React has surged in popularity as a go-to tool for building modern web applications. React’s ascent is attributed to its technical performance, flexibility, ease of testing, gentle learning curve, and a wide range of applications. Among these, enterprise applications stand out. But is React the right choice for your next enterprise app development project?

Let’s delve into the advantages of React and the key considerations before committing to it for enterprise application development.

React.js remains the leading frontend JavaScript library, boasting a market share  exceeding 40%.

The State of JavaScript 2022 survey revealed that 69% of developers have utilized React.js, with 54% expressing their intention to use it again. Additionally, React.js received the highest satisfaction rating among JavaScript libraries according to the same survey

React boasts a vast and vibrant community, providing abundant resources for developers. With over 190,000 stars and more than 1,500 contributors, the React.js GitHub repository ranks among the most popular and active on the platform.

According to various job boards, React is the most sought-after programming skill and there is an increasing demand for React expertise compared to the previous years.

Why is React so popular than other libraries and frameworks?

React's popularity stems from several advantages it holds over other UI libraries and frameworks:

Component- based Architecture:

React excels in its component-based approach, allowing developers to build encapsulated components that manage their own state. This modular design makes it easier to manage and reuse code, leading to more maintainable and scalable applications.

JSX advantage:

React uses JSX, a syntax extension that combines JavaScript and HTML-like code. This makes the code more readable and intuitive, enabling developers to see the layout directly within the JavaScript file and improving the overall development experience.

Single-way data binding:

React's one-way data binding ensures that changes to the model automatically update the view, but not the other way around. This unidirectional flow simplifies debugging and enhances the predictability of the application’s behavior.

Flexibility with building blocks:

React provides the flexibility to build applications using various small and manageable pieces, or components. These components can be mixed and matched to create complex UIs, giving developers the freedom to structure their applications as needed.

Isomorphic JavaScript

React supports isomorphic (or universal) JavaScript, which means the same code can run on both the server and client sides. This leads to faster initial load times and better SEO performance since the server can render the initial HTML.

Robust Community Support:

With an active and large community, React developers have access to a vast array of resources, including extensive documentation, third-party libraries, and community-driven tools. This support network helps developers solve problems more efficiently and stay updated with the latest best practices.

Unified View and Controller:

React simplifies the MVC (Model-View-Controller) architecture by combining the view and controller into a single entity. This makes the development process more straightforward and reduces the complexity of managing different parts of the application separately.

Scalability for Large Applications:

React's architecture and ecosystem support the development of large-scale applications. Its component-based structure and efficient rendering with the virtual DOM make it an ideal choice for building robust and scalable enterprise applications.

Both small startups and large enterprises like WhatsApp Web, Dropbox, Netflix and so many other tech giants leverage React.js for their modern application development needs.

Types of Solutions Built with React.js

React.js can be used to develop a broad spectrum of solutions, from enterprise software to custom eCommerce websites. Some of the common applications include

Single Page Applications (SPA):

React is ideal for SPAs, which allow dynamic interaction with the server without reloading the page. Eg: Trello

Enterprise Applications:

Large companies like Walmart and Airbnb use React due to its component-based architecture, which makes managing large projects more manageable.

Data Visualization Dashboards:

React's robust tools make it excellent for creating data visualization dashboards, which are crucial in the age of Big Data. Eg: Airbnb

Social media and Messaging Apps:

Many social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, utilize React to enhance user experience.

eCommerce Websites:

React simplifies the implementation of essential features such as filters, advanced search, and APIs, making it a great choice for building engaging online stores. Eg: Shopify

Benefits of ReactJS Development for Enterprise Apps

JSX (JavaScript XML) in React makes it easier for developers to work with JavaScript, simplifying code management. Reusable components also streamline the development process.

React's component-based architecture supports easy scalability and customization of business logic.

The virtual DOM in React ensures high performance and efficiency.

React’s extensive documentation and straightforward component-based approach make it easy to learn and use.

React allows teams to build and reuse components, saving time and effort in development.

Angular vs. React for Enterprise Application Development

Angular is another popular framework for enterprise applications, but it differs significantly from React. Angular has a steeper learning curve due to its comprehensive built-in functionality, whereas React is more lightweight and easier to get started with.

Learning Curve:

React is generally easier to learn compared to Angular.

Flexibility:

React offers more flexibility for integrating with other libraries and frameworks.

Community and Ecosystem:

Both Angular and React have strong communities and ecosystems, providing extensive support and resources.

Ultimately, the choice between Angular and React depends on the specific requirements of the project and the expertise of the development team.

Essentials for Building Enterprise React Applications

React.js is well-suited for enterprise software development. Here are some essential tips:

Plan Core Features Carefully

Enterprise applications are complex, so it's crucial to carefully plan the core features for an MVP (Minimum Viable Product). Missing essential features can make the solution ineffective, while overloading the MVP can lead to increased development costs.

Essential features for an enterprise app MVP might include:

Multiple user roles with role-based access control

Document management system

Reporting and analytics

Integration with databases and existing apps

Two-factor authentication

Focus on User-Friendly Design

Enterprise applications should enhance productivity and reduce errors. Although they are business-oriented, they should still be intuitive and easy to use, facilitating employee onboarding and daily operations. Prioritize usability and follow established design patterns seen in apps like Microsoft BI, SalesForce, and QuickBooks.

Ensure Maintenance and Scalability

React’s flexibility is advantageous for custom business logic but can complicate maintenance and scaling. To manage this, organize app components clearly and logically, using dedicated folders for different types of data.

4 Best Practices for Scalable ReactJS Enterprise App Development

Implement Testing Early

Starting automated testing early in the development process is crucial. It helps catch bugs and ensures code reliability, making it easier to scale the application as it grows.

Use Tools for Scaling

Adopt valuable tools like Prettier, ESLint, and libraries such as React Router, React Hook Form, and date-fns to aid in building a scalable app.

Organize Project Files Properly

Proper organization and logical naming of project files simplify management as the application grows. Create folders for each component and include all related files, such as unit tests, within those folders.

Build a Library for UI and Logic Components

Creating a component library facilitates component sharing and reuse. Platforms like Bit can help manage the collection, and you can include hooks to share logic across components.

Should You Outsource Your React App Development Project?

Outsourcing React.js development can be a strategic choice for enterprises. You get access to a wide pool of resources from various locations. You can also adjust the size of the development team based on your business requirements. Outsourcing is more cost-effective than building an in-house team as you leave the heavy-lifting tasks with the vendors while you focus on the core business while handling multiple projects.

Conclusion

After so many years, React.js still stands out as a robust library for building powerful enterprise applications. Its true potential is best realized when managed by skilled developers. If you need to develop an enterprise solution, consider outsourcing to experienced React engineers at Digital Techworks. We offer highly qualified developers and a wealth of experience in building scalable React applications tailored to your business needs.