Clean Code in React: Naming Conventions & Best Practices You Should Know

Writing clean code is more than just aesthetics, it's about building scalable, maintainable, and readable applications. Whether you’re an experienced React developer or just getting started, you’ve likely faced codebases that felt chaotic and difficult to navigate.

As a full-stack developer working daily with React, I’ve seen firsthand how a lack of structure and naming conventions can quickly turn a good project into a nightmare. That’s why I decided to put together a practical guide on writing clean code in React, covering naming conventions, structure, and key principles that make a real difference.

In this post, I’ll share the core fundamentals I follow when developing React apps. And if you stick around until the end, you’ll find a link to the full version on Medium, where I dive even deeper with code examples and real-world use cases.

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Why Clean Code Matters (Especially in React)

In React projects, especially those involving multiple components and states, clean code becomes crucial. Unlike static websites, React apps are dynamic, complex, and often collaborative. Clean code:

• Reduces the chances of bugs and runtime errors

• Makes it easier to onboard new developers

• Speeds up debugging and refactoring

• Helps ensure consistency across your app

• Boosts team productivity and morale

Think of it like this: the cleaner your code, the more future-proof your application becomes.

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Naming Conventions That Keep Your Code Readable

Naming things is hard, but it’s one of the most important aspects of writing clean code. Here are some naming conventions I use in my React projects:

Components

Use PascalCase for component names:

function UserProfileCard() {
  return <div>User Info</div>;
}

Functions and Variables

Stick to camelCase for functions and variables:

const handleFormSubmit = () => { ... }
const userData = getUserData();

Constants

Use UPPER_SNAKE_CASE for constants, especially if they don’t change:

const API_BASE_URL = "https://api.example.com";

Custom Hooks

Always start with use to clearly signal that it’s a React hook:

function useAuth() {
  const [user, setUser] = useState(null);
  return user;
}

By following consistent naming conventions, you improve clarity and reduce cognitive load.

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Organize Your Folders Like a Pro

Folder structure may vary from project to project, but consistency matters more than perfection. Here’s a basic structure I like to follow:

src/
├── components/
│   └── Button/
│       ├── Button.jsx
│       └── Button.css
├── hooks/
│   └── useToggle.js
├── pages/
│   └── Home.jsx
├── services/
│   └── api.js
├── utils/
│   └── formatDate.js

Each folder serves a purpose:

• components: Reusable UI components

• hooks: Custom React hooks

• pages: Main views of your app (especially for React Router or Next.js)

• services: API calls or data-fetching logic

• utils: Helper functions

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Keep Your Functions Small and Focused

Large, complex functions are a sign that it’s time to refactor. Aim for functions that do one thing and do it well.

Bad:

const handleEverything = () => {
  fetchData();
  validateInputs();
  updateState();
  showNotification();
};

Good:

const handleFormSubmit = () => {
  fetchFormData();
  validateFormInputs();
  updateFormState();
  triggerFormNotification();
};

Each of the inner functions can now be unit tested and reused.

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📌 Want the Full Guide with Code & Examples?

This was just a teaser. The full version includes:

• Real React examples

• Full folder structure

• A function that applies all clean code practices together

• SEO and alt text tips for frontend devs

👉 Read the complete guide on Medium here: Clean Code in React – A Practical Guide

Happy coding! 💻✨