React JS optimization techniques

Shalitha Lakruwan
2 min readJun 18, 2023

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React.js has become one of the most popular JavaScript libraries for building user interfaces due to its simplicity, flexibility, and performance. However, as your application grows in complexity, it’s essential to optimize its performance to ensure smooth rendering and efficient use of system resources. In this blog post, we’ll explore several optimization techniques and best practices for React.js, along with example code snippets.

  1. Minimize Render Operations: One of the fundamental principles of React.js optimization is to minimize unnecessary re-renders. React’s diffing algorithm compares the virtual DOM with the actual DOM and updates only the necessary parts. To achieve this, follow these practices:

a. Use the React.memo() higher-order component or React.memoized functional components to memoize components and prevent unnecessary re-renders.

Example:

b. Implement shouldComponentUpdate or use React.PureComponent to avoid re-rendering when props or state haven’t changed.

Example:

2. Optimize List Rendering: Rendering large lists of items in React.js can impact performance. To optimize list rendering, use the following techniques:

a. Implement the “key” prop when mapping over a list. It helps React efficiently update and reorder the list.

Example:

b. Use React’s virtualization libraries, such as React Virtualized or react-window, to render only the visible items, reducing the number of rendered DOM elements.

3. Code Splitting and Lazy Loading: Code splitting and lazy loading can significantly improve the initial load time of your React.js app. Splitting your code into smaller chunks and loading them on-demand reduces the initial bundle size. React provides tools like React.lazy() and Suspense to achieve code splitting and lazy loading.

Example:

4. Memoize Expensive Computations: Sometimes, React components perform expensive computations or data transformations. To avoid unnecessary re-computations, memoize the results using libraries like memoize-one or useMemo() hook.

Example:

5. Use React Profiler: React Profiler is a built-in tool for analyzing and optimizing component rendering. It helps identify performance bottlenecks by measuring component rendering time and update frequency. Use it to identify components that require optimization.

Example:

Optimizing React.js applications is crucial to ensure optimal performance and a smooth user experience. By implementing the optimization techniques and best practices mentioned in this blog post, you can supercharge your React.js app and make it more efficient.

Minimizing unnecessary re-renders by memoizing components, optimizing list rendering, and using code splitting and lazy loading techniques can significantly improve your app’s performance. Memoizing expensive computations and using the React Profiler tool can help identify and address performance bottlenecks.

Remember, optimization is an ongoing process. Continuously monitoring and optimizing your React.js app will ensure it remains performant as it grows and evolves. By applying these optimization techniques, you can create highly responsive and efficient React.js applications that delight users with their speed and usability.

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Shalitha Lakruwan
Shalitha Lakruwan

Written by Shalitha Lakruwan

Software Engineering Undergraduate Student

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