10 React Naming Conventions Best Practices
When it comes to naming React components, there are a few best practices to follow. In this article, we'll go over 10 of them.
React is a popular JavaScript library used for building user interfaces. It is important to follow best practices when naming components, variables, and functions in React. This helps to ensure that code is readable, maintainable, and reusable.
In this article, we will discuss 10 React naming conventions best practices. We will look at how to name components, variables, and functions in React. We will also discuss how to use consistent naming conventions across your React project. Following these best practices will help you write better code and make your React project easier to maintain.
1. Use PascalCase for React components and camelCase for their instances
PascalCase is a naming convention that capitalizes the first letter of each word in a compound name. This makes it easier to identify React components at a glance, as they are typically named after their purpose or function. For example, a component for displaying user profiles might be called ProfileDisplay.
Meanwhile, camelCase is a naming convention where the first letter of each word is lowercase except for the first word, which is capitalized. This is used for instances of React components, such as variables and props. For example, if you had an instance of the ProfileDisplay component, you would call it profileDisplay.
2. Use the full word in compound names (not abbreviations)
When you use abbreviations, it can be difficult to understand what the code is doing. For example, if you have a variable called “btnTxt”, it’s not immediately clear that this stands for “button text”. This makes it harder for other developers (or even yourself) to read and understand your code.
By using the full word in compound names, you make it easier to quickly identify what the code is doing. So instead of “btnTxt”, you would use “buttonText” or “button_text”. This helps ensure that everyone who reads your code understands exactly what it does.
3. Avoid prefixing component class names with “React” or other implementation details
When you prefix a component class name with “React” or other implementation details, it can make the code more difficult to read and understand. It also makes it harder for developers to quickly identify what type of component they are working with. Additionally, if you ever decide to switch from React to another library, all your components will need to be renamed.
Instead, use descriptive names that clearly indicate what the component does. For example, instead of naming a component “ReactButton”, call it “SubmitButton”. This way, anyone reading the code knows exactly what the component is used for without having to look up any additional information.
4. Prefix Higher-Order Component names with “with”
Higher-Order Components (HOCs) are functions that take a component as an argument and return a new, enhanced version of the original component. By prefixing HOC names with “with”, it makes it easier to identify them in your codebase. This helps you quickly understand what type of component you’re dealing with when reading through your code.
Additionally, by using this naming convention, you can easily distinguish between regular components and HOCs. This is especially helpful if you have multiple developers working on the same project, as they will be able to quickly identify which components are HOCs and which are not.
5. Use a single file per component
When you have multiple files for a single component, it can be difficult to keep track of all the different pieces and how they fit together. This makes debugging more challenging and increases the chances of introducing bugs into your code.
By using a single file per component, you can easily see what each part of the component does and how it fits in with the rest of the application. This also helps make sure that components are properly encapsulated and don’t interfere with other parts of the application.
6. Put CSS, JS, and tests together
When you put all of these files together, it makes it easier to find the related code for a particular component. This is especially helpful when working on larger projects with multiple components. It also helps keep your project organized and easy to navigate.
Additionally, having all of the related files in one place can help reduce confusion and make debugging easier. When everything is grouped together, it’s much simpler to identify which file contains the code that needs to be changed or fixed.
7. Group component files by features rather than file types
When you group files by features, it makes it easier to find the components related to a particular feature. This is especially helpful when working on larger projects with multiple developers. It also helps keep your codebase organized and easy to navigate.
For example, if you have a component for displaying user profiles, you could create a folder called “UserProfiles” that contains all of the necessary files (e.g., UserProfile.js, UserProfile.css, etc.). This way, anyone looking for the user profile component knows exactly where to look.
8. Name your default export after the name of the feature it implements
When you name your default export after the feature it implements, it makes it easier for other developers to understand what the component does. This is especially important when working on a large project with multiple components and features. By naming your exports in this way, you can quickly identify which component is responsible for implementing each feature.
It also helps keep your code organized and consistent. When all of your components are named according to their purpose, it’s much easier to find them and make changes if needed. This will save time and effort in the long run.
9. Don’t use index.js as an entry point to a directory
When you use index.js as an entry point to a directory, it can be difficult for other developers to understand the purpose of the file and how it fits into the overall project structure. This is because index.js files are often used as generic catch-all files that contain code from multiple components or modules.
Instead, try to name your files according to their purpose. For example, if you have a component called “MyComponent”, then name the file “MyComponent.js” instead of “index.js”. This will make it easier for other developers to quickly identify what each file does and where it belongs in the project structure.
10. Organize assets into folders named for their type
By organizing assets into folders named for their type, it makes it easier to find the files you need when working on a project. It also helps keep your codebase organized and easy to navigate.
For example, if you have images in your React app, create an “images” folder and store all of your image files there. This way, when you need to access an image file, you know exactly where to look. The same goes for other asset types such as CSS, JavaScript, fonts, etc. By following this practice, you can ensure that your codebase is well-organized and easy to maintain.