Understanding How React Works ⚛️
If you truly want to master React beyond just using it, you need to understand its core principles and internal mechanisms. Here’s a structured guide to what you should know:
1️⃣ React’s Core Principles
- Declarative UI – Why React prefers declarative over imperative programming.
- Component-Based Architecture – How React structures applications into reusable components.
- Unidirectional Data Flow – Understanding the single source of truth and props-driven UI updates.
- Virtual DOM & Reconciliation – How React efficiently updates the UI.
2️⃣ React’s Rendering & Reconciliation
- Diffing Algorithm & Fiber Architecture – How React reconciles updates efficiently.
- Commit & Render Phases – The lifecycle of an update.
- Batching & Prioritization – How React batches state updates to optimize performance.
3️⃣ React State Management
- useState & useReducer – When to use each and how they work under the hood.
- Context API vs. Redux vs. Recoil – Understanding state-sharing mechanisms.
- React’s Event System – How React handles synthetic events and event delegation.
4️⃣ React Hooks & React Internals
- Rules of Hooks & Closure Traps – Why hooks work the way they do.
- useEffect & Cleanup Mechanisms – Understanding side effects and dependency arrays.
- Custom Hooks – How to build reusability within React.
5️⃣ Concurrent React & React 18 Advancements
- Concurrent Mode & Suspense – How React prioritizes rendering for a better UX.
- React Server Components – How React renders components on the server.
6️⃣ Performance Optimization in React
- React.memo & useCallback/useMemo – Preventing unnecessary renders.
- Code Splitting & Lazy Loading – Optimizing bundle size.
- React Profiler & Debugging Performance Issues – Tools to analyze rendering behavior.
7️⃣ Server-Side Rendering (SSR) & Hydration
- Next.js & React SSR – Why SSR improves performance and SEO.
- Hydration & Partial Hydration – How React reuses server-rendered content.
8️⃣ React & Browser Fundamentals
- JavaScript Closures & Scope in React – Why re-renders behave unexpectedly.
- Event Loop & Microtasks in React – Understanding async behaviors.
- Web APIs vs. React State – Why not everything belongs in state.
By diving into these topics, you'll go beyond just writing React apps—you'll understand how React works from the inside out! 🚀