React Ecosystem in 2024
Tags: webdev, react, beginners, programming
Published: 2023-10-16 19:58:09

As React celebrates its 11th anniversary in 2024, it’s worth looking ahead to the exciting developments in the React ecosystem. In this blog, we’ll explore various aspects of the ecosystem, building on what was happening in 2023 and what you can expect in the coming year.

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## 1. Routing

Routing has always been a critical part of web development, and in 2023, we saw a variety of routing solutions. Let’s take a look at what’s happening in 2024:

- **React Router:** React Router remains a fundamental choice for handling routing in React applications. With its extensive documentation and active community, it continues to be a reliable option for declarative routing in your apps.
- **React Query:** Building on its popularity in 2023, React Query by Tanstack is set to enhance data-fetching and state management. It simplifies the process of managing, caching, and synchronizing data in your React applications.
- **Next.js:** Next.js, a framework built on top of React, is expected to maintain its position as a go-to choice for server-rendered React applications with flexible routing options. Its official documentation is a valuable resource for routing in Next.js applications.

In 2024, React’s vibrant ecosystem continues to flourish, offering developers a rich landscape of tools and libraries. Stay tuned for more updates and advancements in the React world.

## 2. Client State Management

Client state management is a crucial aspect of modern web development, enabling efficient data handling within your frontend applications. Two popular solutions for client state management are Redux Toolkit and Zustand. Here's a brief overview of both:

### 1. **Redux Toolkit**

- **Website:** [Redux Toolkit](https://redux-toolkit.js.org/)

Redux Toolkit is a comprehensive state management library built on top of Redux, a well-established library for state management in React applications. It provides a set of tools and best practices to simplify the process of managing state in a predictable and efficient way. Redux Toolkit's structured approach, including actions, reducers, and store, is well-suited for complex, large-scale projects. It promotes a centralized and declarative approach to state management.

### 2. **Zustand**

- **Demo:** [Zustand Demo](https://zustand-demo.pmnd.rs/)

Zustand is a lightweight and flexible state management library designed for smaller projects or developers who prefer a more straightforward solution. It simplifies state management without the need for complex setup and concepts. Zustand is known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it a great choice for smaller applications and those who value a more lightweight approach.

When choosing between Redux Toolkit and Zustand, consider the complexity of your project and your familiarity with Redux. Redux Toolkit is an excellent choice for larger, more structured applications, while Zustand is perfect for smaller projects that require a quick and straightforward state management solution.

## 3. Server State Management

Server state management is a crucial aspect of web development, especially for applications that span both client and server. Here are two key libraries that can help you manage server state effectively:

### 1. **TanStack Query**

- **Documentation:** [TanStack Query](https://tanstack.com/query/latest)

TanStack Query is a powerful and flexible state management library for handling server state in your applications. It allows you to fetch, cache, and update data from your server with ease. The library offers features like automatic caching, efficient data fetching, and the ability to customize API endpoints. It is a great choice for managing server state in applications that require real-time data updates and efficient data synchronization.

### 2. **Redux Toolkit - RTK Query**

- **Documentation:** [Redux Toolkit - RTK Query](https://redux-toolkit.js.org/rtk-query/overview)

RTK Query is part of the Redux Toolkit ecosystem and provides a comprehensive solution for managing server state. It simplifies the process of making API requests, caching data, and updating state in a predictable and efficient manner. RTK Query integrates seamlessly with Redux and is an excellent choice for applications that use Redux for state management. It promotes best practices and offers a structured approach to handling server state.

When selecting a server state management library, consider your project's requirements, the complexity of your data fetching needs, and your familiarity with Redux if you choose RTK Query. Both libraries offer robust solutions for managing server state in your applications.

## 4. Form Handling

Form handling is a crucial part of building web applications, especially in React. Two popular libraries for form handling are Formik and React Hook Form. Here's an overview:

### 1. **Formik**

- **Website:** [Formik](https://formik.org/)

Formik is a most-used library for building forms in React. It provides a set of utilities and components that make it easy to manage form state, validation, and submission. While it has been a popular choice, as of the latest information, Formik is not actively maintained, which could impact its compatibility with future React updates and evolving best practices. Only cons of using Formik is that It's not maintained. Formik docs/website even discourage using Formik for new projects.

