React vs Vanilla JavaScript: Pros, Cons, and the Perfect Fit for Your Project

When starting a new project, it can be challenging to choose the right technology stack. With so many options available, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each. In this article, we will be comparing two very contrasting options: React and simple JavaScript frameworks. By providing a detailed look at the benefits and drawbacks of each, we aim to help you make an informed decision on the best choice for your new project. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just getting started, this article will provide valuable insights and pointers to guide you in the right direction.

React offers several benefits over simple JavaScript frameworks

1. Virtual DOM: React uses a virtual DOM which allows for efficient updates and rendering of components. This results in faster and smoother updates compared to updating the actual DOM directly.
2. Reusable Components: React encourages the creation of reusable UI components, making it easier to build complex user interfaces.
3. JSX: React uses JSX, a syntax extension for JavaScript, which allows for easier readability and understandability of code, especially for larger projects.
4. One-Way Data Flow: React follows a one-way data flow, improving application structure and minimizing potential for cascading updates and race conditions.
5. Community and Tooling: React has a large and active community, resulting in a wealth of resources and a vibrant ecosystem of tools, such as React Native for building mobile apps.
6. Performance: React allows developers to optimize their applications for maximum performance, due to its focus on modularity and efficient updates via the virtual DOM.

Simple JavaScript frameworks have several benefits over React

1. Simplicity: Simple JavaScript frameworks have a smaller learning curve, making it easier to get started for developers who are new to front-end development or who prefer a more straightforward approach.
2. Lightweight: Simple JavaScript frameworks tend to be lighter in terms of file size and dependencies, making it easier to get started and leading to faster load times.
3. Focus on Vanilla JavaScript: Simple JavaScript frameworks allow developers to work with vanilla JavaScript, giving them more control over the codebase and avoiding abstraction layers.
4. Performance: Simple JavaScript frameworks can sometimes offer better performance than React, particularly for simple applications that don’t require complex UI updates.
5. Smaller Community: Simple JavaScript frameworks tend to have a smaller community, resulting in fewer resources and a more limited ecosystem of tools. However, this can also mean less noise and fewer opinions to sort through.
6. Customizability: Simple JavaScript frameworks can often be more easily customized to fit specific needs, whereas React has a more established way of doing things. This can be both a benefit and a drawback, depending on the requirements of a particular project.

However, they both have their own dangers which are worth considering when starting a new project.

React cons

1. Steep Learning Curve: React can have a steep learning curve for developers who are new to the framework or to front-end development in general.
2. Abstraction: React’s abstractions can make it harder to understand how the underlying code works, especially for complex or large applications.
3. JSX: While JSX can make code easier to read, it can also lead to confusion for developers who are unfamiliar with this syntax.
4. Large Bundle Size: React and its dependencies can result in a large JavaScript bundle size, which can negatively impact load times and performance.
5. Overreliance on Third-Party Libraries: React’s popularity can lead to a reliance on third-party libraries, which can result in a lack of control over the codebase and increased risk of security vulnerabilities.

Simple JavaScript frameworks cons

1. Limited Functionality: Simple JavaScript frameworks offer limited functionality compared to React, making it harder to build complex or scalable applications.
2. Lack of Structure: Simple JavaScript frameworks can result in a lack of structure for large or complex projects, making it harder to manage and maintain the codebase.
3. Inconsistent Updates: Simple JavaScript frameworks can sometimes have inconsistent updates, resulting in compatibility issues or a lack of bugfixes.
4. Limited Community: The smaller community surrounding simple JavaScript frameworks can result in a lack of resources, such as tutorials or Stack Overflow questions, for developers who run into issues or need help.
5. Poor Performance: Simple JavaScript frameworks can sometimes result in poor performance for complex applications, especially when compared to React’s optimized updates via the virtual DOM.

You can see how both React and simple JavaScript frameworks have their own benefits and dangers. React offers a powerful and efficient toolset for building complex user interfaces, but has a steep learning curve and can result in a large JavaScript bundle size. On the other hand, simple JavaScript frameworks are easier to get started with and offer more control over the codebase, but have limited functionality and can result in poor performance for complex applications. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the specific requirements and constraints of a project.