React is one of the most popular tools due to its versatility for web development. It is a JavaScript library that helps developers build user interfaces and complex applications.
Developers like to use React because of its features, intuitive syntax, and extensive ecosystem. However, you must know how to use it to avoid making a mess in your codebase.
In this section, we’ll uncover the common mistakes developers tend to make while using React. By gaining insight into these pitfalls, you’ll be better equipped not only to recognize them but also to elevate your proficiency in React, ensuring a more seamless and effective coding journey.
Naming a component with lowercase letters
One of the first common mistakes new React developers make is not using a capital letter to start the name of a component. React treats components with capital letters as custom components and components with lowercase letters as built-in HTML elements.
Not starting a component name with a capital letter might lead to bugs and unexpected errors. Additionally, developers will find it challenging to understand the codebase. So, start a component with a capital letter to indicate it’s a custom component.
Inefficient project file structure
React developers often mistakenly create an inefficient project file structure. This may lead to confusion, difficulties, and code duplication when maintaining and scaling the project.
When organizing your project files, prioritize clarity and modularity. For example, don’t scatter CSS files without a clear structure throughout the project. Keep them alongside their respective components. If a CSS file only applies to one component, place it in the same directory as that component.
Another way to create an efficient project file structure is to adopt a standardized template or directory layout. Separating folders for components, styles, utilities and tests is one of the many popular directory structures you can choose from.
Not creating enough components
New developers often make the mistake of not creating enough components. A codebase that uses one big component is difficult to understand and maintain. It will also be hard for you to ensure the data is consistent across the application.
To organize and clarify the codebase, break down the application into smaller, manageable parts and create reusable, composable components. Combining small, reusable components will also make it easier to create complex, maintainable components.
Lack of unit tests
Developers frequently fail to write unit tests even though this crucial practice could improve the consistency and dependability of their code. Overlooking this practice increases the chances of creating unnoticed bugs and issues, slowing the development process and potentially causing hardships for users.
Not understanding the component lifecycle
Component lifecycle is one of the concepts in React you should understand. If you don’t, you might get unexpected behaviors and bugs.
Component lifecycle is a concept that determines the order of how to create, update and destroy components. It is important to do it in the correct order to avoid bugs and errors.
Mistakes such as bugs and errors are understandable in the programming community. Fortunately, React does well in giving descriptive error messages when you make a mistake.
While it is a powerful tool, React has its own set of challenges and pitfalls. To make it useful, you must understand how to use it properly and be aware of the common mistakes people make to avoid them.