MVC framework is a data sharing scheme of an application, which stands for Model-View-Controller. An example of such a construct might be Angular, but React is just “V”. He is responsible for displaying model data to the user and responds to its changes. Model and Controller, in this case, must be provided with other means. That is, the development of web applications cannot occur solely on the reaction.
We will compare two technologies from the three most popular - React and Angular (there is still Vue). Work with the first one is to describe what needs to be displayed on the page, and not to form instructions aimed at explaining to the browser how to do it. This feature provides more compact code and reduces the number of template parts needed to create a website.
When the programmer begins development, he does not need to use the template code generator, as happens in Angular - he starts writing code without unnecessary actions. React lacks component template code generators due to their uselessness - they can be described as pure functions.
Applying JSX syntax that reproduces as native and familiar HTML. This lowers the barrier to entry since React does not require the developer to learn fundamentally new things.
If you look at the learning curve, it is noticeable that the study of the reaction at the initial stage is easier than Angular. It’s really quick to start due to reducing of abstractions. If a programmer knows JS, he can literally in a day learn how to write his first application in React JS. But this does not mean that the tasks will be completed without errors. At the stage of improving skills, Angular is easier. Nevertheless, those who choose the reaction may postpone the study of TypeScript for the future, the development of the command line and directive skills - this is necessary to use the angular even at the initial level.
- One-way data binding allows you to determine the causes of changes / errors at a glance, which greatly speeds up debugging.
- There is no b?nding to classes, which makes the code easier. Interface components can be expressed as sets of pure functions.
- If you are interested in comparing with the third popular technology, you can read our other article - What is better than React or Vue.
There is a lot that can be done on React JS - both large projects with a complex structure, and something modest. Often startup projects are written on it, since with this tool it is easier to get paid back than with Angular.
Renowned projects that were built on React JS:
- Facebook. It uses React partially, but also in the PC version, and in the mobile application.
- Instagram. In such a popular application, React plays a huge role. Starting with the ability to determine the geolocation and ending with the accuracy of the search functionality, such things are often done on React.
- Netflix. Most actively involved on the Gibbon platform. The main function is the ability to adjust settings for TVs with low performance. The library helps speed up loading and increase productivity - this is where programmers knew exactly what React JS was for.
- Yahoo! Mail. Thanks to Facebook, these services have got structured architecture. It took a lot of updates to achieve the desired result: easy debugging, low level of occurrence, independently deployable components. React came up to them because of a number of its properties: one-way data flow, the ability to use a virtual DOM, an active community.
- WhatsApp. The specialists of this service decided to use React to create user interfaces.
- Dropbox. In the wake of the popularity of the library, it began to be used for this site.
There is also a React Native. By the name, it may seem that this is the same tool, but it is not. Why React Native is needed - to create mobile applications created for both popular platforms (iOS and Android) at the same time. Both versions of the application will comply with the recommendations of Apple and Google, while the development is faster and involves the same development team. Therefore, developing applications on React Native allows you to achieve maximum results in the shortest possible time.
