How to Create Your First React Components From Scratch

How to Create Your First React Components From Scratch

Components are the core building block of every React app. If you cannot create one from scratch without help, you cannot build anything. Here is how to do it properly.

A Component Is a Function

A functional component is a JavaScript function that returns JSX. The function name must start with a capital letter, which is how React tells components apart from HTML tags.

The Simplest Component

A component that returns a heading is a valid React component. Define the function, return JSX, and use it like a custom tag in another component.

Props Make Components Reusable

Props let you pass data into a component so it can render differently. A greeting component that takes a name prop can greet anyone, instead of being hardcoded.

Keep Components Focused

A good component does one thing. If a component handles data fetching, layout, styling, and business logic, it is doing too much. Split it.

Always Return a Single Root

A component must return a single root element. If you need to return siblings without an extra wrapper, use a React fragment, written as empty angle brackets.

Naming Matters

Name components by what they are, not by where they live. UserProfile is clear. CardRight is not. Good names make your codebase readable.

Build, Don't Copy

The mistake beginners make is copying a component and tweaking it. Instead, write each new component from scratch until the pattern is automatic. Once it is automatic, you can move fast.

The Takeaway

A component is a capitalized function that returns JSX, accepts props, and does one focused job. Master creating them from scratch, and the rest of React becomes assembling components instead of fighting them.