What is React?
React holds its status as one of the most popular JavaScript frameworks out there, and is a powerful tool in the build of many of the websites we use every day. From Uber to Facebook and beyond, React makes things look good and perform well for users.
I’m new here…tell me about React for beginners
React (aka React.js) is a front-end JavaScript library or framework that’s used to build web and mobile applications. Reportedly favoured by more than 10,000 companies, the React.js library makes the development of visual interfaces simpler.
It was created by Jordan Walke, a software engineer at Facebook, and was first seen in action on the Facebook newsfeed in 2011. Now, it seems as though every web developer on the planet has used React at some point.
And why wouldn’t they? It’s the most powerful frontend library used to create Single Page Applications. The key job of React.js is to develop the “view layer” of these apps. In other words, the exposed layer that users can see and interact with. For the first time, React has made it possible to develop apps where any backend data directly impacts the front-end views.
Vocab check-in!
WHAT ARE NATIVE MOBILE APPS?
Native mobile apps are specifically developed for one operating system – Android or iOS – using a specific programming language. Because the app is native to that system, it delivers faster, better performance and enhanced reliability. Native mobile apps can also access the mobile phone’s other features, such as the camera and contact list, so can usually be operated without an internet connection.
What are the benefits of React.js?
Developers are spoilt for choice when it comes to open-source platforms for front-end web app development, so why choose React?
- It’s easy to learn. In a world where new frameworks are being born all the time, React.js is achievable (and highly useful) for anyone with some basic programming knowledge.
- Developers can reuse code, and so can build iOS, Android and web apps at pretty much the same time.
- The flow of data to components (we’ll get to “components” shortly) goes through one single control point, known as the dispatcher. This is achieved through something called one-way data binding and Flux, and it makes fixing bugs in large apps simpler.
- Apps built using React are easy to test, so developers can be sure they’re working properly before launch.
- Knowing React builds the foundations for a lot of tools today, which use React at their core.
Vocab check-in!
WHAT IS ONE-WAY DATA BINDING?
Unlike its competitors such as Angular, React uses one-way data binding. That means that any data can be transferred to parts of the application via one route only. The flow of code goes from typescript file to HTML file, where child components cannot update data that flows from the parent component.
WHAT IS FLUX?
Flux is an application architecture that works with React to build a client-side web application, such as Facebook. It helps to keep dynamic data in a project updated in the most efficient, effective way, for easier maintenance.
What is React mainly used for?
React.js helps developers build user interfaces (UIs) that users can interact with to achieve their goals. This could include menus, search functions, buttons, etc.
It’s a front-end tool used for client-side programming, the client being the user. It’s mainly used for creating fast, dynamic user interfaces for web and mobile applications.
The 4 React concepts you need to know about
1
COMPONENTS
React components split user interfaces into modules, making code reusable and speeding up development. They work in the same way as JavaScript functions, accepting inputs (or “props”) and using them to render output to the user. React components are the building blocks that help to keep code more robust and concise throughout the application.
2
JSX
JSX (short for JavaScript eXtension) is a type of JavaScript that enables HTML quoting, using HTML tags to render subcomponents. The JSX syntax makes structures easier to write, with the full power of JavaScript behind it.
3
STATE
The built-in React object that contains information about a component is known as a “state”. Whenever the state changes, so do the component. This can occur due to a user action or event generated by the system.
4
PROPS
Properties, known by developers as “props”, work like HTML attributes. They are input value that moves data between components, so a React element can be returned to the user.
What is ReactDOM all about?
ReactDOM is a concept that regularly comes up in all things React. Abbreviated from React Document Object Model, this is a package containing all the elements and properties of a website.
ReactDOM manages and enables the update of elements of a web page through a language-neutral interface. The package gives developers an API containing the methods they need to access and update the content of webpage elements.
Can anyone learn to use React?
Want to be a front end web developer? Learn React! It’s a core tool you’ll call upon often, making your code as efficient as possible as you build UIs.
But is it that straightforward? Well, if you already know HTML and CSS, the learning curve will be relatively easy to climb. Since React is a declarative language, creating interactive interfaces is doable for most developers.
To dig into React.js, install it on your computer and carry out some test runs. You can do this either by installing npm or npx packages – with the latter delivering the best, most sophisticated results.
Some of the major companies said to have React firmly in their tech stack:
- UBER EATS
- AIRBNB
- DISCORD
- NETFLIX
- SALESFORCE
- UBER
Our Yolkers have this covered
Keeping apps updated quickly is easy with React. This fast, scalable and powerful library saves significant time and development costs for businesses, making it key in any solid tech stack.
Our Yolkers have advanced React.js knowledge, so you can enjoy the benefits without having to learn it yourself or trying to find a skilled in-house developer. With an offshore team working on an app that your users love, you get to see your user interfaces performing well and looking exactly how you want them to.