What is React and Why is it Needed?
React is a JavaScript library for creating fast and interactive user interfaces (UI). It helps developers build modern web and mobile applications.
Why React?
- Speeds up interface development Instead of creating entire application manually, can break it into small independent parts — components.
- Improves performance React uses virtual DOM — a fast way to work with interface without unnecessary page updates.
- Multifunctionality React suits both client-side (frontend) and server-side applications. Can be combined with other tools and frameworks.
How React Works
React uses declarative approach in programming. While imperative programming requires specifying each action, in declarative it's enough to describe final result and reaction to actions.
Simply put, when creating code developer specifies how interface should behave when receiving certain data or events occur.
Library allows optimizing development process because programmer doesn't need to describe details. React.js will independently update elements based on conditions. Programmer's task is to properly describe them.
Using this approach allows creating React applications as quickly as possible.
React Advantages
Component Approach
- React allows breaking interface into reusable components, simplifying development and maintenance.
- Components are isolated from each other, reducing error probability.
Virtual DOM
- React uses virtual DOM, speeding up user interface updates.
- Only changed elements are redrawn, improving performance.
Flexibility and Scalability
- React can be used for both small projects and complex applications.
- Easily integrates with other libraries and tools.
Development Convenience
- JSX (JavaScript XML) simplifies interface creation by combining JavaScript and HTML.
- Using Hooks makes state management and side effects more convenient.
Active Community and Support
- React is supported by Facebook and large developer community.
- Many ready solutions, libraries and extensive documentation.