Let’s face it: React’s popularity is a classic example of being in the right place at the right time.
When it first hit the scene, the web development world desperately needed a saviour. Developers were drowning in the complexities of AngularJS, with its notorious digest cycle and performance issues that made building with Angular a nightmare. Along came React, with its fancy virtual DOM and declarative approach, and suddenly, everyone was singing its praises.
With its unidirectional data flow and simplistic approach to building component-driven UIs, React was much better than what AngularJS or other frameworks were selling us at the time.
But let’s be real; if React were launched in 2024, it wouldn’t stand a chance. The web has evolved, and we now have native solutions like web components supported in all major browsers. Libraries like Lit have emerged, offering a lightweight, standards-based approach to building UIs. React’s once-revolutionary features are now just par for the course.
So why is React still so popular? It’s simple: the community.
React has cultivated a massive ecosystem of packages, tools, and resources that developers can’t seem to live without. It’s like a drug dealer who has gotten everyone hooked on their product. The React ecosystem has something for every need, from state management libraries to testing frameworks. And with so many subject domain experts contributing their knowledge, it’s no wonder developers are reluctant to break free from React’s grip.
But here’s the thing: React’s community has also become its own worst enemy. As it has grown, the ecosystem has become a bloated, complicated mess. Hooks once hailed as game-changers, allow developers who don’t fully understand them to shoot themselves in the foot.
And don’t even get me (or countless others in the community) started on React Server Components. The controversy surrounding this new addition has divided the community, with some hailing it as the future of React and others seeing it as an unnecessary complication.
The truth is that React has become a victim of its own success. It has grown into a behemoth that is becoming increasingly difficult to tame. And yet, developers continue to cling to it like a security blanket, afraid to venture into the unknown.
Let’s be honest: React is still a worthwhile option for many projects. It has a proven track record and a vast ecosystem that can make development faster and easier. It’s like that reliable old car that gets you from point A to point B, even if it’s not the flashiest ride on the block. But just because something is reliable doesn’t mean it’s the best choice forever.
There are other options, and it’s time for developers to open their eyes and embrace them. Web components and libraries like Lit offer a simpler, more standards-based approach to building UIs. They may not have the same hype and buzz as React, but they get the job done just as well, if not better. Despite its complexity, Angular offers comfort with its more verbose, rigid guardrails for developing apps. And, of course, arguably one of the best options around right now: Svelte. Of course, there are many others.
But here’s a thought: Would web components be as widely supported as they are today, or would competing libraries be as good if React hadn’t come along and shaken things up? It’s a chicken-and-egg situation. React’s popularity undoubtedly pressured browser vendors to improve their native solutions for building UIs and competing libraries to improve performance and APIs.
In a way, React’s success may have inadvertently paved the way for its own potential demise. It’s like the artist who inspires a new generation of musicians, only to be overshadowed by them later on.
So, is React’s popularity deserved? I’ll let you be the judge. But one thing is certain: if React were launched today, it would have a harder time convincing developers to jump on its bandwagon.
