If you want to have your web application developed by a digital agency, it is likely that you have been offered to use the React JS library. So what is it? How does it work and why are we offering it to you? We will explain everything to you.
What is React JS?
React JS is a widely used technology for the development of web applications or websites. Moreover, more and more large groups such as Netflix, Yahoo, Airbnb and Sony are using it for their web application.
So where does this technology come from? Why is it used? We will try to enlighten you.
Definition of React JS
React JS is a Javascript library designed by Facebook, allowing the creation of a user interface. Invented in 2013, React JS is an open-source technology very popular with developers because it facilitates the development of web applications. It allows the creation of a high-performance platform thanks to its component principle. Indeed, React JS divides the page into several interconnected components. These components are composed of a state and each change of data or of this state generates a modular HTML page.
What is React JS used for?
React JS is a technology developed to facilitate the creation of an application interface, it allows, in particular, the creation of websites in the form of Single Page Application (websites that consist of a single page), by creating a virtual DOM. React is a popular technology because it creates its own presentation of the DOM, which allows for less interaction because updates are only made if there is a change at the component level. This makes it possible to make transitions without changing pages and therefore to make the transitions more fluid.
React JS allows you to cut your interface into components. Each of these components then becomes a block of the interface that can be moved around and modified as you wish. Moreover, these React JS components communicate with each other, so they share data and are interactive.
Who is React JS for?
It is a technology that is mainly aimed at developers because you have to master the Javascript language but also the React JS language, that is to say, the JSX to use this library. Developers use React JS mostly for larger web applications, those with lots of features. This technology makes it possible to provide fast and maintainable react js development services.
Why use React JS to develop web applications?
Advantages of ReactJS:
Faster and easier development
React JS technology makes code easy to maintain and scale. By breaking the page down into several elements that interact with each other, it makes it quick and easy to fix bugs. Very practical when you want substantial web applications, with a lot of features that must communicate with each other.
A powerful tool
The communication between the different components makes React JS very advantageous during development. Indeed, thanks to the virtual DOM, communication between the functions at the top of the component tree and those at the bottom of the tree is faster.
A very present community
React Js has a large community of JS developers who use this technology. Having an active community makes it possible to have more documentation, help, advice and conferences on the framework, which allows mutual help between developers. React JS has also created frameworks for its community like Gatsby.
Simple language
Even React JS uses a programming language called JSX, this more readable language for developers allows converting HTML to Javascript. It is therefore not totally unknown and can be learned quickly. Once the language is mastered, writing components is very easy.
A technology adapted to all applications
React JS is a reliable and very interesting technology because it can be used on many applications. Consequent applications, dynamic applications or one-page applications can be developed with React JS technology. On the other hand, if you want a static application React JS is not the best solution. In this case, turn to a vue js development company for help.
Limits of React JS:
Although very popular, each technology has its limits and React JS is no exception to the rule. Here are the few drawbacks to consider before using React JS:
Transform the code
Even if the JSX language is easy to learn, to code with this technology you must have an environment beforehand to transform the JSX code incomprehensible for your browser into classic javascript code.
Too many choices
Although it appeals with its flexibility, React JS technology sometimes offers too many choices, which can waste developers’ time.