Differences Between Functional Components and Class Components

Both Functional Components and Class Components are essential in React for building reusable UI elements, but they are structured differently and have unique characteristics. Functional Components are simpler and more concise, especially with the introduction of React Hooks, which allow them to manage state and side effects. On the other hand, Class Components are more traditional, relying on lifecycle methods and the ‘this’ keyword for handling state and events.

Functional Components vs Class Components

Here is a detailed comparison of Functional Components and Class Components based on various features

FeatureFunctional ComponentsClass Components
State ManagementCan use Hooks (e.g., useState, useReducer) for state managementUses this.state and this.setState() for state management
Lifecycle MethodsUses useEffect Hook for lifecycle methods (e.g., componentDidMount, componentWillUnmount)Uses built-in lifecycle methods (e.g., componentDidMount, componentDidUpdate, componentWillUnmount)
RenderingReturns JSX directly inside the functionUses a render() method to return JSX
PerformanceFaster and more lightweight due to simpler structureSlightly heavier due to the overhead of class instances
HooksCan use React hooks (useState, useEffect, etc.)Cannot use hooks; relies on lifecycle methods and state
This KeywordDoes not use this keywordUses this to access props and state
Code ComplexityLess boilerplate code, easier to write and understandMore boilerplate code, especially for state and methods
Use in Modern ReactPreferred for new development, especially with hooksUsed in legacy codebases or when hooks are not supported
Event HandlingSimple and direct event handlingRequires method binding for event handling

Functional Components

A functional component is a simpler way to define components in React using JavaScript functions. Unlike class components, functional components do not require a constructor or lifecycle methods. They are typically used for components that are presentational and do not manage complex state or lifecycle events

Syntax

const Car=()=> {
return <h2>Hi, I am also a Car!</h2>;
}
import React, { useState } from "react";

const FunctionalComponent = () => {
    const [count, setCount] = useState(0);

    const increase = () => {
        setCount(count + 1);
    }

    return (
        <div style={{ margin: '50px' }}>
            <h1>Welcome to Techappss </h1>
            <h3>Counter App using Functional Component : </h3>
            <h2>{count}</h2>
            <button onClick={increase}>Add</button>
        </div>
    )
}

export default FunctionalComponent;

Chockalingam