What is React.js & how should you learn React.js

Wondering how to spice up your resume or keen on becoming a pro web developer? Then why not learn about React.js? It is one of the most popular libraries of JavaScript through which you can build amazing user interfaces for websites as well as mobile applications. Even Though it has been a recent technology release, currently, its ranking is under the top ten programming languages. Here is a short introduction to React.js, its features, and advantages which will serve as motivation to learn this technology.

What is React.js?

React.js is an open-source JavaScript library used for making reactive user interfaces specifically for single-page websites. This JavaScript framework was developed by Jordan Walke, a software engineer working at Facebook, which was released on 29th May 2013. Many people believe that React is a programming language but it is a library that is one of the most used in web development especially for front-end purposes. Developers can use React to build large web projects that can change data on the web page without the need of reloading the site. 

Features of React.js

Nowadays, React.js is quickly gaining popularity as the best JavaScript framework for web development. It plays a vital role in the front-end development of web projects. Here are the salient features of React.js

1. JSX
2. Virtual DOM
3. Data Binding
4. Components
5. Simplicity
6. Performance level

1. JSX

JSX or JavaScript XML is a preferable syntax extension of JavaScript. It helps developers to directly write HTML code in React. Using JSX it is easy to create templates. By extending ES6, we can write HTML structures within JavaScript code in React. There is no compulsion in using JSX, but it is suggested to use it in React.js to make the development process simple and easy.

2. Virtual DOM

VDOM, short for Virtual Document Object Model, is a representation of the real DOM in React’s memory. Manipulation of the real DOM is tedious and slow hence the Virtual DOM is used to make the speed and performance of the web application better. Whenever any modification or changes happen on the web page, then the Virtual DOM instead of updating the entire real DOM only updates the modified part in it. Due to this, the application is fast and highly responsive making the user experience better.

3. Data Binding

React.js is developed in such a way that it follows one-way data binding. This one-way data binding or unidirectional flow of data helps in giving better control in the web application. If the data flow was bi-directional then additional features would be required for its functioning. Components are supposed to be immutable means that the data within these components should remain unchanged. To keep the data flow unidirectional there is a pattern used called flux. It makes the application highly flexible thereby increasing the efficiency of the web project.

4. Components

As mentioned before, react.js focuses mainly on components. Every application which is made using React.js is formed by multiple components. Every component here has its own unique controls and logic. These components are reusable hence help in maintaining the stability of the code while working on larger web applications.

5. Simplicity

The use of JSX files in React.js makes creating and developing web applications easy and simple to code as well as understand. Furthermore, react.js uses a component-based methodology making the code reusable according to your needs. Lastly, the one-way data binding or unidirectional data flow helps in understanding and keeping track of the data in the components. 

6. Performance level

React.js is widely used as it provides great performance and is a better alternative to other frameworks nowadays. The main reason for its good efficiency and performance is that it makes use of Virtual DOM. The document object model is a programming API that works with the HTML component of the application. The DOM exists only in the memory. In react, when we create a component, we do not write in the DOM directly, instead, we use the Virtual DOM. Due to this, the application works smoothly and faster.

Why should you learn React.js?

Instead of using imperative syntax, React uses declarative. This makes it easy to learn and develop applications. There is no need to learn another language for React as it is developed in JavaScript, one of the most known and easy software languages. Furthermore, the community of React.js is very active and provides abundant support and resources making beginners feel welcomed. 

Other than all this, the way React is built makes it advantageous for developers. Its feature of reusable components and unidirectional data flows not only saves time and money on development but also makes it easy to reuse and debug. Additionally, it embraces SEO and its components making it easy for you to rank the Google search engine.

Conclusion

As time passes, technologies change but React does not frequently discard APIs due to this many companies choose React. Due to this, react.js is one of the most in-demand and fastest-growing technologies used for front-end development. Knowing this technology will not only make you a good web developer but also will help you stand out among your competitors.