### 2. **React Hook Form**

- **Website:** [React Hook Form](https://www.react-hook-form.com/)

React Hook Form is a modern form library that leverages React hooks to handle form state and validation efficiently. It is actively maintained and offers a lightweight and intuitive API. React Hook Form is known for its performance and flexibility, making it a great choice for handling forms in React applications.

When choosing between Formik and React Hook Form, consider factors like maintenance and the specific requirements of your project. As of the latest information, React Hook Form is a recommended choice due to its active development and modern approach to form handling.

## 5. Testing

Testing is a critical part of the software development process, and there are various tools and libraries available to help developers write effective tests. Here are some resources and tools for testing:

### 1. **ViTest**

- **Website:** [ViTest](https://vitest.dev/)

ViTest is a unit testing framework powered by vite. It offers a straightforward way to write unit tests, component tests, and end-to-end tests for React, Vue, Svelte & more applications. If you're working with React, ViTest can help you ensure the reliability and quality of your code through comprehensive testing.

### 2. **React Testing Library**

- **Documentation:** [React Testing Library](https://testing-library.com/docs/react-testing-library/intro/)

React Testing Library is a popular testing library for React applications. It focuses on writing tests that mimic user interactions, helping you ensure that your components behave as expected from a user's perspective. This library encourages best practices for testing React components.

### 3. **Playwright**

- **Website:** [Playwright](https://playwright.dev/)

Playwright is an end-to-end testing framework that supports multiple browsers, including Chromium, Firefox, and WebKit. It provides a unified API for browser automation and allows you to write tests that validate your web application's functionality across different browsers. Playwright is a powerful tool for ensuring cross-browser compatibility.

These resources and tools can help you cover various aspects of testing, from unit tests to end-to-end tests, depending on your project's needs and the technologies you are using. Be sure to explore them further to choose the one that best fits your requirements.

## 6. Styling

When it comes to styling in web development, there are several popular tools and libraries to choose from. Here are three notable options:

### 1. **Tailwind CSS**

- **Website:** [Tailwind CSS](https://tailwindcss.com/)

Tailwind CSS is a utility-first CSS framework that provides a set of pre-built, atomic CSS classes to style your web applications. It's designed to help you quickly create responsive and highly customizable designs by composing utility classes in your HTML. Tailwind CSS is known for its flexibility and is an excellent choice for developers who want a utility-driven approach to styling.

### 2. **Styled Components**

- **Website:** [Styled Components](https://styled-components.com/)

Styled Components is a CSS-in-JS library for styling React components. It allows you to write CSS directly in your JavaScript files by defining styled components using tagged template literals. This approach enables you to encapsulate styles within your components, making it easier to manage and maintain your CSS. Styled Components is particularly popular in the React ecosystem.

### 3. **Emotion**

- **Documentation:** [Emotion](https://emotion.sh/docs/introduction)

Emotion is another CSS-in-JS library with a focus on performance and flexibility. It provides various ways to define and apply styles to your React components, including both string and object styles. Emotion is known for its predictability and suitability for writing different CSS styles using JavaScript. It offers a framework-agnostic approach, making it adaptable for various JavaScript frameworks.

Each of these tools has its own strengths and is suitable for different use cases. Tailwind CSS excels in rapid UI development with utility classes. Styled Components and Emotion are ideal for component-level styling in React applications. Your choice will depend on your project requirements and personal preferences.

## 7. UI Component Library

UI component libraries for building user interfaces in 2023 & which will be continue in 2024.

### 1. **Material-UI**

- **Website:** [Material-UI](https://mui.com/)

Material-UI is a popular and well-maintained React UI framework. It's based on Google's Material Design guidelines and offers a wide range of components to create modern and visually appealing user interfaces.

### 2. **Mantine**

- **Website:** [Mantine](https://mantine.dev/)

Mantine is a modern React component library with a focus on providing high-quality components and hooks. It offers a variety of UI elements and tools to streamline your development process.

### 3. **Ant Design**

- **Website:** [Ant Design](https://ant.design/)

Ant Design is a comprehensive design system and component library for building enterprise-level React applications. It's known for its rich set of components and design philosophy that emphasizes natural and clear design.

