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Introduction
Choosing the right web development platform to build stable and fast solutions is a complex task for business owners and developers. They need to keep in mind multiple project requirements, matching them with dozens of web development frameworks and their numerous features.
But is there a one-fits-all web development framework that can serve every project? Probably, there isn’t. However, you can find the most powerful and performant one. According to StackOverflow 2021 developer survey, React has the support of 41% of professional web developers. It means that Reactjs has the most impressive feature set and high performance in versatile areas.
Here we invite you to find out:
- What exact technologies are behind React.js;
- What you can develop, using the library;
- 7 traits of React solutions that make it the best front-end development framework.
What is React?
In a nutshell, React is an open-source JavaScript UI library for building scalable, fast, and easily maintainable web applications’ frontends. Some developers prefer calling Reactjs a web development framework, but the library works only with UIs and other front-end elements so technically, it is a library. React has a declarative coding type and shines in flexibility, usability, and, certainly, UI rendering.
Facebook released the library in 2013, in the times, when Angular was the supreme framework in the web development sphere. React brought balance into the domain, and now has become the most popular web development library among professional web developers.
React is the Grail of the constantly evolving front-end development. For now, more than 9,600,000 websites throughout the internet are using React. Besides, such companies as Netflix, Apple, Tesla, Airbnb, IMDb, and PayPal create their software projects with the library.
Where is it used?
React can help you create an array of web applications and websites. In addition, the library allows building hybrid mobile applications and plugins. Among the types of applications available to build with React are:
Progressive Web Applications (PWAs)
React library has the components for creating web applications that can work offline, invoking the cached data, stored in the browser.
Banking apps
React provides all the necessary features and a proper security level for banking applications, that store sensitive user data and allow money transactions.
E-commerce apps
React applications can handle extreme user traffic without any hindrance to the apps’ UI. This quality is especially important for supply chain and e-commerce applications.
Single Page Applications (SPAs)
Instead of loading the new web page, SPAs rewrite the information in the existing web pages. This process facilitates UI rendering, making information loading almost instantaneous.
Hybrid mobile applications
Beyond web apps, You can develop hybrid mobile applications with the Reactjs library. Hybrid mobile apps are, essentially, web apps in the masks of native ones. Thus, users can access all the functionalities through the embedded browser connected to the native mask. To create natively rendering mobile apps for iOS and Android, you can use React Native, a Facebook framework based on React.
Data Visualization
React is widely used for the creation of real-time analytics dashboards and other front-end elements for BI (Business Intelligence) software.
7 Key Reasons to Choose React
Creation of the rich and performant UIs
The virtual DOM and JavaScript basis of React gives the library the power to render UIs seamlessly even during heavy user traffic loads.
Virtual DOM (VDOM) makes React applications’ UIs lightweight, speeds up maintenance and UI rendering. Virtual DOM is the “ideal” counterpart of the real DOM. Every new view element gets added to the VDOM first which matches them with the real DOM. As a result, Virtual DOM applies only the recent changes instead of lading the whole UI build. React community called that process Reconciliation.
Apart from UI performance, the virtual DOM enables React declarative API to operate faster, optimizing the overall application performance.
Fast scalability and maintenance
Due to the component structure, React web applications are very easy to scale up. Write once, use everywhere development approach used in React makes it possible to reuse the existing UI components while building similar web pages.
Wat’s more, the component structure of React applications makes them very easy to debug and test. You can inspect the code manually or use React developer tools that test the app manually. The latter we will review further as a separate reason to opt for Reactjs.
Ease of use and learning
React is very easy to get and includes comprehensive documentation, training guides, and tutorials. The library is a piece of cake for JS developers so that they can learn it in a day or two. With that, web development with React becomes a very enjoyable process because you can leverage all its power almost right after you start using it.
Additionally, React is user-friendly and has a simple installation process. To deploy React, a developer should know only the JavaScript code basics. The app development process with React is also extremely fast and handy owing to the library’s component structure. The existing components of a part of the application can be reused to build similar ones which simplify the development to a level of a lego constructor.
Broad customization capabilities
You can use JS code to create custom plugins and 3d party integrations for your React web application. It becomes possible with the React syntax extension called JSX. Custom written JSX components support HTML quotes, translating its mockups into ReactElement trees. Simply put, JSX enables you to add HTML patterns to your JavaScript code. In addition to the custom components and unique functionalities, JSX helps you to increase your application security and facilitate the coding process. You can get along without JSX when creating your React application.
Efficient Developer tools
React developer tools help you to debug and design your web application quicker. You can use those developer tools in Chrome and Firefox browsers as an extension. First of all, React developer tools check the component trees, spotting the bugs in the Virtual DOM. Additionally, these tools allow you to select any component and change its state right away. Also, the tools help you distinguish between the child and parent components so you can debug the app on each level.
