React Fundamentals: Understanding the Basics of Modern Web Development

React is the most widely used JavaScript library for building user interfaces. In this guide, we explain what React is and why it matters for modern websites.

What is React?

React is an open-source JavaScript library developed by Facebook (now Meta). It is used to build interactive user interfaces.

The Core of React: Components

React works with "components" - reusable building blocks for your website. Think of LEGO: you build complex structures from simple, reusable parts.

Example of a component: A website header is a component that consists of:

• Logo (sub-component)
• Navigation menu (sub-component)
• Contact button (sub-component)

This structure makes websites:

• Maintainable: Change one component, all instances are updated
• Consistent: The same button looks identical everywhere
• Testable: Each part can be tested separately

Why React is Popular

1. Performance through Virtual DOM

React uses a "Virtual DOM" - a lightweight copy of the page in memory. When something changes:

1. React calculates the change in the Virtual DOM
2. Only the actual changes are sent to the browser
3. The page updates lightning fast

Result: Faster, smoother websites.

2. Component-Based Architecture

Website
├── Header
│   ├── Logo
│   ├── Navigation
│   └── SearchBar
├── MainContent
│   ├── Hero
│   ├── Features
│   └── Testimonials
└── Footer
    ├── Links
    └── ContactInfo

This structure makes it easy to:

• Reuse components
• Have teams work in parallel
• Organize code

3. Enormous Ecosystem

React has a massive community with:

• Thousands of open-source libraries
• Extensive documentation
• Active forums and support
• Constant improvements

4. Used by Major Companies

React is used by:

• Facebook & Instagram
• Netflix
• Airbnb
• Uber
• Twitter

This means it:

• Is proven at scale
• Is actively maintained
• Will not disappear anytime soon

React vs Other Frameworks

React vs Vue

React:

• Larger community
• More job opportunities
• More flexible, but steeper learning curve

Vue:

• Easier to learn
• Good documentation
• Popular in Asia

React vs Angular

React:

• Library (more flexible)
• Faster to learn
• Smaller initial footprint

Angular:

• Complete framework
• More built-in features
• Stricter structure

Our Choice

At Robuust Marketing, we choose React (via Next.js) because:

• Excellent performance
• Large talent pool
• Best SEO capabilities with Next.js
• Scalable for any project

Terms You Should Know

JSX

JSX is the syntax that React uses - a mix of JavaScript and HTML:

function WelcomeMessage({ name }) {
  return (
    <div>
      <h1>Welcome, {name}!</h1>
      <p>Great to have you here.</p>
    </div>
  );
}

This makes it intuitive to describe UI.

Props

Props are properties that you pass to components:

<Button color="blue" size="large">
  Click here
</Button>

The Button component receives color and size as props.

State

State is data that can change over time:

• Form input
• Whether a menu is open/closed
• How many items are in a shopping cart

When state changes, React automatically updates the UI.

Hooks

Hooks are functions that give your component extra capabilities:

• useState: For changeable data
• useEffect: For side effects (API calls, etc.)
• useContext: For shared data

What Does This Mean for Your Website?

Benefits of React Websites

Performance:

• Faster interactions
• Smooth animations
• Efficient data loading

User Experience:

• App-like experience
• No page refreshes needed
• Immediate feedback

Maintenance:

• Easier to modify
• Fewer bugs due to component structure
• Better testability

Future-proof:

• Actively maintained
• Growing ecosystem
• Industry standard

Potential Drawbacks

Initial complexity:

• Requires experienced developers
• Higher initial budget

Overhead for simple sites:

• Overkill for a simple brochure site
• Extra build step required

When is React the Right Choice?

Use React

• Interactive web applications
• E-commerce with dynamic features
• Dashboards and admin panels
• Websites with lots of state management
• Projects with ongoing development

No React Needed

• Simple informational websites (5-10 pages)
• Pure content/blog sites without interaction
• Very limited budget projects
• No development resources available

React in Practice

How We Use React

At Robuust Marketing, we build React websites with:

Next.js Framework:

• Server-side rendering for SEO
• Automatic optimizations
• Easy deployment

TypeScript:

• Type-safety for fewer bugs
• Better developer experience
• Easier maintenance

Component Library:

• Consistent UI components
• Built-in accessibility
• Faster development

Result

Our React websites score:

• 90+ on Google PageSpeed
• Excellent Core Web Vitals
• High conversion through speed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is React free? Yes, React is completely open-source and free to use.

Do I need to learn React? If you are not a developer, you do not need to learn React. However, understand what it can do so you can make the right choices for your website.

Can I migrate my existing site to React? Yes, but it is usually better to rebuild than to migrate. Contact us for advice.

Does React work with WordPress? Yes, via headless WordPress. You use WordPress for content and React for the frontend.

How long does it take to build a React website? This depends on the complexity. A simple website takes a few weeks, more complex projects take longer.

Conclusion

React is the industry standard for modern web development. It offers superior performance, maintainable code, and a great user experience.

Not every project needs React, but for websites where performance, scalability, and interactivity are important, it is the best choice.

Want to know if React is suitable for your project? Contact us for free advice.

Related Articles

• Next.js vs Traditional Websites - React in practice
• Website Performance Optimization - Speed with React
• Git and Version Control Basics - Professional development