ReactJS Component Architecture: A Beginner’s Guide

ReactJS has its focus on building user interfaces (UI) with a component-based architecture. It is a popular JavaScript library developed & promoted by Facebook and it lets developers build difficult & complex web applications through a required amalgamation of small & modular components. A ReactJS development company becomes a strong anchor in this journey of complexity with a different library.

What makes ReactJS different is its ability to have independent representation. Every component in a React-based application is representative of a reusable and independent UI element. These elements are responsible for rendering & managing their original state.

ReactJS component-based architecture is one of a kind and it offers encapsulation and code organisation which smoothens the maintenance & management of applications. A better-structured component helps break down the application’s UI into small, modular parts for easy testing, development and debugging. For front-end development, this is considered a boon.

What Are the Benefits of ReactJS Component Architecture?

Improved Code Separation

Each and every component in ReactJS focuses on an individual or independent UI element. ReactJS component-based architecture segregates the UI into small reusable components. Such healthy separations make maintenance and understanding of the codebase seamless. A healthy separation works like ReactJS for Single Page Applications (SPA).

Enhanced Testing Capabilities

As ReactJS component-based architecture has divided and focused components, it becomes easy to maintain tests & write for separate functionalities separately. Also, no components are interconnected or have a secret wiring underneath due to which, when you update one component, the other one has zero chances of getting affected or bearing any side effects. Such functionalities make the overall application stable.

Boosted Reusability

Code duplication is out of the question as the ReactJS component-based architecture uses the same component in different parts of the application. This enhances the overall development efficiency.

Reusing the components also promotes the DRY principle aka Don’t Repeat Yourself principle which is one of the best practices of ReactJS development services.

Better Developer Experience

ReachJS component-based architecture brings in a positive experience for developers also. With the help of separate components in it, developers get a chance to bring that diversion in their minds along with every separate component. Hence, this component-based approach gives a clear & predictive future to the developer who has pre-noticed clarity in their minds for the efforts they have put in.

Highly Scalable Structure

As there are separated components, the architecture allows adding new features. In addition, the features also don’t have an interconnected system due to which, any new feature can be added and new additions do not disrupt or affect the existing components.

Clear Separation of Concerns

As the components are separated, every component that functions has to take care of its own rendering and state management. With this, a clear separation of concerns is enforced which further lets developers handle complex UI elements individually.

To understand ReactJS component-based architecture, it is essential to understand its lifecycle for building efficient plus widely-approachable applications.

Understanding ReactJS Component Lifecycle

The lifecycles in ReactJS components are the denotations of different stages of it, during an entire lifetime. From mounting to unmounting, each ReactJS component lifecycle method lets developers use it optimally & maintain control of the component behaviour. These are specific points in a component's life including some important lifecycle methods.

Understanding ReactJS Component Lifecycle

The Role of Constructor in ReactJS

Before the component is mounted, ‘Constructor’ is called. It sets up the initial stage of the component and binds the event handlers.

How ComponentDidMount Works

After the component is mounted to the DOM, ‘componentDidMount’ is called. It helps developers fetch data and set up subscriptions.

Exploring ComponentDidUpdate

This method is invoked after a component gets updated. Based on changes in the component’s props or state, additional rendering or side effects are allowed in ‘componentDidUpdate’.

Understanding ComponentWillUnmount

Before the component is unmounted or destroyed, ‘componentWillUnmount’ is called immediately. The place of unmounting is ideal for cleaning up resources like timers and subscriptions.

If you know the lifecycle methods, then you also must know the best practices that prove beneficial for the development of ReactJS component-based architecture.

Best Practices for ReactJS Development

Effective Use of Props

Passing data to the components with the help of props can avoid unnecessary state management.

Leveraging State Management Tools

Using libraries like Content API or Redux for state management scenarios helps manage the state globally.

Managing State Efficiently

The data that is required to be polished within the component, using state is essential. For the data that is simple, one should pass it down as props.

Keeping Props Clean and Focused

Components that are only responsible for a simple and single well-defined task should be made. Such components are easy to use, understand, reuse and test.

Performance Optimization Tips

Techniques like memorisation and component updates should be used as they prevent unnecessary re-rendering.

Ensuring Web Accessibility

Your components should always be accessible to specially-abled users. Anyone who is part of your lifecycle method or your stakeholder group should never feel left out or unattended, that is the golden rule. Follow the accessibility guidelines for better output.

Writing Clear and Maintainable Code

To improve maintainability, following coding conventions and writing clean and readable codes is crucial.

Related Read: Why Invest in Professional ReactJS Development Services

Conclusion

To build scalable and maintainable web applications, understanding ReactJS component-based architecture is necessary. While talking to a wise ReactJS development company, one may realise the need for understanding the architecture. And as the final step, leveraging the power of components for creating robust React applications is necessary. At IIH Global, we strive to be your desired ReactJS development company that brings in scalable and praiseworthy ReactJS development services.