React.js for Web Development
Tags: webdev, javascript, react
Published: 2023-02-02 01:34:19

by [Goodness Woke](https://blog.openreplay.com/authors/goodness-woke)


Front-end frameworks and libraries are crucial to the process of creating a website. Therefore, libraries have become essential for creating high-performing responsive web pages and web-based apps. One such front-end web development tool for programmers is React.js, which is utilized by about [10.2 million websites](https://trends.builtwith.com/javascript/React) globally.

Because of how quickly the digital world is developing, new libraries are released every year. Choosing the library or framework to utilize for a project can be complex. In this article, we'll go through in-depth which projects your business needs to use React for when it shouldn't be used and other essential information.

We will discuss one such front-end web development tool in this article called React.

## What is React?

A JavaScript package called [React](https://reactjs.org/) is used to create user interfaces. It is made to make it simple for programmers to construct interactive, reusable components that can be applied to various applications. When the underlying data changes, React updates the user interface automatically. It was developed by [Jordan Walke](https://twitter.com/jordwalke) in 2011, enabling developers to describe the structure of their user interfaces declaratively. This makes it simple for developers to construct user interfaces that are quick to use, effective, and simple to update. React is frequently combined with additional libraries or frameworks such as [Redux](https://redux.js.org/) or [React Native](https://reactnative.dev/) to build sophisticated and potent applications.

Since its debut in 2013, React has had a significant impact on the web development sector. It is a well-known [JavaScript](https://www.w3schools.com/js/) library for creating user interfaces that many significant businesses use to create their online apps. 

React makes it simple for developers to construct [reusable components](https://proceedings.esri.com/library/userconf/proc98/PROCEED/TO600/PAP557/P557.HTM), which can increase the effectiveness and maintainability of their code, is one of its fundamental advantages. 

Additionally, [React's virtual DOM (Document Object Model)](https://reactjs.org/docs/faq-internals.html) implementation enhances the performance of online applications by quickly generating and updating the user interface. 
Overall, React has improved the productivity and accessibility of web development for a broader spectrum of developers.

## Companies that use React

React is a popular tool used by many businesses when developing websites. 
Here are a few businesses that employ React, along with information on how they use it:

- Facebook: [Facebook](https://web.facebook.com/campaign/landing.php?campaign_id=1652975230&extra_1=s%7Cc%7C356471848489%7Ce%7Cfacebook%27%7C&placement&creative=356471848489&keyword=facebook%27&partner_id=googlesem&extra_2=campaignid%3D1652975230%26adgroupid%3D71931260548%26matchtype%3De%26network%3Dg%26source%3Dnotmobile%26search_or_content%3Ds%26device%3Dc%26devicemodel%3D%26adposition%3D%26target%3D%26targetid%3Dkwd-362360550869%26loc_physical_ms%3D1010297%26loc_interest_ms%3D%26feeditemid%3D%26param1%3D%26param2%3D&gclid=CjwKCAiAs8acBhA1EiwAgRFdwyiuYsnPtPCTUcOvI99zYZIwUVzvyUtx4kpDBYZpftPIQSyoleQ41xoCAnAQAvD_BwE&_rdc=1&_rdr) is one of the most significant React users and was responsible for developing and making the library open-source in 2013. The front-end user interface (UI) for Facebook's essential products, including the Facebook website and mobile app, and its additional products, like [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/) and [WhatsApp](https://www.whatsapp.com/), is built using React. 
- [Netflix](https://www.netflix.com/browse): The front-end user interfaces for Netflix's streaming platform, which gives customers access to hundreds of TV series and movies, are created using React. Netflix can create a quick and responsive user interface with React that lets consumers explore and search for content and manage their preferences and settings.
- [Airbnb](https://www.airbnb.com/): To create the front-end user interface for its online marketplace that matches visitors with hosts who have rooms to rent, Airbnb employs React. With the aid of React, Airbnb can create a user-friendly and engaging user interface (UI) that makes it simple for visitors to look for and book lodgings and maintain their bookings and preferences.
- [Dropbox](https://www.dropbox.com/home): The frontend user interface for Dropbox's cloud storage, and collaboration platform is built using React. Dropbox uses React to provide an intuitive and effective user interface (UI) that lets users manage their files and folders and share and interact with others.
- [Uber](https://auth.uber.com/v2/?breeze_local_zone=dca11&next_url=https%3A%2F%2Fm.uber.com%2F&state=ZaKAoUOuwdZeUEHR5z2vtzKbcvUigkboBwY14vL5-WA%3D): To create the front-end user interface for its ride-hailing business, which links passengers with drivers, Uber employs React. Uber can make a quick and responsive user interface with React that lets riders quickly book, manage rides, and view and contain their account information.

