to use Layout components to simplify page design and implementation.</em></blockquote>

The `React Layout` component enables you to build `wrapper/parent components` that represent generic boxes, such as the `sidebar`, `navbar`, `modal`, or `footer` components, which do not know their children in advance. It is a parent component that simply delivers or transmits information to other child components; it does not take anything from the child.


## React Layout Component Set-up

I'll demonstrate in this section how simple it is to set up a React layout component. Before constructing the layout component, it is first necessary to assess the project at hand to identify all component files that will be required and those that are likely to be utilized frequently during the project.

For the example below, I built a blank homepage with a `sidebar`, `navigation bar`, `contact`, `team`, and `dashboard components`.

After reviewing, you would see that the `navbar` and `sidebar` were used the most frequently on the website.

We would need to attach the `Navigation bar` and `sidebar components` respectively to the `layout component` so they can be reusable. To do this, head into your react folder and create a `Layout component`.

![-](https://blog.openreplay.com/images/reacts-layout-components-concept/images/s_C42EAC00656DA2FFAE518830E75539A5875B109E72682CBE425F88E1CCC9BA5B_1679527204534_Screenshot+156.png)


Once created, Head into the Layout folder and add the `layout syntax` as seen below: 
 
``` javascript
import React from "react";
import "./Layout.css";

// Pass the child props
export default function Layout({ children }) {
  return (
    <div>
      {/* display the child prop */}
      {children}
    </div>
  );
}
```
The next step is customizing the layout folder. To do this, you would have to create some components; in this case, we would use a `sidebar` and `navbar components`. Individually design the produced components and then import and attach the files into the React layout components, as seen below. 

``` javascript
import React from "react";
import "./Layout.css";

// Importing all created components
import Sidebar from "../Sidebar/Sidebar";
import Navbar from "../Navbar/Navbar";

// Pass the child props
export default function Layout({ children }) {
  return (
    <div>
      {/* Attaching all file components */}
      <Navbar />
      <Sidebar />
      {children}
      <Footer /> {/* Attach if necessary */}
    </div>
  );
}
```
It's important to note the positions of the various components, which is why I included the dummy footer component seen above. You are to attach any created component where they would naturally appear on your webpage (above the child content or below it).

The final step, which you might have guessed, is spreading the Layout across the children's components.

Head into the `Pages folder`; in the `components`, the layouts are to appear. Import the `layout component`, and then wrap all file content in a `Layout tag`. I have shown a sample in the image below.
![-](https://blog.openreplay.com/images/reacts-layout-components-concept/images/s_C42EAC00656DA2FFAE518830E75539A5875B109E72682CBE425F88E1CCC9BA5B_1685151613935_Screenshot+192.png)

![-](https://blog.openreplay.com/images/reacts-layout-components-concept/images/s_C42EAC00656DA2FFAE518830E75539A5875B109E72682CBE425F88E1CCC9BA5B_1685151614023_Screenshot+193.png)





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## Benefits of utilizing the react layout components
The following are some advantages of using `React` layout components: 

1. **Regularity**: By using layout components, you can ensure that your application's layout is constant on all pages and in all components. Fostering familiarity and lowering confusion can enhance the overall user experience, as seen in the image below.

![-](https://blog.openreplay.com/images/reacts-layout-components-concept/images/giphy.gif)


2. **Reusability**: By making reusable layout components, you can reduce code duplication, as seen in the image below, and simplify long-term code maintenance. In the long term, this can help you save time and effort.       

![-](https://blog.openreplay.com/images/reacts-layout-components-concept/images/s_C42EAC00656DA2FFAE518830E75539A5875B109E72682CBE425F88E1CCC9BA5B_1685151260698_Screenshot+190.png)

![-](https://blog.openreplay.com/images/reacts-layout-components-concept/images/s_C42EAC00656DA2FFAE518830E75539A5875B109E72682CBE425F88E1CCC9BA5B_1685151430278_Screenshot+191.png)



3. **Flexibility**: `React layout` elements can be modified and expanded to meet various design specifications. This implies that instead of starting from scratch each time, you may design a `layout` that works well for your particular use case.
4. **Separation of Interests**: It can be simpler to reason about and maintain your codebase if you separate your application's `layout` and content. Additionally, it enables various groups of developers or teams to focus on various aspects of the application without stomping on each other's toes.


## Some React Layout component drawbacks 

Despite the many benefits of `React layouts`, there are a few potential drawbacks to take into account:

1. **Learner’s curve**: For developers new to React, there may be a high learning curve for creating and utilizing `layout` components. Learning the React syntax and how to organize `layout` components correctly can take some effort.


2. **Continuance**: Although `layout` elements can help maintain uniformity throughout an application, they must also be maintained regularly. Layout elements may need to be changed as changes are made to the application for them to remain functional.
3. **Inflexible range**: Although `layout` components offer a dependable and repeatable framework, some developers may find them insufficient. It could take more coding to customize or extend `layouts`, and it might not be as simple as starting from scratch.
4. **Concerns about performance**: Using heavily nested `layout` components might cause long rendering times and a less responsive user experience, depending on how the `layout` is created.


## Conclusion 
`React layouts` can help developers in many ways, but they might not be the best option for every project. Before determining whether to employ `React layouts` in their application, developers should carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks.