Enabling new JSX Transform in Gatsby.js: A Simple Guide

Are you feeling the repetition blues every time you start a new file in your Gatsby project, with that same import React from "react"; staring back at you? Well, you're not alone. But fear not, because there's a nifty solution that can streamline your frontend development workflow.

While React, Next.js, and Gatsby.js have introduced a new JSX transform (starting from React 17), which allows Babel to interpret JSX without requiring the manual import of React in each file, Gatsby doesn't have this feature activated by default. However, with just a small tweak, you can unlock this time-saving goodness and wave goodbye to those redundant imports.

In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through the process of enabling this JSX transform feature in your Gatsby project. And the best part? You won't need to install any additional dependencies. Let's dive into the details!

Adjusting Gatsby Configuration

First things first, let's open up your project's gatsby-config.js file. This file serves as the hub for configuring various aspects of your Gatsby site. Here's where you'll make a simple yet impactful adjustment.

Within the default export object, add the "jsxRuntime" property, and assign it the value "automatic", like so:

module.exports = {
    /* Your site config here */
    ...
    jsxRuntime: "automatic",
    ...
    /* other configuration */
}

And there you have it! It's as straightforward as that. 🎉 You can now compose JSX code without the hassle of importing React in every single file.

What This Means For You

Not only can you bid farewell to the repetitive chore of importing React in every single file, but with this feature enabled, you can enjoy a ton of other improvements that React has introduced since version 17. You can check these out their official announcement for details.

Looking Ahead

With your Gatsby project now optimized for smoother frontend development, the possibilities are endless. By reducing the clutter in your codebase, you're not only saving time but also enhancing readability and maintainability. And by reducing your build-size efficiently, you are improving website performance and loading speed.

Whether you're building a blazing-fast website, crafting an engaging web application, or exploring the latest trends in software development, I can help. Reach out to me, and I'll help you navigate the exciting world of Gatsby and React development.