While discussing isomorphic javascript applications as the potential future of the web, we mentioned some useful framework for creating isomorphic javascript applications. From all these handy tools, we think React deserved a proper review due to its popularity among developers.
Almost every front-end developer loves to try new things. New frameworks, new build tools, anything that makes their work more efficient. However, with the front-end world changing on a daily basis, it’s hard to spend time to learn a new framework – especially when that framework could eventually become a dead end. So, if you’re looking for the next best thing, but you’re feeling a little bit lost in the framework market, we would recommend you to check out React.js.
Let’s see why we are recommending you to check it.
1. Components are the future of web development
Polymer JS is a framework which is useful in creating self-contained, customizable elements that you can easily import and use in your project. React.js takes that concept to the next level. React.js helps you to create your own components, which you can later reuse, combine, and nest to your heart’s content.
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2. React.js is extremely efficient
React creates its very own Document Object Model (DOM) and store components there. This approach gives developers greater flexibility and increases performance incredibly, because React analyzes what changes need to be made in the DOM in advance and updates the DOM tree accordingly.
Note: The Document Object Model (DOM) is an application programming interface (API) for valid HTML and XML documents. It defines the logical structure of documents and the way a document is accessed and manipulated.
3. It’s awesome for SEO
We already know why JavaScript applications are not search engine friendly, thanks to our post on isomorphic javascript applications. But React is different from other frameworks. Developers can run React on the server, and the virtual DOM will be rendered and returned to the browser as a regular web page. Thus, making it really helpful for search engine to crawl and index web pages built with React.
4. It offers some wonderful developer tools
React offers a chrome extension that will help you to debug your app. Once you install the extension, you’ll have a direct look into the virtual DOM just as if you were browsing a regular DOM tree in the elementary panel.
5. Facebook is helping this project
React.js was created and developed at Facebook. However, as soon as they realized that they have created something awesome, they shared their project with the world. Instagram’s entire website was built on React.js once it was acquired by Facebook.
Wrap Up
React.js is an open source project, which is very popular among developers across the globe. We have discussed some reasons why it is so popular. If you would like to add something to this list, please feel free to share your thoughts on our official Twitter or Facebook accounts.
