React is a JavaScript library, not a framework

3 min readAug 17, 2022

React is a JavaScript library, not a framework. It is responsible for building a rich user interface for websites and applications. React is considered as a view layer of MVC application, which states that react mainly focuses on building the view layer of an application.

React is an open-source, multi-purpose JavaScript library that is mainly used for frontend development and focuses on building user interfaces.

Why React?

React is an elementary and lightweight library that gives us many reasons to start with:

1. React is created and maintained by Facebook.

2. Facebook is still investing in React to make it everlasting.

3. There is a huge community of React developers that will be helpful in encountering initial problems and errors of React.

4. React is an In-demand skillset used today.

5. React is easier to learn compared to angular.

6. React is simple and flexible to use.

React as CBA

CBA stands for Component-Based Architecture which means React breaks apps into small, encapsulated parts which composes to make complex UI’s. e.g., header, footer, sider, etc. as shown in the figure below.

React Components

React components are reusable components. Almost everything in React consists of components. Reusability makes our app productive, and effective and cuts operational costs and efforts.

React as Declarative Approach

The declarative approach is when you describe the final state of the desired UI whereas the imperative paradigm refers to step-by-step mutation to reach the desired UI. React is a declarative approach where React DOM library will build actual UI. For e.g., eating food from your favorite restaurant or a cook does not need step-by-step guidance but the same food when cooked by any unprofessional needs step-by-step guidance.

React Native

React runs on the ideology of “Learn once, write anywhere”. React not only helps you in creating rich UIs for your website but according to updates of 2015 react gives you a powerful framework for creating native mobile apps. After the successful release of React JS Facebook launched React Native for cross-platform mobile applications. React Native doesn’t need extra knowledge for creating applications as it is built on simple concepts as ReactJS.

Pre-requisites of React

1. Fundamentals of HTML & CSS.

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2. Basics of JavaScript.

3. Understanding of DOM.

Conclusion

React as discussed above is a web development tool that is preferred due to its reusable components. Its simplicity and flexibility make it a reason for its popularity. It has become a perfect choice for many developers because of its easy-to-use functionality.