## What is React used for?

These are a few typical applications for React in web development:

- React creates reusable UI components that may be applied to numerous applications or projects.
- It's used in building intricate and interactive user interfaces, including [dynamic menus](https://www.lightningdesignsystem.com/components/dynamic-menu/), [forms](https://reactjs.org/docs/forms.html), and [lists](https://reactjs.org/docs/lists-and-keys.html).
- Also, constructing SPAs (single-page apps) that load quickly and offer a satisfying user experience.
- Creating full web apps by integrating with other programs and libraries, such as Redux and [React Router](https://reactrouter.com/en/main/start/overview).
- Putting sophisticated technologies to enhance performance and scalability into practice, like [server-side rendering](https://www.educative.io/answers/what-is-server-side-rendering) and [code splitting](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Glossary/Code_splitting#:~:text=Code%20splitting%20is%20the%20splitting,included%20third%2Dparty%20libraries%20increases.).
- Creating apps for the web, mobile devices, and other platforms using the React ecosystem, which includes tools like [Create React App](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Glossary/Code_splitting#:~:text=Code%20splitting%20is%20the%20splitting,included%20third%2Dparty%20libraries%20increases.) and React Native. 


## Benefits of using React

Using React for web development has several advantages, including:

- Learning Curve: React is far more user-friendly than [Vue.js](https://vuejs.org/), [Angular.js](https://angularjs.org/), or [Ember.js](https://emberjs.com/) when you compare JavaScript frameworks. One of the numerous advantages of utilizing React.js and sticking with this framework for your project is that it has a manageable learning curve. Adhering to this option is an excellent method to maintain your project in the long run because it is flexible, simple to learn, and has strong community support.
- Testing Capabilities: React.js's ability to test applications by maintaining testable code is just one of its numerous advantages for creating mobile applications. In simpler terms, developers can assess the app's usability across various devices by keeping the ability to test it. To carry out appropriate testing within your development team, [data monitoring](https://www.edq.com/glossary/data-monitoring/) and speedy debugging are effective methods in app development.
- React.js being Declarative: It's still critical to understand the complexities of coding, even if your goal is to evaluate the business advantages of React.js for application development. The fact that React.js' Document Object Model (DOM) is declarative is one of its most significant benefits. Declarative programming is a feature of React that makes it simple to comprehend and apply. Declarative programming is a feature of React that makes it simple to comprehend and apply. To put it another way, the UI is modified when programmers interact with the DOM. The declarative approach is used, so the code is typically simpler to read and comprehend. As a result, it facilitates teamwork and collaboration on the application project.
- Diverse Development Toolset: Are you curious about React.js's additional benefits for app development? A comprehensive development toolset best illustrates how you use React.js to its fullest extent. You may streamline the workload processes for your developers by giving them a robust toolset. This advantage is immensely potent compared to other JavaScript frameworks like Ember.js or Vue.js. Therefore, pay attention to the development toolset and the other benefits of adopting React.js in your app development.
- SEO-Friendly: Recently, factors like your web application's speed have grown more critical. Using lightweight frameworks is advised as Google's Web Core Vitals gain importance for search engine exposure. React.js can ensure the render is completed much more quickly than other frameworks, guaranteeing it functions at breakneck speed and lowering loading times. Although this parameter seems insignificant, it is essential for your app's SEO friendliness.
- Increased Development Productivity: As another illustration of the various benefits of adopting React.js for application development, see [Virtual DOM](https://www.knowledgehut.com/blog/web-development/react-virtual-dom). When working on the application, you can eliminate the laborious foundation operations and leave only the necessary ones. These choices ultimately result in a more focused work scope while also increasing the output of your development team. Remember how I said to start with the most crucial things? When that happens, React.js reaches its full potential.
- Performance: React updates the UI effectively and quickly using a [virtual DOM (document object model)](https://www.knowledgehut.com/blog/web-development/react-virtual-dom), which leads to faster and smoother performance.
- Strong community: It also has a sizable and vibrant community with a wealth of tools and resources to assist developers in getting started and learning more.
- Scalability: React may be used to create applications of any size or complexity since it is both scalable and versatile. Additionally, it is simple to link with other tools and frameworks, enabling developers to create complicated apps with plenty of features.
- Reusable components may be readily shared and used in numerous projects thanks to React, which enables developers to construct them. This promotes consistency throughout an application or ecosystem while reducing development time.
- Maintainability: React developers may create modular, maintainable code that is simple to refactor and upgrade over time. As a result, maintaining and developing an application over time is more accessible and less expensive.


