It is indeed fun and challenging at the same time to build complex UIs in the React framework. When applications have become bigger and more complicated, developers usually have issues dealing with complex structures and deeply nested elements. This is where features of React like Portals and Fragments shine through the complex workflow of a large app.
They assist in creating complex and elegant interfaces rather than just code, which, in turn, is easy to manage. If you decide to hire React developers for your project, it will be beneficial if they have the necessary knowledge of Portals, especially in cases when it may be necessary to implement complex UI.
Understanding React Portals
React Portals provide a way to render components that are outside of their parent DOM hierarchy. Typically, React components are rendered within their parent container, but there are scenarios where this default behavior can be limiting.
For instance, if you’re working on a modal, tooltip, or dropdown, rendering it inside the parent component’s DOM can lead to styling and positioning challenges.
Defining React Portals?
React Portals allow you to render a child component into a different DOM node, outside the DOM hierarchy of the parent component. This is especially useful when dealing with components that require a different positioning context or need to be displayed above other elements without affecting the rest of the layout.
To create a Portal, React provides the ReactDOM.createPortal method, which takes two arguments: the JSX to be rendered and the target DOM node where the content should be rendered.
Use of React Portals?
Here are some common scenarios where Portals can be particularly beneficial:
- Modals and Dialogs
Modals often need to overlay other content and should not be constrained by the parent component’s styles or positioning.
- Tooltips
Tooltips that need to appear above other content without disturbing the layout can be easily handled with Portals.
- Dropdowns
Dropdown menus that require positioning outside the parent component can be effectively managed using Portals.
React Fragments
React Fragments are another valuable asset in a developer’s arsenal. They allow you to combine several elements in a set and do not create an extra DOM node. This is particularly useful when a component needs to return multiple children, but a wrapping element might interfere with styling or layout.
Defining React Fragments?
A Fragment is a small piece that can be used to return several items without adding extra nodes to the DOM in the component’s render method. Fragments can be written in two ways:
- Using the Fragment Syntax
- Using the Short Syntax
Both of these approaches achieve the same result: rendering multiple li elements without an additional wrapping element in the DOM.
Benefits of Using React Fragments
- Cleaner DOM
Fragments do not generate excessive wrapper elements which are in some way beneficial for the overall performance of the DOM.
- Styling
Fragments help avoid styling issues that can arise from additional wrapping elements, such as unwanted margins or padding.
- Conditional Rendering
Fragments are useful when conditionally rendering elements in a list or a component that returns multiple sibling elements.
Read Also: Unity 3D Developer Hiring Guide: Technical Skills and Portfolio Evaluation
Best Practices for Using React Portals and Fragments
When incorporating Portals and Fragments into your projects, consider the following best practices:
- Use Portals Wisely
While Portals are powerful, they should be used when necessary, such as for modals, tooltips, or popovers. Their overuse might result in the creation of complex and difficult-to-manage code.
- Avoid Fragment Overuse
While Fragments help in reducing unnecessary DOM nodes, overusing them in complex components can sometimes make the code less readable.
- Consider Accessibility
Ensure that components rendered via Portals are accessible and properly integrated with screen readers and other assistive technologies.
- Keep It Simple
It is always better to keep your components as simple as possible. The primary objective is to bring the logic of the UI as close to the most obvious as possible, to both developers and end users.
Conclusion
React Portals and Fragments are among the tools that any React developer who works with complicated UI compositions should use. They offer the level of flexibility required for handling elaborate designs mainly through avoiding the overloading of DOM when solving a problem.
