Framework Explorer

An Interactive Guide to Foundational Frameworks

React

A JavaScript library for building user interfaces.

React is a declarative, efficient, and flexible JavaScript library for building user interfaces. It lets you compose complex UIs from small and isolated pieces of code called “components”.

React is maintained by Facebook and a community of individual developers and companies. It can be used as a base in the development of single-page or mobile applications.

  • Language: JavaScript/JSX
  • Architecture: Component-Based
  • Core Philosophy: Declarative and Component-Based

Key Features

Why developers choose React.

Component-Based Architecture

React is all about components. You can build encapsulated components that manage their own state, then compose them to make complex UIs. This makes your code more reusable and easier to reason about.

Virtual DOM

React uses a virtual DOM to efficiently update the UI. When a component's state changes, React updates the virtual DOM, then calculates the most efficient way to update the real DOM. This results in better performance.

JSX

JSX is a syntax extension for JavaScript that allows you to write HTML-like code in your JavaScript files. This makes it easier to write and understand your UI code, and it's a key part of the React developer experience.

React Hooks

Hooks are functions that let you “hook into” React state and lifecycle features from function components. Hooks let you use state and other React features without writing a class, which makes your code more concise and easier to read.

Large Ecosystem

React has a massive ecosystem of libraries and tools that can help you build your application. From state management libraries like Redux and MobX to UI component libraries like Material-UI and Ant Design, you'll find everything you need.

Community and Support

React has a huge and active community of developers who are constantly creating new tools, libraries, and tutorials. This means you'll always have a place to turn for help and support.

Implementation & Strategy

Costs, timelines, and strategic considerations for adopting React.

Estimated Project Costs

React projects can vary widely in cost, depending on the size and complexity of the application. A simple React project might cost between $10,000 and $50,000, while a mid-sized project could range from $50,000 to $250,000. Large, enterprise-level projects can exceed $250,000.

Implementation Strategy

A typical React project starts with a component hierarchy. As the project grows, it's common to use a state management library like Redux or MobX to manage the application's state. React's component-based architecture makes it easy to build reusable UI components, and its large ecosystem of libraries and tools can help you build your application more quickly.

Comparisons

How React stacks up against other JavaScript frameworks.