In addition to the default React developer tools, the library is compatible with Redux. Using the tool, you can get easier access to the application’s states and actions. Above the initialization of actions and states, Redux has the time travel feature that allows you to see the previous states/actions and return to them.
Exceptional SEO performance
With React you can create performant and scalable web apps that rank high in the browser search engines. The biggest part of React’s SEO performance plays JavaScript, which is one of the main Internet coding languages. This language is easily readable for the search engines that make React websites more visible.
Large Developer Community
And, finally, React is backed by a strong developer community with Facebook behind it. For React users, it means that they can always find support and get valuable advice if they have difficulties during their app development.
At the same time, those, who plan to use React as a platform for their web application but want to hire a team of developers will benefit from the large community too. First of all, the larger community, the faster and easier you can find an experienced developer with deep expertise or even a team of such specialists. Furthermore, the in-house JS developer teams can learn how to work with React easier with the community’s assistance.
To wrap up
That’s it! Now you know the 7 most important reasons to build your web application with React and what types of web applications you can create with it. As you can see, React applications suit the projects where the performance, development speed, ease of use, and higher search rankings are the priority. Besides, React users can get the support of React community and apply developer tools to avoid bugs, create unique features, or hire an experienced specialist.
All that variety of advanced features makes React a pretty good choice to make a powerful web application.
P.S. If you look for a partner that will help you to create a fully-functioning React application for your business, contact us. We have 5+ years of web development experience with React and offer different work engagement scenarios (individual React devs or teams).
Streamlining Gifting Marketplace Operations with Retool
Afloat, a gifting marketplace, needed custom dashboards to streamline order management, delivery tracking, and reporting while integrating with Shopify and external APIs.
The solution:
We built two Retool-based dashboards:
- A Retail Partner Dashboard embedded into Shopify for managing orders and store performance.
- An Admin Dashboard for handling deliveries and partner data.
Both dashboards included real-time integration with Afloat's Backend and APIs for accurate, up-to-date data and scalability.
The result: enhanced efficiency, error-free real-time data, and scalable dashboards for high-order volumes.
Billing Automation for a SaaS Company with Low-Code
Our client needed a robust billing solution to manage hierarchical licenses, ensure compliance, and automate invoicing for streamlined operations.
The solution:
We developed a Retool-based application that supports multi-tiered licenses, automates invoicing workflows, and integrates seamlessly with CRM and accounting platforms to enhance financial data management.
The result:
- Achieved 100% adherence to licensing agreements, mitigating penalties.
- Automated invoicing and workflows reduced manual effort significantly.
- Dashboards and reports improved decision-making and operational visibility.
Retool Dashboards with HubSpot Integration
Our client needed a centralized tool to aggregate account and contact activity, improving visibility and decision-making for the sales team.
The solution
We built a Retool application integrated with HubSpot, QuickMail, and Clay.com. The app features dashboards for sorting, filtering, and detailed views of companies, contacts, and deals, along with real-time notifications and bidirectional data syncing.
The result
- MVP in 50 hours: Delivered a functional application in just 50 hours.
- Smarter decisions: Enabled data-driven insights for strategic planning.
- Streamlined operations: Reduced manual tasks with automation and real-time updates.
Lead Generation Tool to Reduce Manual Work
Our client, Afore Capital, a venture capital firm focused on pre-seed investments, aimed to automate their lead generation processes but struggled with existing out-of-the-box solutions. To tackle this challenge, they sought assistance from our team of Akveo Retool experts.
The scope of work
The client needed a tailored solution to log and track inbound deals effectively. They required an application that could facilitate the addition, viewing, and editing of company and founder information, ensuring data integrity and preventing duplicates. Additionally, Afore Capital aimed to integrate external tools like PhantomBuster and LinkedIn to streamline data collection.
The result
By developing a custom Retool application, we streamlined the lead generation process, significantly reducing manual data entry. The application enabled employees to manage inbound deals efficiently while automated workflows for email parsing, notifications, and dynamic reporting enhanced operational efficiency. This allowed Afore Capital's team to focus more on building relationships with potential founders rather than on administrative tasks.
Retool CMS Application for EdTech Startup
Our client, CutTime, a leading fine arts education management platform, needed a scalable CMS application to improve vendor product management and user experience.
The scope of work
We developed a Retool application that allows vendors to easily upload and manage product listings, handle inventory, and set shipping options. The challenge was to integrate the app with the client’s system, enabling smooth authentication and product management for program directors.
The result
Our solution streamlined product management, reducing manual work for vendors, and significantly improving operational efficiency.
Building Reconciliation Tool for e-commerce company
Our client was in need of streamlining and simplifying its monthly accounting reconciliation process – preferably automatically. But with a lack of time and low budget for a custom build, development of a comprehensive software wasn’t in the picture. After going through the case and customer’s needs, we decided to implement Retool. And that was the right choice.
