Why React?
The JavaScript ecosystem offers countless frameworks and libraries for building frontend and full-stack applications. With so many options available, choosing the right tool can feel overwhelming. Every developer has their preferences, and many passionately advocate for their chosen framework.
I’m not here to argue which framework is “best”—that’s a debate without a clear winner. Instead, I want to share why I consistently return to React, even after exploring other popular frameworks like Vue, Svelte, and Solid. Let me walk you through what keeps drawing me back.
What Makes React Special to Me?
Honestly, part of it is familiarity. React was the first JavaScript framework I learned, and I’ve been using it professionally for six years. It’s become second nature. But there’s more to it than just comfort—React has genuine strengths that make it a solid choice for most projects.
React’s Key Advantages
1. Component-Based Architecture
React breaks down complex UIs into manageable, reusable components. This isn’t unique to React—Vue, Svelte, and Solid do this too—but React’s implementation feels intuitive and flexible.
2. Massive Ecosystem and Community
This is where React truly shines. Need a date picker? There are dozens of options. Stuck on a problem? Stack Overflow has thousands of React-related answers. The sheer size of React’s ecosystem means you’re rarely building from scratch.
3. Industry Adoption
React powers applications at Meta, Netflix, Airbnb, and countless startups. For developers looking to advance their careers, React skills are in high demand across the job market.
4. JSX: Love It or Hate It
JSX divides developers, but I’m firmly in the “love it” camp. Writing HTML-like syntax directly in JavaScript feels natural and makes components easier to visualize and debug.
5. Virtual DOM Benefits
React’s virtual DOM might seem like overhead, but it provides real benefits:
- Selective updates: Only changed parts of the DOM get updated
- Performance optimization: Reduces expensive browser reflows and repaints
- Predictable behavior: Describe what you want, and React handles the how
6. Flexibility and Integration
React plays well with others. Whether you need Redux for state management, GraphQL for data fetching, or any other library, React adapts to your project’s needs rather than forcing you into a specific architecture.
7. Evolution and Modern Features
React has evolved significantly. The shift from class components to functional components with hooks has made code more concise and readable. Features like useState and useEffect have simplified component logic considerably.
Where React Falls Short
1. Learning Curve
React can be intimidating for newcomers. Concepts like JSX, hooks, component lifecycles, and state management require time to master. The “React way” of thinking takes practice.
2. Decision Fatigue
React’s flexibility is both a blessing and a curse. You need to choose your own router, styling solution, state management library, and more. This freedom can be overwhelming, especially for new developers.
3. Server Components Confusion
The React ecosystem feels fragmented around server components. You’re essentially limited to Next.js or Waku if you want to use them, and established tools like React Router haven’t fully adapted yet.
4. Virtual DOM Overhead
While generally beneficial, the virtual DOM does consume additional memory and can become a bottleneck in very large applications if not managed properly.
5. State Management Complexity
Complex applications often struggle with prop drilling and state management. While solutions like Context API and Redux help, they add complexity and require careful architecture.
How Other Frameworks Compare
I’ve experimented with other modern frameworks to understand their approaches:
Svelte compiles components at build time, generating optimized JavaScript that directly updates the DOM. No virtual DOM overhead, smaller bundle sizes, and impressive performance.
SolidJS uses a granular reactivity system with “signals” that track dependencies. When data changes, only the specific DOM nodes that depend on that data update—no component re-rendering needed.
Vue offers a middle ground with its virtual DOM approach but provides more built-in conventions for routing and styling than React.
Each has compelling advantages, but they also come with trade-offs in ecosystem size, learning resources, and job market demand.
Best Practices for React Success
If you choose React, follow these practices to keep your code maintainable:
- Organize thoughtfully: Use clear folder structures grouping related components, hooks, and styles
- Separate concerns: Keep UI components focused on rendering; use custom hooks for business logic
- Embrace functional components: Hooks make code cleaner and more predictable than class components
- Manage state wisely: Only store what’s necessary in state; consider global solutions when appropriate
- Optimize performance: Use
React.memo,useMemo, anduseCallbackto prevent unnecessary re-renders
My Recommendation
React isn’t perfect, but it’s proven and reliable. Its massive ecosystem, strong community support, and industry adoption make it a safe bet for most projects. The learning curve is real, but the investment pays off.
That said, don’t be afraid to explore other frameworks. Svelte’s simplicity, Solid’s performance, or Vue’s conventions might be exactly what your project needs. The key is understanding the trade-offs and choosing based on your specific requirements, team expertise, and project constraints.
For me, React’s combination of flexibility, ecosystem, and familiarity keeps me coming back. It might not be the fastest or the simplest, but it gets the job done reliably, and that matters more than theoretical perfection.
What’s Next?
Whether you’re new to React or considering a switch, focus on understanding the fundamentals: components, state, props, and hooks. Build small projects, contribute to open source, and don’t get caught up in framework wars. The best framework is the one that helps you ship great products.