### 4. **Chakra UI**

- **Website:** [Chakra UI](https://chakra-ui.com/)

Chakra UI is a popular choice for creating accessible and highly customizable user interfaces in React. It offers a set of composable components and a style props system for flexible styling.

### 5. **Headless UI (Tailwind CSS Framework)**

- **Website:** [Headless UI](https://headlessui.com/)

Headless UI is a set of fully accessible, unstyled UI components designed to work seamlessly with Tailwind CSS. It allows you to build accessible interfaces while retaining full control over styling.

### 6. **DaisyUI (Tailwind CSS Framework)**

- **Website:** [DaisyUI](https://daisyui.com/)

DaisyUI is an extension for Tailwind CSS that brings additional components and utilities to enhance your development experience. It's especially useful if you're already using Tailwind CSS.

### 7.**Shadcn UI (Tailwind CSS Framework)**

- **Website:** [Shadcn UI](https://ui.shadcn.com/)

Shadcn UI is another Tailwind CSS-based UI component library that provides a range of components and utilities for building web applications quickly and efficiently.

These libraries offer a variety of components and tools to help you create responsive and visually appealing user interfaces in your React applications. The choice of library depends on your project's requirements and your personal preferences.

## 8. Animation

If you're interested in animation libraries for React, two popular choices are:

1. **React Spring** - You can find more information and documentation for React Spring on their official website at [react-spring.dev](https://www.react-spring.dev/). React Spring is a feature-rich animation library that leverages physics-based animations to create smooth and interactive animations in React.
2. **Framer Motion** - Another excellent option is Framer Motion, and you can explore it further at [framer.com/motion](https://www.framer.com/motion/). Framer Motion is known for being a feature-packed animation library designed for React. It provides flexibility and is well-suited for creating smooth and fluid animations in React applications.

Both libraries have their strengths, and the choice between them may depend on your specific project requirements and personal preferences. React Spring offers physics-based animations and a rich feature set, while Framer Motion is known for its ease of use and flexibility. It's a good idea to explore both and see which one aligns better with your animation needs.

Feel free to refer to their respective websites for detailed documentation and examples to make an informed choice.

## 9. Data Visualization

When it comes to data visualization in React, there are several libraries that can help you create interactive and informative charts and graphs. Here are three popular options:

1. **Victory** - You can explore the documentation for Victory at [formidable.com/open-source/victory/docs](https://formidable.com/open-source/victory/docs)
Victory is a powerful data visualization library for React that offers a wide range of chart types and customization options. It's designed to make it easy to create visually appealing and interactive data visualizations.
2. **React Chartjs 2** - Visit [react-chartjs-2.js.org](https://react-chartjs-2.js.org/) for more information. React Chartjs 2 is a React wrapper for Chart.js, a popular JavaScript charting library. It provides an easy way to integrate Chart.js into your React applications, allowing you to create a variety of charts and graphs with the underlying features of Chart.js.
3. **Recharts** - For details on Recharts, you can refer to [recharts.org/en-US/](https://recharts.org/en-US/). Recharts is a composable charting library built with React. It offers a simple and flexible API to create various types of charts and is well-suited for adding data visualization to your React projects.

Each of these libraries has its own set of features and benefits, so the choice will depend on your specific project requirements and personal preferences. You can visit their respective documentation to learn more and get started with data visualization in React.

## 10. Table

If you're looking for information about tables in React, you can explore the TanStack Table documentation for version 8 at [tanstack.com/table/v8](https://tanstack.com/table/v8). TanStack Table is a headless UI library that allows you to build powerful tables and datagrids in various frameworks like TS/JS, React, Vue, Solid, and Svelte while retaining control over markup and styles. The documentation will provide you with detailed information on how to use and configure tables with TanStack Table, including options and API properties.

Whether you're working with TypeScript or JavaScript and using one of the supported frameworks, TanStack Table v8 offers a flexible solution for creating tables and datagrids in your web applications. The documentation will guide you through the process and help you make the most of this library for your specific needs.

