iOS 26

1. Use Server Components Wherever Possible

With React Server Components (RSC) becoming more mainstream—especially in frameworks like Next.js—your UI can now render on the server, reducing bundle size and improving performance.

Why it matters

  • Smaller client-side JavaScript bundles
  • Faster initial page loads
  • Better SEO and UX

Use client components only when needed, like for stateful or interactive UI.

2. Prefer Hooks Over Class Components

Hooks are now the standard across the React ecosystem. Class components are still supported, but not recommended for new applications.

Best Practices

  • Use useState and useReducer for state
  • Use useEffect wisely (avoid unnecessary re-renders)
  • Use useMemo and useCallback for optimization only when needed

3. Keep Components Small & Focused

Each React component should do one thing only.

Benefits

  • Reusability
  • Easier testing
  • Cleaner structure

If a component grows too big, split it into smaller logical components.

4. Avoid Prop Drilling — Use Context or State Managers

Passing props down multiple levels becomes messy. Instead, use:

  • Context API
  • Redux Toolkit
  • Zustand
  • Jotai
  • Recoil

For larger apps, Redux Toolkit remains the most popular and reliable state management tool in 2025.

5. Use TypeScript for All New React Projects

TypeScript reduces bugs and improves maintainability.
2025 projects rarely ship without TypeScript anymore.

Benefits

  • Early error detection
  • Auto-completion & better tooling
  • Cleaner API structures

6. Write Reusable & Self-Contained Components

Make UI components that you can easily move and reuse across projects.

Tips

  • Local styles inside the component
  • Avoid global CSS leaks
  • Use Tailwind or CSS modules

Self-contained components reduce conflicts and improve scalability.

7. Optimize Performance With Suspense & Lazy Loading

React Suspense and code-splitting are extremely powerful in 2025.

Use Cases

  • Lazy loading routes
  • Lazy loading large components
  • Showing fallback UI during data fetch
const HeavyComponent = React.lazy(() => import('./HeavyComponent'));

<Suspense fallback={<Loading />}>
  <HeavyComponent />
</Suspense>

8. Follow a Clean and Consistent Folder Structure

A scalable folder structure helps large projects stay organized.

Recommended Structure:

src/
 ├── app/
 ├── components/
 ├── hooks/
 ├── utils/
 ├── services/
 ├── context/
 └── styles/

9. Use Tailwind CSS for Styling in 2025

Tailwind has taken over the UI world due to:

  • Fast development
  • Utility-first classes
  • No CSS conflicts
  • Dark mode and responsive design built-in

It keeps your React UI clean and modern.

10. Keep API Logic Outside of Components

Never mix component rendering with API logic.
Instead, use:

  • Custom hooks: useFetchProducts()
  • API services: /services/api.js

This keeps components clean and more testable.

11. Always Clean Up Effects

Avoid memory leaks by cleaning up effects:

useEffect(() => {
  const controller = new AbortController();

  fetchData(controller);

  return () => controller.abort();
}, []);

12. Use ESLint + Prettier for Consistency

Your team should never debate formatting again.
Use standardized rules for:

  • Code style
  • Naming conventions
  • Performance checks
  • Dependency warnings

13. Write Meaningful Commit Messages

Good commits help future developers (and you) understand the changes.

Example:

feat: add reusable Button component with loading state
fix: resolve navbar flicker on route change

14. Test Your Components

In 2025, testing is not optional — especially for production apps.
Use:

  • Jest
  • React Testing Library
  • Playwright for end-to-end tests

15. Keep Up With React Ecosystem Updates

React evolves quickly. Follow:

  • React official blog
  • Next.js updates
  • Vercel announcements
  • React Conf summaries

Staying updated keeps your projects modern and efficient.