## When does a web development project need React.js? (Use cases for React)

React may be necessary for a web development project if it calls for creating intricate and interactive user interfaces or if it must be scalable and maintainable over time. In addition, react is frequently used in projects where the creation of reusable components is required, as well as in projects where it needs to interface with other tools and frameworks to build a whole web application.

It is also suitable for applications that call for quick performance and effective UI modifications. It is ideal for developing SPAs and other apps that must load quickly and offer a positive user experience due to its virtual DOM and declarative development approach.

In the end, the choice to use React in a web development project will depend on the project's particular requirements and objectives, as well as the preferences and expertise of the development team.

### Front-end UI that requires high user interaction

React can be advantageous for front-end user interfaces that demand a lot of user involvement. This is so you can create complex and interactive user interfaces quickly and easily with React. Furthermore, developing dynamic and responsive UI elements, such as lists, menus, and forms, is straightforward because of its reusable components and declarative programming style.

Consider a web application that enables users to browse and search across a sizable product inventory. Creating a front-end user interface (UI) that allows users to filter and sort the products by different factors, such as price, rating, and color, the application might use React. To help consumers quickly identify the products they're looking for, the user interface (UI) could incorporate various interactive features, such as dropdown menus, checkboxes, and sliders.

The development team could produce a high-quality user experience that is effective and simple to maintain by using React for this project. 
Its reusable components and modular code structure would make it simple to add new features and make modifications in the future. At the same time, the virtual DOM and effective rendering guarantee that the UI operates effectively and offers a positive user experience.

Here is an example of a front-end UI that requires high user interaction, implemented using React.js:
```javascript
import React, { useState } from 'react';

const InteractiveUI = (props) => {
  const [value, setValue] = useState('');

  const handleChange = (event) => {
    setValue(event.target.value);
  }

  const handleSubmit = (event) => {
    event.preventDefault();
    // Perform some action with the form data here
  }

  return (
    <form onSubmit={handleSubmit}>
      <label>
        Enter some text:
        <input type="text" value={value} onChange={handleChange} />
      </label>
      <button type="submit">Submit</button>
    </form>
  );
}

export default InteractiveUI;
```

This example shows a simple form with a text input field and a submit button. The form uses React's `useState`  hook to manage the value of the input field and the `handleChange` and `handleSubmit` event handlers to handle user interactions.

### Responsive pages

Creating quick and responsive pages is one potential application for React in web development. 
This is so React.js can update the UI quickly and keep it in sync with the underlying data. React does this by using [virtual DOM](https://www.knowledgehut.com/blog/web-development/react-virtual-dom). 

This can prevent websites from going offline, especially in applications with intricate or dynamic user interfaces. For instance, a web application that enables users to manage and change a sizable dataset. Users of the program would be able to view, modify, and remove data records in real time using a front-end user interface built using React. Tables, forms, and modals are a few interactive components that the user interface (UI) could incorporate to let users quickly and easily manage the data.

The development team may design a quick and responsive user experience using React for this project. React's virtual DOM would ensure that the user interface and the underlying data are always in sync, keeping the website from becoming slow or unusable as the dataset expands or changes. This would make providing a quick and effective user experience more effortless, which is crucial for programs that handle a lot of data.

Here is an example of how React.js could be used to improve the performance of an unresponsive page:
```javascript
import { useEffect, useState } from 'react';

const SlowPage = (props) => {
  const [data, setData] = useState([]);

  useEffect(() => {
    // Fetch large dataset from server
    fetch('/api/large-dataset')
      .then((response) => response.json())
      .then((data) => {
        setData(data);
      });
  }, []);

  return (
    <div>
      {data.map((item) => (
        <div key={item.id}>{item.name}</div>
      ))}
    </div>
  );
}

export default SlowPage;
```

This code is a functional React component called "SlowPage". It uses the `useEffect` and `useState` hooks to fetch a large dataset from a server when the component is first rendered (when it "mounts"). The `useEffect` hook is used to run the code inside it when the component is mounted, and the empty array `[]` passed as the second argument to `useEffect` ensures that the effect is only run once when the component is first rendered.