## 11. Internationalization (i18n)

When it comes to internationalization (i18n) in React applications, there are several libraries and tools available to help you manage translations and localization. Two prominent options for i18n in React are:

1. **i18next** - You can find documentation and resources for using i18next at [react.i18next.com](https://react.i18next.com/). i18next is a popular internationalization framework for JavaScript, including React. It provides a comprehensive solution for handling translations, formatting, and more.
2. **React-Intl (Format.js)** - The documentation for React-Intl, which is part of the Format.js project, can be found at [formatjs.io/docs/react-intl](https://formatjs.io/docs/react-intl). React-Intl is a library that offers tools for formatting and handling internationalized text in React applications.

Both of these libraries have active communities, extensive documentation, and are widely used in the React ecosystem. You can explore these resources to determine which one best suits your needs for internationalizing your React application.

## 12. DevTools

DevTools are essential for debugging and improving the development workflow of web applications. Here are some popular DevTools for React and related libraries:

1. **React Developer Tools** - This tool is available as a Chrome extension. It allows you to inspect the React component hierarchy, view the state and props of components, and even make changes to the component's state for testing. You can install it from the [Chrome Web Store](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/react-developer-tools/fmkadmapgofadopljbjfkapdkoienihi).
2. **Redux DevTools** - Redux DevTools is another Chrome extension that enhances your Redux development workflow. It provides insights into your Redux store, allowing you to inspect actions and state changes, rewind and replay actions, and more. You can install it from the [Chrome Web Store](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/redux-devtools/lmhkpmbekcpmknklioeibfkpmmfibljd).
3. **Testing Playground** - Testing Playground is a Chrome extension that simplifies the testing of React components. It provides a visual environment for experimenting with components and their props. You can find it on the [Chrome Web Store](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/testing-playground/hejbmebodbijjdhflfknehhcgaklhano).
4. **React Hook Form DevTools** - For those using React Hook Form, there are DevTools available to assist in debugging form behavior. You can access them on the [React Hook Form website](https://www.react-hook-form.com/dev-tools/).
5. **TanStack Query DevTools** - TanStack Query is a data-fetching library for React, and it offers DevTools for debugging and inspecting queries and mutations. You can refer to the [official documentation](https://tanstack.com/query/v4/docs/react/devtools) for more information.

These DevTools help developers streamline the development and debugging process, making it easier to build and maintain web applications.

## 13. Documentation

Documentation is crucial for any software project. Here are two popular tools used for creating documentation:

1. **Docusaurus** - Docusaurus is a widely adopted tool for building documentation websites. It is an open-source framework that provides a clean and user-friendly interface for creating and maintaining documentation. Docusaurus is highly customizable and used by many projects and organizations to create documentation sites. You can learn more and get started with Docusaurus on their [official website](https://docusaurus.io/).
2. **Nextra** - Nextra is another option for creating documentation sites. While it might not be as well-known as Docusaurus, Nextra offers a modern and minimalist approach to building documentation. It is designed to be lightweight and user-friendly, making it a good choice for those who prefer a simple and clean documentation style. You can explore more about Nextra on their [official website](https://nextra.site/).

Both Docusaurus and Nextra have their strengths, and the choice between them depends on your specific needs and preferences. You can visit their respective websites to learn more, access documentation, and determine which one best suits your project.

## 14. Component Dev Env

A component development environment (Dev Env) is crucial for building and testing UI components effectively. One of the widely used tools for creating a Dev Env for UI components is [Storybook](https://storybook.js.org/).

Storybook is an industry-standard component explorer that allows developers to develop UI components in isolation. It's particularly valuable when working on design systems or component libraries. Here's how Storybook helps in creating a Dev Env for UI components:

1. **Catalog UI Components**: Storybook provides a dedicated environment for cataloging and displaying UI components. Developers can see how each component looks and behaves in isolation.
2. **Save Component Variations as Stories**: In Storybook, developers can create "stories" for each component. These stories represent different variations or use cases of a component. It's an excellent way to document and showcase component behavior.
3. **Developer Experience Tooling**: Storybook offers a range of developer experience tools, including Hot Module Reloading, to streamline the component development process.