The scope of work
Our team developed a custom reconciliation tool designed specifically for the needs of high-volume transaction environments. It automated the processes and provided a comprehensive dashboard for monitoring discrepancies and anomalies in real-time.
The implementation of Retool significantly reduced manual effort, as well as fostered a more efficient and time-saving reconciliation process.
Creating Retool Mobile App for a Wine Seller
A leading spirits and wine seller in Europe required the development of an internal mobile app for private client managers and administrators. The project was supposed to be done in 1,5 months. Considering urgency and the scope of work, our developers decided to use Retool for swift and effective development.
The scope of work
Our developers built a mobile application tailored to the needs of the company's sales force: with a comprehensive overview of client interactions, facilitated order processing, and enabled access to sales history and performance metrics. It was user-friendly, with real-time updates, seamlessly integrated with existing customer databases.
The result? Increase in productivity of the sales team and improved decision-making process. But most importantly, positive feedback from the customers themselves.
Developing PoC with Low Code for a Tour Operator
To efficiently gather, centralize, and manage data is a challenge for any tour operator. Our client was not an exception. The company was seeking to get an internal software that will source information from third-party APIs and automate the travel itinerary creation process. Preferably, cost- and user-friendly tool.
The scope of work
Our experts ensured the client that all the requirements could be covered by Retool. And just in 40 hours a new software was launched. The tool had a flexible and easy-to-use interface with user authentication and an access management system panel – all the company needed. At the end, Retool was considered the main tool to replace the existing system.
Testing New Generation of Lead Management Tool with Retool
Our client, a venture fund, had challenges with managing lead generation and client acquisition. As the company grew, it aimed to attract more clients and scale faster, as well as automate the processes to save time, improve efficiency and minimize human error. The idea was to craft an internal lead generation tool that will cover all the needs. We’ve agreed that Retool will be a perfect tool for this.
The scope of work
The project initially began as a proof of concept, but soon enough, with each new feature delivered, the company experienced increased engagement and value.
We developed a web tool that integrates seamlessly with Phantombuster for data extraction and LinkedIn for social outreach. Now, the company has a platform that elevates the efficiency of their lead generation activities and provides deep insights into potential client bases.
Building an Advanced Admin Portal for Streamlined Operations
Confronted with the need for more sophisticated internal tools, an owner of IP Licensing marketplace turned to Retool to utilize its administrative functions. The primary goal was to construct an advanced admin portal that could support complex, multi-layered processes efficiently.
The scope of work
Our client needed help with updating filters and tables for its internal platform. In just 30 hours we've been able to update and create about 6 pages. Following features were introduced: add complex filtering and search, delete records, styling application with custom CSS.
Together, we have increased performance on most heavy pages and fixed circular dependency issues.
Creating MVP Dashboard for Google Cloud Users
Facing the challenge of unoptimized cloud resource management, a technology firm working with Google Cloud users was looking for a solution to make its operations more efficient. The main idea of the project was to create an MVP for e-commerce shops to test some client hypotheses. Traditional cloud management tools fell short.
The scope of work
Determined to break through limitations, our team of developers turned Retool. We decided to craft an MVP Dashboard specifically for Google Cloud users. This wasn't just about bringing data into view; but about reshaping how teams interact with their cloud environment.
We designed a dashboard that turned complex cloud data into a clear, strategic asset thanks to comprehensive analytics, tailored metrics, and an intuitive interface, that Retool provides. As the results, an increase in operational efficiency, significant improvement in cost management and resource optimization.
Elevating CRM with Custom HubSpot Sales Dashboard
Our other client, a SaaS startup, that offers collaborative tools for design and engineering teams, was on a quest to supercharge their sales efforts. Traditional CRM systems were limited and not customizable enough. The company sought a solution that could tailor HubSpot to their workflow and analytics needs.
The scope of work
Charged with the task of going beyond standard CRM functions, our team turned to Retool. We wanted to redefine how sales teams interact with their CRM.
By integrating advanced analytics, custom metrics, and a user-friendly interface, our developers provided a solution that transformed data into a strategic asset.
In 40 hours, three informative dashboards were developed, containing the most sensitive data related to sales activities. These dashboards enable our customer to analyze sales and lead generation performance from a different perspective and establish the appropriate KPIs.
Building a PDF Editor with Low-Code
Our client, a leading digital credential IT startup, needed a lot of internal processes to be optimized. But the experience with low-code tools wasn’t sufficient. That’s why the company decided to hire professionals. And our team of developers joined the project.
The scope of work
The client has a program that designs and prints custom badges for customers. The badges need to be “mail-merged” with a person’s info and turned into a PDF to print. But what is the best way to do it?
Our developers decided to use Retool as a core tool. Using custom components and JavaScript, we developed a program that reduced employees' time for designing, putting the data, verifying, and printing PDF badges in one application.
As a result, the new approach significantly reduces the time required by the internal team to organize all the necessary staff for the conference, including badge creation.
