React is a flexible UI library (not a full framework) with virtual DOM optimization, massive ecosystem (React Native, Next.js), largest job market, and one-way data binding that makes debugging easier. Its component-based architecture and JSX syntax offer a JavaScript-first approach.
Library vs Framework:
Key React Advantages:
Virtual DOM: Optimizes rendering by updating only changed parts of the UI, ideal for complex apps with frequent updates
Ecosystem: Massive ecosystem including React Native (mobile), Next.js (SSR/SSG), thousands of libraries
Job Market: Largest job market (52,000+ jobs in 2025, 2x Angular, 25x Vue in US)
JSX: JavaScript-first approach - render logic and UI in same file with full JS power
One-Way Data Binding: Predictable state changes, easier debugging than Angular's two-way binding
Flexibility: Mix with any tools/libraries vs opinionated framework structures
Community: Meta-backed with largest developer community
When to Consider Alternatives:
// React's strength: Full JavaScript power in your UI
function ProductList({ products, onAddToCart }) {
const [filter, setFilter] = useState('');
// JavaScript logic directly in component
const filtered = products.filter(p =>
p.name.toLowerCase().includes(filter.toLowerCase())
);
return (
<div>
<input
value={filter}
onChange={e => setFilter(e.target.value)}
placeholder="Search..."
/>
{/* Conditional rendering */}
{filtered.length === 0 ? (
<p>No products found</p>
) : (
<ul>
{filtered.map(product => (
<li key={product.id}>
{product.name} - ${product.price}
<button onClick={() => onAddToCart(product)}>
Add to Cart
</button>
</li>
))}
</ul>
)}
</div>
);
}