5 Main Features of React JS That Developers Must Know
Tags: react, javascript, webdev, coding
Published: 2023-10-05 11:05:44


![Image from [Subhampreet Mohanty](https://dev.to/subhampreet) on [dev.to](https://dev.to/spectrumcetb/beginner-s-guide-to-react-js-15lm)](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/3200/0*y6IcBe5J1AdALzXw.png)

In the ever-evolving field of web development, it is essential to be ahead of the crowd. With rising user expectations and constantly advancing technology, developers need tools that empower them to create dynamic and responsive user interfaces effectively. Here is where React JS comes in.

What is React JS? React JS, or React, is an open-source JavaScript library developed and maintained by Facebook. It was designed with a singular purpose - to build user interfaces (UIs) that are both efficient and easy to develop and maintain.

In this article, we explore five main features of React JS that underpin its popularity and effectiveness and make it the most popular JavaScript library. Whether you’re a seasoned developer looking to expand your toolkit or someone just stepping into the field of front-end development, understanding what React brings to the table is pivotal.
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## Table of Contents

* Virtual DOM

* JSX

* Component-Based Structure

* One-way Data Binding

* Performance and Simplicity
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## 1. Virtual DOM

The [Document Object Model](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Document_Object_Model) (DOM) is like a structured map of a web page. It is the interface in programming that allows programs (like web browsers) to understand, access, and update the content, structure, and style of a webpage. The Virtual DOM is the representation of the real DOM. When there are changes or modifications to the web app, the Virtual DOM is updated and checked for differences from the real DOM. If there are any, the DOM will update only the part that has changed, while leaving the unchanged part the same. This makes React very fast.

![Image by [Swarnali Roy](https://dev.to/swarnaliroy94) on [dev.to](https://dev.to/swarnaliroy94/introduction-to-react-real-dom-virtual-dom-363)](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/2000/0*DR4xwUAzPllrzpEU.png)
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## 2. JSX

JSX is JavaScript Syntax Extension, or JavaScript XML. It is a syntax that allows the combination of HTML and JavaScript in coding. It enables developers to use HTML in JavaScript easily. It helps to convert HTML tags to elements in React. It is optional but very popular with developers. It is named with the extension .jsx. Below is an example of JSX syntax.

```JavaScript
  const HeroSection = () => {
    const a = 25;
    const b = 75;

    return (
      <div>
        <h1>{ a + b }</h1>
      </div>
    );
  }
```
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## 3. Component-Based Structure

React is built on the logic of components. It is all about components. React allows developers to split the User Interface (UI) into independent and reusable components. These components are like building blocks that can be assembled to create complex user interfaces. This promotes code reusability and maintainability. Components always start with capital letters.

![Component-based architecture. From J[avatpoint](https://www.javatpoint.com/react-components)](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/2000/0*M31Ts-6hqA4XnIwi.png)
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## 4. One-way Data Binding

React logic flows in one direction. That’s how it was designed. This is called one-way data binding. The data flows from top to bottom only, i.e., from the parent elements to the child elements. Having data flow in one direction gives better control and increases efficiency because data is constrained in only one direction. This makes it easier to understand how data changes propagate through the application, making debugging and maintenance more straightforward.

![One-way data binding. Image by Ravindra Savaram on [Mindmagix](https://mindmajix.com/introduction-to-react-js)](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/2000/0*TuXsnFjm3Cb8Xkjl.png)
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## 5. Extensions

React supports server-side rendering and mobile app development. React uses extensions to aid application building, such as Redux, Flux, and React Native, and others. React Native makes it possible for React to be used in mobile app development. With React Native, you can use React concepts and components to build native mobile applications for iOS and Android platforms, sharing a significant amount of code between platforms.

These features are some of the key reasons why React.js is widely used in modern web development for creating dynamic and interactive user interfaces. Understanding how these features work will make a React developer stand out and have access to better opportunities.