English Українська Sign in Contact us

The Future of React JS Developers

React JS is highly popular across the world for its unmatched capabilities to build seamless UIs. The framework has over 174K stars on GitHub and is used by countless developers. Specifically, React shines in creating awesome features for the user-end in single-page applications.

Businesses are also in love with React JS. Top names like Netflix, Airbnb, Facebook, and Uber rely on React to drive revenues.

However, the fame of React has taken a dip recently due to a few questionable factors. Some developers are quitting React and switching to other tools, as recent trends indicate.

Does that mean React JS developers are going out of fashion? Are programmers justified in favoring other frameworks over it?

Let’s find out where React JS developers stand today and what may be in store for the future. We will also clear some misconceptions about React that have taken hold in recent times in the process.

History of React JS

We need to know the background of React JS in order to understand why some developers are not happy today.

The JavaScript library came into existence to rescue the software engineers at Facebook in 2011. At that time, the Facebook Ads app had grown so much in complexity that engineers struggled with code maintenance.

In addition, updating the app became complicated, and the user experience went for a toss.

React JS was born from this need to push for user-friendly user interfaces for creating excellent user experiences. The framework also simplified coding and enabled the development of engaging apps in less time and effort.

Best of all, you could code once and use it on different platforms without restrictions.

As a result, React JS started getting traction and became a top tool for app development. Along with that, the demand for React JS developers also began to grow worldwide.

What Does a React JS Developer Do?

A React JS developer builds client-side features for web, desktop, and mobile apps. They work with the “view” component of the MVC approach and streamline the development of UIs.

A React JS programmer can also handle app logic and any visual elements you want to develop.

However, the scope of React has expanded since its introduction. Today, you can use React with a range of technologies to develop full-scale apps. Some developers are also using the framework for back-end development and exploring newer opportunities.

The expansion of React JS’s scope should be good news for everyone. But the reality is a bit different as the current situation has taken React beyond its original goal, i.e., creating UIs.

Additionally, using so many tools makes things complex and creates barriers to efficient development.

Today, a React developer may have to handle other responsibilities involved in front-end development. The situation is becoming a nightmare for some developers as they aren’t proficient in JavaScript.

As a result, they cannot meet the expectations of clients and deliver inferior products.

Is It Easy to Become a React JS Developer?

React is fairly easy to learn even without a substantial programming background. As a result, you will find many React developers who don’t understand the basics. They just go through everything quickly and claim themselves to be a React engineer.

It is easy to learn React, but that doesn’t make you a great programmer. For that, you have to gain solid skills in JavaScript. You can make the most of React JS only when you know the ins and outs of JavaScript.

In addition, you should know how to use languages like HTML and CSS for efficient development.

Why React is Still King

You may have started to realize why some people are not very favorable of React JS. It has gained a bad reputation in the hands of inferior developers who cannot use it properly.

Additionally, some people are using React for purposes it wasn’t made for. Naturally, they aren’t getting desired results and putting a bad name on the framework.

React JS is a wonderful tool to streamline the development of user interfaces. It provides software engineers the right resources to code less and develop with fewer bugs.

Reliable Performance

React JS helps you create apps that load fast and perform like a champ. It relies on server-side rendering to speed up things and respond to real-time traffic changes.

The virtual DOM of React also saves work and lets developers make changes quickly.

High Flexibility

React is highly flexible, with ample opportunities to suit varied development needs. You can integrate it with the right tools to even develop native apps for mobiles.

Another advantage of the JavaScript library is its ability to create custom components. You can also create great functionalities and charm your users.

Efficient Testing

React helps developers test apps from scratch right within the tool. You can also conduct tests on your Node environments without relying on browsers.

Best of all, you can reduce your testing time and aim to market apps faster.

Better SEO

React can make your website or app easily discoverable by search engines. It makes your website easier to index and lets search engines crawl the content with ease.

As a result, you can expect a better SEO score that may improve your ranking.

React JS also has a large community you can count on for any assistance. The framework also rests on the shoulder of the tech giant Facebook to ensure regular updates.

As a result, React JS is still the king of front-end development. A React JS expert will not think about any other option if React is in their kit to develop excellent UIs.

Businesses can also hire React JS programmers and create competitive products.

Why is React Incomplete?

React was designed to facilitate the development of user interfaces. It was to cater to the needs of working with the view model of mobile and web apps.

Therefore, React is not meant to be a one-stop solution for all your development needs.

Things were quite perfect till React JS development was concerned with UIs. However, the popularity of React soon created a buzz, and many started to view it as a complete development tool.

Along with that, newer frameworks and libraries sprang up to extend the capabilities of React. Trending concepts like Flux and Redux started gaining interest around the world. Soon, countless technologies mushroomed to make React JS the choice of every developer.

Naturally, setting up React JS itself became a laborious task with a high degree of complexity. In addition, you had to use a range of integrations for things like state management and routing.

As a result, the whole process became time-consuming and challenging. The very essence of React JS was lost in the process, and people forgot the real purpose of a JavaScript library.

No wonder some developers started looking for alternatives, and many were already available, like Angular.

React JS Is Complete

React JS is not incomplete or lacking any capabilities. Developers made the mistake of using it as a solution for every development problem.

As a result, they feel React is incomplete without adequate features or too much complexity.

On the other hand, a React expert doesn’t see the library as incomplete. Rather, they use React for its actual purpose and keep enjoying multiple perks.

Will React JS Dominate the Future?

React JS is not going anywhere. According to Stack Overflow, it is the number 1 web framework used by software developers across the world. Therefore, React is far ahead in competition compared to its rivals like jQuery or Vue.

The trend is not only visible in the US, but even in developing countries like India. A recent report shows the open positions of React JS programmers have increased by 184% post-COVID.

Therefore, we can say React will dominate many years in the future on a global scale.

In addition, React is still a living and breathing technology. Facebook is in charge of updating the tool to offer the best features and capabilities.

The interest in React JS is also worth noting. Businesses are investing in advancing the framework and ancillary resources. Last December, a tech company invested $40 million to work on a React framework.

As a result, we can confirm the continued presence of React in the future. The demand for front-end React developers will also increase with each passing year.

However, developers should focus on improving their skills in JavaScript and becoming quality programmers. Don’t limit yourself only to React JS, as it will hamper your employability. Try to expand your knowledge and skills so that you can handle more roles.

Moreover, stop using React to solve every development problem you encounter. Keep the tool for its original purpose of facilitating UI development.

Final Thoughts

React JS is going to be a game-changer even in the future. Developers proficient in JavaScript will be able to take advantage of React to build innovative products. Businesses will continue to hire JavaScript developers, but React programmers will gain the upper hand. You can expect bright days ahead and hope to cash in on your React skills without any exception.


All You Need To Know About Angular Material matInput Control

Oleksandr Poshtaruk

Senior Frontend Engineer

Why a QA engineer is an important asset for a software development business

Viki Kovalenko