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React vs JavaScript: Why are web apps better than Websites?


Two wooden blocks on a light grey surface. The top block has ‘REACT.js’ engraved, while the bottom block has ‘JAVASCRIPT’.

When planning a website for your business, selecting the appropriate type from the get-go is crucial for a proper long-term investment. While simple websites work well for static informational content, React excels in handling dynamic content.


Settling for a plain website will come at the cost of the company’s online performance. While a good bargain, a static platform with limited functionality is not a worthwhile investment, as it renders growth. 


Find the right React Development Company


For businesses that need an interactive website capable of real-time updates, we recommend opting for a Native Web App (dynamic website).


Selecting the right type of website for your business and choosing the best react development company are crucial decisions.







Why React Web Apps can be superior


React (React.js or ReactJS) is a powerful front-end library for building user interfaces based on components. But what sets React apart when talking about web experiences? 


A screenshot of a admin portal react web app user interface for a business analytics dashboard. The dashboard displays key performance indicators, including earnings overviews and user metrics.
React Web App - Web Admin Portal - Dashboard


Individual Reusable Components

Unlike vanilla JavaScript, React uses a modular approach that breaks down the website into smaller, reusable components. These components, each representing a distinct part of the user interface, are developed independently and combined to form the complete UI, akin to building blocks. This reusability streamlines development, making it more organized, efficient, and manageable.


Faster Rendering

React uses a Virtual DOM (Document Object Model), which ensures that only the necessary components are updated when changes occur, rather than re-rendering the entire DOM. This results in significantly faster rendering, especially noticeable in complex websites with frequent UI updates.


Easier to build Complex Websites

While Vanilla JavaScript is enough for simple websites, managing a complex web app can be challenging due to the need for faster loading times.

React’s component-based architecture allows the reuse of components, simplifying the creation and maintenance of user interfaces.


Maintainable and Scalable

Web apps built with React feature a component-based architecture, enhancing maintainability and organization.




Statistics speak volumes


Image of a hand with a raised index finger traces an upward trending line of light, representing growth and progress similarly to a line graph in statistics.


Industry Leaders

Nearly 9,000 industry leaders utilize React.js, including major companies such as Facebook, Airbnb, Uber, Netflix, Instagram, WhatsApp, BBC, X (formerly Twitter), and Reddit.


Widespread Adoption

React.js sees over 10 million weekly downloads from the npm registry, highlighting its extensive adoption and use within the development community.


Community Support

With over 200,000 stars on GitHub and a substantial contributor base, React.js is one of the most popular open-source projects.


Developer Preference

In Stack Overflow’s Developer Survey 2023, 68.9% of professional developers expressed interest in continuing to work with React.js.


Most Wanted Survey

According to Stack Overflow’s Developer Surveys, React.js has held a top position in the “Most Wanted” category for several years. In 2023, approximately 22.5% of developers who’ve never worked with it expressed interest in picking it up.


Most Used Survey

According to Statista, React took second place with a whopping 40.58% in a worldwide survey researching the most used web frameworks among developers in 2023.


Productivity

The State of JS survey revealed that developers using React.js report increased productivity, attributed to its component-based architecture.




Conclusion


A modular white plastic cube.

React’s modularity, fast rendering, maintainability and overall efficiency make it the better choice for web app development. Its robust ecosystem offers enhanced scalability and performance.

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