Why React JS is a Game-Changer for Web Development

3 min readFeb 14, 2025

If you’re a web developer or someone interested in building modern web applications, you’ve probably heard of React JS. Today, I want to talk about why React JS is so popular, how it works, and why it might be the perfect tool for your next project. Machang, this is something you don’t want to miss!

What is React JS?

React JS is a JavaScript library developed by Facebook (now Meta) and released as an open-source project in 2013. It has quickly become one of the most popular libraries among web developers worldwide, and for good reason. React is primarily used for building user interfaces (UI) and is especially powerful for creating single-page applications (SPAs).

Unlike traditional websites that refresh every time you navigate to a new page, React JS allows you to build SPAs that load once and dynamically update content without refreshing the entire page. This makes React applications faster than a tuk-tuk on Galle Road compared to traditional multi-page websites.

Key Features of React JS

Component-Based Architecture:
React allows you to break down your project into small, reusable pieces called components. Each component can be developed and managed independently, making your code more organized and easier to maintain. This modular approach is especially helpful for large-scale projects. No need to kade (mess) around with everything at once!
Virtual DOM:
One of React’s standout features is its use of a Virtual DOM. Instead of updating the entire Document Object Model (DOM) whenever a change occurs, React only updates the specific part that has changed. This makes React applications highly performant and responsive. No more lagging like a Colombo traffic jam!
React Hooks:
React introduced Hooks in version 16.8, which revolutionized how developers write components. Hooks like useState, useEffect, and useMemo allow you to manage state, handle side effects, and optimize performance without writing class components. This makes React more intuitive and easier to learn. Even a newbie can catch up fast, no?
React and Next.js:
While React is a library, Next.js is a popular framework built on top of React. Next.js adds powerful features like server-side rendering (SSR), static site generation (SSG), and routing, making it an excellent choice for building production-ready applications. It’s like adding kottu to your rice and curry — next level stuff!

Why Should You Learn React JS?

React JS is not just a trend; it’s a skill that’s in high demand globally, including in Sri Lanka. Many companies, from startups to large enterprises, are adopting React for their web development projects. Learning React can open up numerous job opportunities and help you stay competitive in the tech industry. Aney, this is your chance to earn big bucks!

Getting Started with React JS

To start working with React, you’ll need a basic understanding of JavaScript. Once you’re comfortable with JavaScript fundamentals, you can dive into React. Here’s how to set up your first React project:

Install Node.js:
React requires Node.js to run. You can download and install Node.js from nodejs.org. Just download and install, like how you install a new app on your phone.

Create a New React Project:
Use the following command to create a new React project:

npx create-react-app my-react-app

This will set up a new React project in a folder named my-react-app

Run Your Project:
Navigate to your project folder and start the development server using:

npm start

Your React application will open in your browser, usually at http://localhost:3000. Just sit back and watch your app come to life!

Why React JS is Perfect for Sri Lankan Developers

In Sri Lanka, the tech industry is growing rapidly, and web development is a key area of focus. React JS is an excellent choice for Sri Lankan developers because:

It’s open-source and free to us.
Its large global community makes iteasy to find resources, tutorials, and support. Even if you get stuck, someone will help you out.
It’s versatile and can be used for everything from small personal projects to large-scale enterprise applications. Whether you’re building a small app or a massive system, React got you covered.