Types of Components in React JS

ReactJS is now one of the trendiest JavaScript libraries for creating modern web applications. With a component-based architecture, developers can be more productive since they can help and write code that is reusable, (re)understandable, and (re)testable. Understanding what the different types of components in ReactJS are and how to use them is the first step towards developing a killer app in React.

In this post, we will see ReactJS component types, the benefit and where the use cases and best practices are! Beginners and developers looking to refine their understanding of React can benefit from this guide. We also provide real-world advice to help prepare learners for real projects and professional growth.

What are Components in ReactJS?

In ReactJS, the visible part of a webpage is comprised of components. A COMPONENT is also a reusable portion of your code that takes care of part of the user interface.

For example:

• Navigation bar
• Login form
• Dashboard panel
• Footer section
• Buttons or cards

Each of these UI pieces can be developed as an individual Reactions component and reused between applications.

There’s nothing special about a React app; it’s just a tree of components that collaborate.

Why components are crucial in ReactJS

Parts make it faster and tidier to work with development. Rather than writing code over and over, developers build reusable modules.

Benefits of React Components

• Code reusability
• Easier maintenance
• Faster development
• Better scalability
• Organized project structure
• Simplified testing

One of the primary reasons why React has become so popular is its component-based architecture.

Common Components of ReactJS

ReactJS has primarily 2 significant types of components in ReactJS:

Functional Components

Class Components

However, there are more component patterns and types in modern React development. Let’s explore all the important types.

1. Functional Components in ReactJS

Functional Component: A JavaScript function that returns JSX to represent UI components.

function Welcome() {

return Welcome to React;

}

The functional components are minimal and straightforward to write.

Features of Functional Components

• Simple JavaScript functions
• Easier to understand
• Lightweight
• Faster rendering
• Support hooks
• Preferred in modern React apps

Today, functional components in ReactJS are preferred by most React developers since they support React Hooks, which are really useful and flexible.

2. Class Components in ReactJS

Prior to the emergence of hooks, developers frequently employed Class Components to handle state and lifecycle methods.

import React, { Component } from "react";

class Welcome extends Component {

render() {

return Welcome to React;

}

}

export default Welcome;

Features of Class Components

• Use ES6 classes
• Support lifecycle methods
• Can manage state
• More complex syntax
• Less used in modern development

While still supported, class components are gradually being replaced by functional components.

3. Stateless Components

A Stateless Component does not carry its own state. It only takes data through the props and presents UI.

function Greeting(props) {

return Hello {props. name};

}

4. Stateful Components

A Stateful Component holds its data itself with the help of state.

function Counter() {

const [count, setCount] = React. useState(0);

return (

setCount(count + 1)} >

Count: {count}

);

}

5. Presentational Components

Presentational components are concerned only with how things look.

They:

Receive data through props

Do not manage logic

Focus on layout and styling

function UserProfile({ name }) {

return User: {name};

}

6. Container Components

Container components contain logic and pass data to presentational ones.

function UserContainer() {

const user = "John";

return ;

}

7. Controlled Components

In controlled components, the form data is handled by the state within React.

function Form() {

const [name, setName] = React. useState("");

return (

setName(e.target. value)}

/>

);

}

8. Uncontrolled Components

Uncontrolled components use the value of the DOM reference, not the React state.

function Form() {

const inputRef = React. useRef();

function handleSubmit() {

alert(inputRef. current. value);

}

return (

Submit

);

}

9. Higher-Order Components (HOC)

Higher-Order Component (HOC) is a function that takes a component and returns a new one.

function withLogger(Component) {

return function Enhanced(props) {

console.log("Rendered");

return ;

};

}

10. Pure Components

The pure Component stops the unwanted re-rendering of the component by doing a shallow comparison for props and state.

It improves performance.

Example in class:

class MyComponent extends React. PureComponent {}

Importance of Component Reusability

Reusable components help in:

• Faster development
• Reduced bugs
• Consistent UI
• Easier maintenance

Big companies build libraries of components for reuse.

How I Structure my React Components 

Best Practices for Creating React Components

Keep Components Small

It remains convenient to handle smaller parts.

Use Functional Components

Modern React prefers functional components.

Separate Logic and UI

Improves code readability.

Reuse Components

Avoid duplication.

Use Hooks Efficiently

Hooks simplify logic sharing.

Career Opportunities in React Development

A React developer is an occupation that's hot in web development today.

Popular job roles include:

• Frontend Developer
• React Developer
• UI Developer
• Full Stack Developer
• Web Application Engineer

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q1. What are the different types of components available in ReactJS?

In ReactJS, components are independent and reusable bits of code. The first required thing to understand about components is that they’re independent and reusable pieces of code. Each of these parts is responsible for one part of the application, thus ensuring modularity and reducing complexity.

Q2. What are the core types of ReactJS?

The main types of components are Functional Components and Class Components. Functional components are the newer version, and class components derive from the older React development practice.

Q3. What is the contrast between functional and class-based components?

Functional components are nothing more than simple JS functions that utilize hooks for state and lifecycle management, whereas class components use ES6 classes and the good old lifecycle methods.

Q4. Explain what stateful and stateless components are.

Stateful components maintain and change their own data through state, but stateless components only receive external data as props (which is why they are often called container and presentational components).

Q5. Why are functional components good in the new age of React?

Function components are easier to read, easier to maintain, and work with React Hooks, which is how we organise our code and state as of the latest React.

Related Links:

React JS Interview Questions and Answers

State and Props in React

You can also explore our YouTube Channel: SevenMentor