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React js — Components

1 min readJul 16, 2025

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A functional component is a plain JavaScript function that accepts props and returns a React element. They are simpler, easier to read, and (because of Hooks) can hold state and side-effects

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A component in React is like a self-contained building block of a user interface. When we say “Reusable UI block”, we mean a piece of code that:

  • Encapsulates UI & Behavior
    It bundles together the structure (HTML/JSX), styling (CSS), and logic (JavaScript), so it can be dropped anywhere in your app without rewriting everything.
  • Accepts Inputs via Props
    Props are like parameters that let you customize the component’s appearance or behavior.
    Example: A
    Button component can accept label, color, and onClick props to render differently based on usage.
  • Ensures Consistency & Maintainability
    If you use the same component multiple places, updates need to be made only once — in the component file — to instantly change everywhere .
  • Promotes Scalability
    By reusing components, your code stays cleaner and easier to scale as your application grows .

Functional Component (Modern, Hooks-enabled)

import React, { useState, useEffect } from 'react';

function Greeting(props) {
const [timeOfDay, setTimeOfDay] = useState('morning');

useEffect(() => {
const hour = new Date().getHours();
setTimeOfDay(hour < 12 ? 'morning' : hour < 18 ? 'afternoon' : 'evening');
}, []);

return <h1>Hello, {props.name}! Good {timeOfDay}.</h1>;
}

export default Greeting;
  • Props: Passed via props.name.
  • State: useState hook creates a state variable timeOfDay.
  • Side Effects: useEffect updates state on component mount.

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