React JS - Naming convention
Tags: react, javascript, programming, frontend
Published: 2023-06-18 04:30:00

> In computer programming, a naming convention is a set of rules for choosing the character sequence to be used for identifiers that denote variables, types, functions, and other entities in source code and documentation. (source: Wikipedia)

When it comes to naming conventions in React.js, consistency and clarity are key. 

A well-defined naming convention helps improve code readability, maintainability, and collaboration. 

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## Naming Convention 


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### Components

 Use descriptive and meaningful names for React components. Use **PascalCase** (capitalizing the first letter of each word) for component names. 



![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/w2ehvyqfs9ixkektwsws.png)

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### Files

Name your files using **PascalCase**, matching the component name. For example, if you have a component named UserCard, the file should be named UserCard.js.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/nixrtb1zy56bdlnfr1mq.png)

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### Props

Use descriptive names for props to clearly indicate their purpose. Avoid abbreviations or acronyms unless they are widely understood in the context of your project.

_For example:_ 
- instead of usr, use user.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/0ghet9pry2aw6dv7tmec.png)

In this example, the prop user is used to pass user data to the UserCard component. By using a descriptive name like user, it's clear that the prop represents user data, making the code more readable and understandable.


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### State variables

Prefix state variables with **is**, **has**, or **should** to denote boolean values. 



![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/2zxl87qe134uyji36f0a.png)

_In this example, we have three state variables: _
- isActive,
- hasError
- shouldRender

These variables are prefixed with **is**, **has**, and **should**, respectively, according to the naming convention. 

The corresponding state update functions **setIsActive**, **setHasError**, and **setShouldRender** are used to modify the state.

By following the naming convention, the purpose and meaning of these state variables are clear, making the code more readable and maintainable.

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### Event handlers

Use **handle** as a prefix for event handler functions. For example, handleClick, handleInputChange.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/n1zz8630vpib8ivg043h.png)


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### CSS classes

Use **lowercase letters** and **hyphens** for CSS class names. 

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/urp5dsu71q3bvtvw1xnr.png)

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### Constants
Use **uppercase letters with underscores** to represent constants in JavaScript.

_For example, API_URL, MAX_RESULTS._

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/n2hpxeqjyneqe9z84o18.png)

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### Utility functions

Choose descriptive names that indicate their purpose or functionality.

_For example, formatDate, generateUniqueId._

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/1szgazv0lh79o2trfo72.png)

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Remember, the most important aspect of naming conventions is consistency within your project or team. It's also a good idea to document your naming conventions so that all team members can follow them consistently.


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