React, the library used to create interactive UI elements, is now an essential tool in web development. Its flexibility and strong environment make it loved by developers all over the globe. 

Whether you are a professional React developer or are new to React, knowing what tools to use can make a big difference. To get the best out of your projects, you should always ensure that you have a team of dedicated React developers who understand all the tricks of these tools.

In this guide, we’ll explore the set of tools that any React developer should consider to have in their arsenal.

1. React DevTools

React DevTools is a Chrome extension for debugging React application’s component trees. This tool is available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge and helps to make it easier to find performance issues and understand the state and props of components. 

Developers can also watch how components re-render, which is very useful for improving the performance of an application.

2. Create React App (CRA)

If you are just starting a new project in React then Create React App is a gift for you. It comes with a basic configuration that gets you started with your application and comes with built-in Babel and Webpack configurations. 

CRA does not require the creation of a project from scratch, which enables the developers to only write code.

3. Storybook 

Storybook is a great tool to have when you want to create and test components in isolation. It enables developers to have a “storybook” of all components, which makes it easy to share with designers and stakeholders. 

This also makes it easier to spot areas of disparity and make sure that each component functions correctly, which is why this kind of visual representation is useful.

4. ESLint and Prettier

Inconsistent code style and low quality are not acceptable in a professional development environment. ESLint is used for code quality and Prettier is used for code formatting. Including these tools in your React project guarantees you improved code quality, free from errors, and hence easier to maintain and scale.

5. Redux and React Query

State management can be tricky in large applications, and that’s where Redux and React Query shine. Redux is a powerful tool for managing global state, while React Query simplifies server-state handling and data fetching. 

Depending on your project needs, these tools can drastically reduce the complexity of managing state in your React applications.

6. Visual Studio Code (VS Code)

A powerful code editor like VS Code is essential for React development. With its extensive library of extensions, such as the React-specific snippets and IntelliSense, VS Code boosts productivity. Features like integrated Git support and debugging tools further enhance the development experience.

7. React Router

For applications requiring navigation between pages, React Router is an indispensable tool. It simplifies routing within your React application, offering features like nested routes, dynamic routing, and lazy loading. This ensures seamless navigation experiences for users.

8. React Profiler

Performance bottlenecks can cripple your application, and React Profiler helps identify these issues effectively. Available as part of React DevTools, it allows developers to measure the rendering time of components and optimize where necessary.

9. Bit

Bit is a collaborative tool that allows developers to share and reuse React components across projects. By centralizing components in a dedicated repository, Bit fosters consistency and accelerates development time, particularly in larger teams.

10. React Testing Library 

Testing is very crucial for every line of code. For React applications, the React Testing Library is used for conducting reliable tests for components. RTL focuses on user interactions and behaviors while making sure that your application works according to the intentions. 

11. Formik

Forms can become a real struggle in React, especially when dealing with validations. Formik simplifies form handling, providing an intuitive API to manage form states, validations, and submissions with ease.

12. CodeSandbox

CodeSandbox is an online tool for React that allows developers to prototype, share, and collaborate on projects instantly. Its ability to integrate with GitHub and support multiple environments makes it a valuable tool for experimentation and quick demos.

Conclusion

The ecosystem of React has all the development-related stuff that developers need. The above tools of the React development toolkit enable developers to simplify and enhance the development process. So, for all React developers, it is extremely important to equip yourself with these tools. This will not only help you in your career but elevate your development skills.

Featured image by Lautaro Andreani on Unsplash

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