React is a JavaScript library for building user interfaces. In 2013, React JS became an open-source project. Since then, it has become very popular and well-respected, even by the frontrunners of the industry. It’s now used by some of the most prominent companies in the world. Netflix, Yahoo, and Dropbox… These names speak for themselves.
Following the hype, more and more business owners want to develop their products using ReactJS, hoping for a seamless and effective development process. However, without knowing its advantages and disadvantages, it’s impossible to decide if React JS is really the best technology for the job.
I’ve created a list of strengths and weaknesses of React to make this decision easier for you. Hope it will help you make up your mind.
What Are the Advantages of Using React JS?
No wonder that ReactJS has managed to gain great popularity. Buckle up, as the list of advantages of React JS is quite long!
Allows for reusing previously composed components
One of the most notable advantages of React is its ability to reuse code components. Reusability of components makes managing updates way easier. Why so? All the components are isolated and change in one doesn’t affect the others. It’s not only convenient but also saves a lot of time.
As you surely know, time is money. Using ReactJS you can significantly speed up the development process and help you seamlessly release your product.
Virtual DOM
DOM is criticised for being too slow and inefficient. Instead of using wishy-washy DOM, ReactJS uses the so-called Virtual DOM. Why so?
First of all, each time a change is triggered, the entire virtual DOM is updated. ReactJS keeps two versions of the virtual DOM in memory and compares these two versions to find the elements that have changed. Then it updates only the part of the real DOM that has changed. It significantly increases the efficiency of the update.
One of the most important things for any business is making its product fast and responsive to provide the best service to customers. The virtual DOM is small and can be updated fast, saving your company time and money.
Downward data flow
Another beneficial feature of React is the one-way data flow, also called top to bottom or parent to child flow
Thanks to one-way bindings, data cannot flow in the opposite way, and this offers some key advantages. It’s less error prone, as there’s more control over data. It’s also way easier to debug, as it’s apparent what triggered any possible problems. It also knows the boundaries of each part of the system, making the process of development more efficient.
Huge community
Facebook has invested a lot of effort into making ReactJS a popular and powerful tool. They haven’t left it on its own and continued improving it to make it as efficient and pleasant to use as possible. Another decision that determined the success of ReactJS was making it an open-source project. Facebook encouraged developers to use and propose improvements. from 2013, ReactJS has been a result of joint efforts.
The ReactJS community is determined to facilitate the ReactJS development process. Developers often share libraries with ready-made components, allowing for implementing them in other developers’ project to reduce the time required for development. They are also willing to help so if your development team faces any difficulties, they may easily find support and advice.
What Are the Disadvantages of Using React JS?
No technology is perfect, and ReactJS, despite its apparent advantages, struggles with some issues. As you will soon notice, React’s fast pace of development is its blessing and curse.
It might be hard to follow the pace of development
React JS is in a constant state of development. New features are being introduced on a regular basis and old ones becoming deprecated. Although this constant growth may be very beneficial, as ReactJS is being eagerly improved, it may also be tricky. Some developers can’t keep up with such a high pace of development. Many of them prefer using more mature web development technologies instead.
Not Your Ordinary Library
There’s no denying that ReactJS managed to make a splash and achieve recognition. No wonder why; it offers numerous advantages both for the development team, and the ordering party.
However, I advise you to take a closer look on the list of pros and cons and make sure it will satisfy all your needs.
If you’re still conflicted, take a look at the ReactJS FAQ, to make an aware and competent decision.