Using React.js to manage the rendering of the data in this way can help improve the page's performance, as the virtual DOM system will only re-render the parts of the UI that have changed when the data is updated. This can help to avoid unnecessary re-renders of the entire page, which can cause it to become unresponsive.


### Is your codebase going out of hand?

Maintaining a sizable and complex codebase is another potential application for React in web development. This is so that code can be readily refactored and modified over time. React is made to make it simple to develop modular, maintainable code. This is particularly helpful for codebases that are expanding quickly or becoming challenging to manage.

Consider a web application that has a sizable codebase and has been in development for a while. React might be used to reorganize and modularize the application's codebase, making it simpler to comprehend and maintain. The development team could divide the codebase into smaller, more manageable portions using React's reusable components and declarative programming approach, which can be quickly refactored and updated as necessary.

The development team could keep the codebase tidy and manageable even as it grew and changed over time if they used React for this kind of project. [React's modular code structure](https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/how-to-modularize-code-in-reactjs/#:~:text=Modularized%20code%20is%20divided%20into,each%20component%20into%20different%20files.) and reusable components make the codebase simple to comprehend and work with, which lowers the cost and effort of upkeep and application development. This would make it easier to maintain the codebase's effectiveness and efficiency as the application expands and changes.

Here is an example of how React.js could be used to improve the organization and scalability of a codebase that is becoming difficult to manage:
```javascript
import React from 'react';

const App = () => {
  return (
    <div>
      <Header />
      <Sidebar />
      <MainContent />
      <Footer />
    </div>
  );
}

const Header = () => {
  return (
    <header>
      <h1>My App</h1>
    </header>
  );
}

const Sidebar = () => {
  return (
    <nav>
      <ul>
        <li>Home</li>
        <li>About</li>
        <li>Contact</li>
      </ul>
    </nav>
  );
}

const MainContent = () => {
  return (
    <main>
      {/* Main content goes here */}
    </main>
  );
}

const Footer = () => {
  return (
    <footer>
      Copyright 2021
    </footer>
  );
}

export default App;
```

In this example, the codebase is organized into a hierarchy of components, with the top-level `App` component rendering the header, sidebar, main content, and footer as separate components. Each child component is responsible for rendering a specific part of the UI. This helps to break up the code into smaller, more manageable pieces, making it easier to understand and maintain.

Using React.js to structure the code in this way can also make it easier to scale the codebase as the app grows. For example, the main content section of the app needs to be divided into multiple sub-sections. Each sub-section can be implemented as a separate component rendered within the `MainContent` component. This helps to keep the code organized and maintainable even as the app becomes more complex.

### Developers prefer it

When the development team favors using React, it presents another potential application in web development. This is because [React is a well-liked and widely-utilized JavaScript toolkit](https://2021.stateofjs.com/en-US/libraries/front-end-frameworks) for creating user interfaces, with a sizable and active developer community, as well as a variety of tools and resources available. As a result, React is well-known among developers, and they may prefer to employ it for their projects.

For example, a web development team beginning a new project, has a variety of technologies as options. React may be chosen by the team because they are comfortable with it and have used it successfully in the past. The team might also appreciate React's advantages, such as its performance, reusable components, and ease of use, making them feel like it's a better option for the project.

Using React in this situation would allow the development team to take advantage of their knowledge and experience with the library and the assets and tools already in the React ecosystem. As a result, the project would be constructed using high-quality, maintainable code, hastening development. Additionally, it would allow the team to exploit React's advantages, such as its effective rendering, to build a quick and user-friendly online application.

### DOM Management

Managing the DOM is one possible application for React in web development (document object model). This is so React.js can update the UI quickly and keep it in sync with the underlying data. React does this by using a virtual DOM. This is particularly helpful for applications with intricate or dynamic user interfaces because [manually handling the DOM can be time-consuming and error-prone](https://ericnormand.me/article/what-is-react).

Consider a web application that uses a table to present a sizable dataset. The application might use React to control the DOM and guarantee that the table is always accurate and current. Without the developer having to update the DOM explicitly, the React virtual DOM would automatically update the table anytime the underlying data changed. This would ensure that the UI is always in sync with the data and that the user sees the most up-to-date information.

The development team could concentrate on the functionality and business logic of the application by using React for this kind of project instead of worrying about manually updating the DOM. React's virtual DOM will efficiently and accurately manage the UI update details, freeing the developers to concentrate on creating the application's primary functionality. This would enhance the application's functionality, maintainability, and user experience.

