What is JSX and how is it used in React? (Writing HTML-like syntax within JavaScript)

Understanding JSX: Writing HTML-like Syntax within React

JavaScript has become the king of web development, but even kings need tools to build their castles. That’s where React comes in, a JavaScript library that simplifies user interface creation. However, React has its own special language for describing UI elements: JSX.

If you’re new to React, JSX might seem like a strange beast, a hybrid of JavaScript and HTML. But fear not, for this article will demystify this powerful tool and show you how it makes building UIs with React a breeze.

What is JSX?

JSX stands for JavaScript XML. It’s a syntax extension that allows you to write HTML-like code directly within your JavaScript. This means you can use familiar HTML tags and attributes, but with the full power of JavaScript at your fingertips.

Think of it as a bridge between the familiar world of HTML and the dynamic possibilities of JavaScript. Instead of writing long chains of createElement functions, JSX lets you describe your UI in a clear and concise way.

Here’s an example:

JavaScript

const Greeting = () => {
  return (
    <h1>Hello, world!</h1>
  );
};

ReactDOM.render(<Greeting />, document.getElementById('root'));

This code defines a simple React component called Greeting that returns an <h1> tag with the text “Hello, world!”. The beauty of JSX is that it’s both familiar and expressive. You can still use all the HTML elements and attributes you know, but now you can embed JavaScript expressions within them for dynamic data and behavior.

Benefits of Using JSX

So, why use JSX instead of plain JavaScript? Here are some key benefits:

Readability: JSX makes your code much more readable compared to writing long chains of createElement functions. It’s closer to how you naturally think about your UI, making it easier to understand and maintain your code.
Improved developer experience: With JSX, you can code in a familiar HTML-like syntax, reducing the learning curve for new developers. It also allows for better editor tooling and syntax highlighting, making development a smoother experience.
Dynamic UIs: By mixing HTML with JavaScript, JSX empowers you to create dynamic and interactive UIs. You can easily embed variables, expressions, and conditional statements within your JSX code, making your UI react to data and user interactions.

Opens in a new window ygok17.medium.com

JSX vs Vanilla JavaScript code comparison

How JSX Works Under the Hood

Although JSX may appear like HTML, it’s actually compiled down to plain JavaScript functions that React understands. When you write JSX code, a compiler transforms it into JavaScript object representations of your UI elements. These objects are then used by React to efficiently render your UI on the screen.

Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process:

You write your code using JSX syntax.
A compiler (e.g., Babel) transforms your JSX into JavaScript functions.
These functions return plain JavaScript objects describing your UI elements.
React uses these objects to create the actual DOM elements and render your UI on the screen.

Common Uses of JSX

JSX is incredibly versatile and can be used for a wide range of tasks in React development, including:

Defining simple components: You can use JSX to create small, reusable components that encapsulate a specific piece of UI.
Building complex UIs: By combining multiple components and nesting them within each other, you can create intricate and dynamic user interfaces.
Embedding dynamic data: You can use JavaScript expressions within your JSX code to display dynamic data from your application state or API calls.
Conditional rendering: Based on conditions and user interactions, you can control which parts of your UI are rendered using JSX expressions.

Tips for Writing Effective JSX

While JSX is powerful, it’s important to use it wisely to maintain clean and maintainable code. Here are some tips:

Follow proper indentation and formatting: This will make your code easier to read and understand.
Avoid nesting JSX code too deeply: Deeply nested code can be difficult to manage. Aim for a flat structure if possible.
Use descriptive variable names: This will make your code more self-documenting and easier to understand.
Extract large JSX expressions into separate functions: This can improve code readability and maintainability.