Isomorphic JavaScript v. react.js

Programmers use a variety of scripting languages when they code. Two scripting languages that are commonly used today are isomorphic JavaScript and react.js. Both have advantages and disadvantages, but which one will be best suited for your application? 

Continue reading for an informative overview that I will help you figure out if you should use isomorphic JavaScript or react.js. 

What is isomorphic JavaScript?

Isomorphic JavaScript is a term that refers to a scripting language that can have the same code run on both the client and the server side. When a request is sent to an isomorphic application, the request is first analyzed by the server, and only then is it sent to the application. 

Setting it up could take a little more time than developing an application without this technology, but it’s usually worth the extra effort. Once everything is configured, isomorphic JavaScript will require much less time to manage on the development team’s side. This will also substantially boost SEO performance, leading to an increase in overall performance. 

What is react.js?

React.js is not a model-view-controller (MVC) framework; rather, it just implements the view layer of MVCs. This makes react.js compatible with most other libraries, including front-end libraries like backbone.js. It’s common practice to utilize react.js in conjunction with the JSX programming language, which is a combination of JavaScript and XML/HTML. 

The JSX code is first compiled into the native JavaScript before being sent to the browser to be executed. The fact that react.js uses virtual DOM for rendering is the primary benefit of utilizing it rather than other libraries. This means that the difference between the two states will be presented on the page, while the elements that have not changed will remain unchanged.

Example of React’s front-end code:

var Header = React.createClass({

    render: function(){

        return (<h1>Message Board</h1>)

    }

})

//…

Pros and cons of isomorphic JavaScript

Now that you have an idea of how isomorphic JavaScript functions, let’s take a closer look at where the scripting language excels and where it falls short.

Pros of isomorphic Javascript

• If you develop a front end using JavaScript and a backend server using Python or something similar, you will only occasionally need to write duplicate code. This is one of the most significant advantages. To put it another way, you will need to rewrite the same code again, using a different syntax each time.
• After you have finished parsing the webpage, the page’s loading speed will be much improved.
• Since the code is shared with the client, individuals must use caution when deciding which portions of the code to disclose to guarantee that confidential information is not available to the client.

Cons of isomorphic Javascript

• A significant amount of information needs to be managed on the server side. The processing of HTTP requests and routing, rendering, style, and loading modules can be challenging.
• Server-side rendering would require external libraries.

Pros and cons of react.js

React.js also has a lot to offer, especially if you want to dial in app performance. However, there are a few cons that could make react.js a less desirable scripting language. 

Pros of react.js

• React.js creates a unique virtual DOM. The JavaScript virtual DOM is much faster than the traditional DOM, meaning that this change will benefit app performance.
• React.js offers a fantastic user interface.
• It’s search engine-friendly.
• The modularity and consistency of legitimate data in these apps make managing them much simpler.
• React is capable of integrating many different architectural styles.
• With react, working in a scripting environment is simple.
• It simplifies high-level maintenance and increases productivity.

Cons of react.js

• Some developers feel they need to be continuously learning new ways to do things because react.js constantly evolves.
• There is little time to create accurate documentation because react.js is rapidly upgrading and accelerating.
• React.js handles the user interface layers of the app.

Final word on isomorphic JavaScript vs react.js

Isomorphic JavaScript and react.js both have benefits and drawbacks. React.js is highly compatible and easy to use if you keep up with all of the latest changes. Isomorphic JavaScript is becoming commonplace because it boosts site performance. But to realize those benefits you have to put in extra effort to lay the groundwork. Don’t be surprised if you find that your application requires a combination of scripting languages for the best results.

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