React.js, commonly just referred to as React, is a JavaScript library that is open-sourced. It’s best used to create smooth User Interfaces, or UIs, for single-page apps. React was released initially in 2011 and integrated into Facebook’s newsfeed. The next year, it was also incorporated into Instagram’s feed. This library was created by Jordan Walke, who intended for React to make web development less complicated.
For the server-side of development, React also influences the frontend part of development. It allows developers to design large-scale apps, integrate changeable data, and eliminate the need to load pages. This feature decreases development time while increasing performance speed. Additionally, React has internal tools like JSX, one-way data flow, and a virtual DOM (Document Object Model).
The short answer to where React fits in development, the frontend or backend, is that it’s best applied on the frontend. However, let’s look at the reasons why.
Simulates Native Apps
A branch of React, React Native, aids developers in creating apps that look and function like native apps, but without all the frustrating issues. It expands the app to be cross-platform compatible as well. This is all a result of React Native’s use of reusable code.
A Large Community of Supporters
The best development tools are backed by supportive developers that help iron out all the issues and improve those tools. React is one such library that has a large community of developers working to make it better.
One-Way Data Binding
React also uses Flux, which utilizes a control point to manipulate how data travels to components. This is when data only goes one way. Updates to code when this feature is incorporated mean that it’s easier to edit the code and find errors. Ultimately, it makes it simpler when it comes to debugging complicated apps.
Simplistic in Learning & Design
React was designed to be easier and simpler for developers to use. The learning curve is smaller, and it’s user-friendly. Due to its dynamic syntax JSX, developers can combine HTML code and JavaScript. Additionally, React takes a component-based approach to development that many developers find helpful.
Summary
Often compared to Angular, React has its own strengths as well as its own weaknesses. There will be specific projects that Angular may handle better than React and vice versa. However, React does shine when it comes to creating smooth UIs that are easy to navigate for users. The importance of a good UI does wonders for web and mobile app developers because the high volume of apps available may lead them to trade an app with a poor UI for a different one where the UI is faster. Load times, app visuals, and simple navigation are other elements that users hone in on—all things React can design when used in the right way.
Being free and open-sourced like many other frameworks and libraries, React can (and should) still be compared to its competition to better understand whether this tool is a good fit for a development project.