By using Storybook, you can efficiently develop, test, and document UI components. It's especially useful when working on design systems as it allows you to focus on individual components and their interactions. You can learn more and get started with Storybook on their [official website](https://storybook.js.org/).

It's a versatile tool that can be customized to suit your project's specific needs, making it a valuable asset for component development environments.

## 15. Type Checking

TypeScript is a programming language developed by Microsoft that extends JavaScript by adding static types. It offers comprehensive type checking and a robust type system to catch errors during development and improve code quality. Here are some key aspects of type checking in TypeScript:

1. **Static Type System**: TypeScript introduces a static type system, which means that types are checked at compile time. This helps identify type-related errors before the code is executed.
2. **Type Annotations**: Developers can specify the types of variables, function parameters, and return values using type annotations. This provides clarity and ensures that variables are used consistently.
3. **Inference**: TypeScript can infer types based on the value assigned to a variable. This reduces the need for explicit type annotations and improves code conciseness.
4. **Type Declarations**: TypeScript supports the declaration of custom types, such as interfaces and enums, to define the shape of data structures and enhance code maintainability.
5. **Type Compatibility**: TypeScript has a system for checking type compatibility, which ensures that you can't assign incompatible types to variables. This helps prevent common runtime errors.
6. **Type Checking JavaScript Files**: TypeScript can also check JavaScript files, allowing you to gradually introduce TypeScript into existing JavaScript projects.

By incorporating TypeScript into your development workflow, you can benefit from these type checking features to catch errors early, enhance code maintainability, and improve the overall quality of your code. You can learn more about TypeScript and its type checking capabilities on the [official TypeScript website](https://www.typescriptlang.org/).

## 16. Mobile Apps

If you're looking to develop mobile apps, particularly for Android and iOS, React Native is a valuable framework to consider. React Native is an open-source framework that allows you to build mobile applications using JavaScript and React. Here's why React Native is a popular choice for mobile app development:

1. **Cross-Platform Development**: React Native enables you to develop apps for both Android and iOS using a single codebase. This approach can significantly reduce development time and effort.
2. **Reusable Components**: You can create reusable UI components that work across platforms, helping you maintain a consistent look and feel in your app.
3. **Hot Reloading**: React Native supports hot reloading, which means you can instantly see the results of your code changes without recompiling the entire app. This speeds up development.
4. **Large Community**: React Native has a large and active community, which means you can find a wealth of resources, libraries, and solutions to common problems.
5. **Native Performance**: React Native apps have near-native performance because they render using native components. This ensures a smooth user experience.
6. **Cost-Effective**: By sharing a codebase between Android and iOS, you can reduce development costs.

To get started with React Native, you can visit the official website [React Native](https://reactnative.dev/) for comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and resources. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, React Native is a powerful choice for mobile app development.

## 17. Awesome Libraries for React Developers

It's great to see you're interested in awesome libraries for React developers. Here are some highly useful libraries for various functionalities in React development:

### 1. **DND Kit for Drag & Drop Functionality**

- Website: [DND Kit](https://dndkit.com/)

DND Kit is a powerful library for adding drag-and-drop functionality to your React applications. It provides an easy and customizable way to implement drag-and-drop features for reordering, rearranging, or organizing elements in your user interface.

### 2. **React Dropzone for File Upload**

- Website: [React Dropzone](https://react-dropzone.js.org/)

React Dropzone is a popular library for handling file uploads in React applications. It offers a user-friendly and highly customizable dropzone component that simplifies the process of uploading files, making it a valuable addition to any project that requires file uploads.

### 3. **Firebase for Authentication**

- Website: [Firebase](https://firebase.google.com/)

Firebase, by Google, is a comprehensive platform for building web and mobile applications. It offers a wide range of services, including user authentication. With Firebase Authentication, you can easily add secure user sign-up and sign-in features to your React applications.

### 4. **Supabase for Authentication**

- Website: [Supabase](https://supabase.com/)

Supabase is an open-source alternative to Firebase, offering a suite of services for building applications, including authentication. It provides user authentication features that can be seamlessly integrated into your React projects.

These libraries cover essential aspects of React development, including drag-and-drop functionality, file uploads, and user authentication. Depending on your project's requirements, you can leverage these libraries to enhance your React applications.



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