React has become one of the most popular front-end libraries for building user interfaces. With its efficient and declarative approach to building UIs, React has revolutionized the way we think about web development. However, as with any technology, there are common mistakes that developers make when writing React code. In this article, we will discuss 10 common mistakes to avoid when writing React code.

Not using PropTypes

PropTypes is a built-in type-checking mechanism in React that helps you catch errors early in development. By specifying the types of props that your components expect, you can avoid runtime errors and make your code more robust.

Not using state correctly

State is an important concept in React, but it can also be one of the trickiest to use correctly. One common mistake is to modify the state directly, which can lead to unexpected behaviour. Another mistake is to store too much state in a component, which can make your code harder to manage.

Not using React hooks

React hooks were introduced in version 16.8 and provided a new way to use state and other React features in functional components. Not using hooks can lead to code duplication and make your code harder to read and maintain.

Not using keys correctly

Keys are a way to help React identify which elements have changed in a list or other iterable. Not using keys correctly can lead to performance issues and bugs in your code.

Not following a consistent folder structure

React applications can quickly become complex, with many components and files. Following a consistent folder structure can help you keep your code organized and make it easier to find and maintain its files.

Not handling errors correctly

Errors are a fact of life during software development, and React is no exception. Not handling errors correctly can lead to unexpected behaviour and crashes in your application.

Not testing your code

Testing is an important part of any software development process, and React is no exception. Not testing your code can lead to bugs and unexpected behaviour that can be difficult to track down.

Not following best practices

Finally, not following best practices when writing React code can lead to a range of issues, from performance problems to bugs and crashes. It’s important to stay up-to-date on best practices and to always be learning and improving your skills.

In conclusion, React is a powerful and flexible library for building user interfaces, but it’s also complex and can be challenging to use correctly. By avoiding these 8 common mistakes you can write more robust, maintainable and performant React code.