React as a Standalone Library or as a Part of a Framework: Which One to Choose?

React is a widely used front-end library that simplifies the process of building user interfaces. However, the latest React documentation has emphasized using frameworks rather than using React as a standalone library. In this blog post, we will explore why the shift towards frameworks is necessary and how they can improve scalability.
Frameworks are software packages that provide a set of tools, libraries, and best practices for building web applications. React, as a standalone library, is flexible and can be used in various ways. However, this flexibility can also result in inconsistencies and a lack of structure. Using a framework, such as Next.js, Gatsby etc can provide structure and organization, allowing developers to focus on building features rather than configuring the project.

Moreover, frameworks can offer several features, such as server-side rendering, code splitting, and performance optimizations, that are challenging to set up manually. They also provide a team of developers dedicated to maintaining and updating the framework, ensuring that your project stays up to date with the latest best practices and tools.

Another significant advantage of using frameworks is the improved scalability they offer. As projects grow in complexity, it becomes increasingly challenging to maintain consistency and structure. Frameworks offer a set of conventions and best practices that help maintain consistency and improve scalability. They can also provide features like automatic code splitting and lazy loading, which can help reduce the bundle size and improve performance.

Using frameworks can also make it easier for new developers to join a project and start contributing quickly. Frameworks provide a standard structure and set of best practices, making it easier for new developers to understand the codebase and start working on new features.

Lastly, frameworks can provide a better development experience for the entire team. By using a shared set of conventions and tools, developers can work more efficiently and with fewer errors. They can also automate tasks like testing and deployment, making the development process smoother and more streamlined.

While frameworks provide many benefits, some developers may still prefer to use React as a standalone library. If you are considering using React without a framework, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, you will need to set up the project structure yourself, which can be time-consuming and challenging, especially for larger projects. Additionally, you will need to manage features like server-side rendering and code splitting manually.

Moreover, using React without a framework requires you to be familiar with React's best practices, conventions, and tools. This can be challenging for new developers or those who are not well-versed in React's ecosystem.

In conclusion, while React is a powerful library that can be used standalone, using it as part of a framework can offer several advantages, including improved scalability, consistency, and structure. Frameworks provide a set of conventions and best practices that make it easier to build and maintain large-scale applications, and they offer features that are challenging to set up manually. By emphasizing the use of frameworks, the latest React documentation is promoting best practices that can improve the development experience and help developers build better applications.

In summary, the shift towards frameworks is necessary to maintain consistency and structure, automate tasks, and improve scalability, making it an ideal choice for developers who want to build better applications faster.