React JS is one of web development’s most popular JavaScript libraries (front-end programming ). Many large corporations and start-ups use this library. React has many features and benefits that make it a better choice than other libraries and other frameworks such as AngularJS.
This article will explain very simply what React is to friends who have just started JavaScript programming. And why should we use React? Are the job market and job opportunities too big to start learning React? Stay with us until the end of this article to answer all your questions.
What is React?
React is an open-source JavaScript library for building fast, interactive user interfaces for mobile, web, and one-page applications (SPAs). It manages the View layer, which is responsible for the program’s appearance in the MVC architecture.
The central part of React apps are the components, and each piece is a combination of HTML and Javascript, each representing a small part of a more extensive UI. To better understand this, let’s take a look at an Instagram page:
Components in React
In React, each user interface element is a component. Each piece can have other parts as output, and this framework also creates reusable user interface components.
React History
React was created by a Facebook software engineer named Jordan Walk. The first version was used on Facebook in 2011 and then on Instagram in 2012. Finally, in 2013, this library became open-source, which many web developers have considered.
Now that we understand React, we can move on to ” Why React is the Most Popular JavaScript Library for Web Application Development. “
Why should we learn to React JS?
The main question that may arise for any developer is why we should use React. There are so many frameworks and open-source libraries for developing front-end and web applications, so what is the reason for React’s superiority that makes you want to learn it?
Since it is tough to spend time learning new technologies, and mostly the lifespan of front-end technologies is short, and you can not risk enough to learn a new technology, you should look for a technology that is the best in its field and type. And it’s worth the risk that I suggest you React. In the following, we will examine the reasons for this choice.
Simplicity
React makes it easy to create dynamic web applications because it requires less coding and performs better. The library uses a particular grammar structure called JSX that allows developers to combine HTML and Javascript.
JSX is not necessary for templating, and programmers can work with JavaScript. However, once you use JSX, you will no longer use JavaScript for templating.
Easy to learn
React concepts are easy to understand and learn. Anyone with a brief HTML, CSS, and JavaScript background can quickly know this library. Learning other technologies such as AngularJS and Ember.js from one Domain Specific Language is much harder to use.
Function
React uses a virtual DOM that makes creating web applications faster. Instead of updating all the components, it compares the previous elements and updates only the ones in the actual DOM.
Reusable components
Components are the building blocks of any React program, and each program consists of several components. Using React, we can design multiple components and reuse them, significantly reducing program development time.
React JS Library Learning Prerequisites
As mentioned before, React is a JavaScript library. So, of course, you have to be familiar with JavaScript to start learning it. Since JavaScript has versions ES6 to ES11, and new features have been added in each version, it is better to work with at least version 6 in addition to being familiar with ECMAScript5.
But you may be wondering how much JavaScript do I need to know? It can be said that there is no exact answer to this question; But we can say that the more you work with JavaScript and JavaScript projects, the more ready you can enter the field of working with React JS. In other words, the learning path is smoother for you, and you can become a rehab specialist in a shorter period.
In general, to get started with React, you need to be familiar with the following concepts:
- Introduction to JavaScript
- Familiarity with programming concepts such as objects, functions, arrays, and classes
- Relative familiarity with HTML and CSS
- Basic familiarity with npm
Testability
React JS can check the components, functions, and parameters with the desired states and outputs, which is a positive feature that increases accuracy and saves time.
Javascript Native approach to web and mobile application development
React Native is based on JavaScript and React, and all React features apply to React Native. Using React, you can create Native applications for iOS and Android operating systems. The code written for these two operating systems is standard, and you can use the written components in several projects.
You may be interested to know that you use React apps every day while checking your emails, watching your favorite TV shows, or even checking social media. In this section, we will introduce you to some companies that have used this technology.
- Facebook is one of the most popular social networks for sharing photos, videos, and other content. This Facebook page uses React JS, and its mobile app is built with React Native.
- Yahoo: Yahoo is the second most popular search engine globally and offers many services, including email. This website is based on React JS and has many monthly visitors.
- Instagram: Instagram is based entirely on React, as evidenced by the app’s many features, such as geolocation, search engines, Google Maps APIs, and more.
- PayPal is the most extensive electronic payment system. It allows users to pay bills, transfer and receive money, and more. PayPal is also one of the most amazing React-based websites, with an excellent user interface and great security.
- Airbnb: Successful examples of React implementation include Airbnb. With this service, travelers can find suitable places to stay wherever they are in the world. This website collects information and offers customers the best and cheapest booking options.
The final word
This article will learn about React JS, its features, and the tremendous job market of this famous library among its other competitors. We found out how much they use React affects the performance and speed of projects and what companies have used React to develop their applications and websites.
But keep in mind that no framework or library is better than another. You can decide what to use and what to learn based on their popularity, performance, and, most importantly, your project’s needs.
Now tell us, what is the best framework and library you have used to develop your project and which feature was the reason for your choice?