Here is an example of how React.js can be used to manage the DOM in a web development project:

```javascript
import React, { useState } from 'react';
import ReactDOM from 'react-dom';

function MyApp() {
  const [value, setValue] = useState('');

  const handleChange = (event) => {
    setValue(event.target.value);
  }

  return (
    <form>
      <label>
        Enter some text:
        <input type="text" value={value} onChange={handleChange} />
      </label>
    </form>
  );
}

ReactDOM.render(<MyApp />, document.getElementById('root'));
```

The code imports `React` and `ReactDOM` from the `react` package and `useState` from React. The `MyApp` component is a functional component that uses the `useState` hook to manage the `value` state. `useState` returns an array with two elements: the current state and a setter function to update it. 

Inside the component, a `handleChange` function is defined to update the `value` state when the input value changes. This function is passed as a prop to the `onChange` attribute of the input element. The component returns a JSX form element with a label and an input element. The input element's `value` and `onChange` props are set to the `value` state and the `handleChange` function, respectively. The last line of the code uses ReactDOM.render to render the component to the `root` element of the page.

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## Web development projects where you shouldn't use React.js

There may be some web development projects where using React may not be the best choice. Here are a few examples:

### Complex admin panels

React is a strong and adaptable toolkit that can be used to create various applications, but there might be better options for projects that call for intricate admin panels. This is so because React is made to develop user interfaces, not implement sophisticated server-side logic or handle large amounts of data.

For instance, a web application must provide a sophisticated admin interface for controlling a sizable and dynamic dataset. The admin panel's front-end user interface (UI) could be built using React. Still, other programs and libraries would need to handle the server-side functionality and data management. With numerous technologies and frameworks interacting, this could lead to a complex and challenging-to-maintain codebase. Using React for the admin interface is not the most excellent option. 

A more specialized framework or platform, like a [server-side MVC framework](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Learn/Server-side/First_steps/Web_frameworks), may be more appropriate to handle the intricate data management and server-side logic required by the application. 

This would make it easier to guarantee that the codebase is efficient and maintainable and that the admin panel has the functionality and performance that the project requires.

### Simple projects

The best option for simple projects might be something other than React. This is because it includes a sizable and intricate ecosystem of tools and libraries, which could be excessive for straightforward applications.

For example, a web development job involves creating a simple landing page or marketing website. The front-end UI might be built using React. However, this might necessitate the development team getting familiar with and using various tools and technologies, such as [JSX](https://reactjs.org/docs/introducing-jsx.html), [Babel](https://babeljs.io/), and [Webpack](https://webpack.js.org/). This can lead to an unnecessarily big and complex codebase that would take more time and work to create and maintain.

There may be better options than React for a straightforward project. For the project's needs, a lighter-weight library or frameworks like [Bootstrap](https://getbootstrap.com/) or [Bulma](https://bulma.io/) could be more appropriate. With no need to learn and utilize complicated tools and libraries, the development team would be able to design the front-end UI rapidly. Additionally, it would lead to a smaller, more manageable codebase that would be simpler to update and develop over time.

### Lack of Knowledge and experience from your developers

Developers unfamiliar or inexperienced with React may find it challenging to use it effectively and efficiently.

Consider a web development project where creating a complex and engaging user interface is necessary. The front-end UI could be built using React. Still, if the developer has little familiarity or expertise, they might find it challenging to grasp and efficiently utilize its capabilities and tools. This could lead to a less-than-ideal user interface that requires more time and effort to design and maintain and needs better performance or usability.

The developer should consider their expertise and library experience in addition to the project's requirements and objectives.
It would be in his best interest to invest in training or resources to learn React before starting the project. This would ensure that the project is built with high-quality and maintainable code and provides the functionality and performance required by the project.

## Conclusion

This article has outlined why React is a top pick for many developers. React.js has established itself as a productive, organized, and performative library with several benefits. 

The library offers a stable environment and includes capabilities like virtual DOM, reusable components, [one-way data binding](https://www.telerik.com/blogs/how-to-bind-any-component-data-react-one-way-binding), [Hooks](https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/react-hooks-fundamentals/), and JSX.

React, created in 2011, is still highly recommended for web development because it is still very relevant today. You can check out the many libraries and packages that work with React [here](https://www.simform.com/blog/react-libraries/).




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