React Router and Reach Router are both popular routing libraries for React applications. Routing is a key aspect of any frontend application that requires navigating between different pages or views. In this article, we'll explore the differences between React Router and Reach Router, and provide some best practices for using these libraries in your projects.
What is React Router?
React Router is a library that allows developers to handle routing in React applications. It is a collection of navigational components that enable you to declaratively define the routing for your application. React Router is the most popular routing library for React applications, with over 25 million weekly downloads as of May 2023.
What is Reach Router?
Reach Router is a newer routing library for React applications, developed by the same team behind React Router. It is designed to be simpler and more accessible than React Router, while still providing all the necessary features for routing in modern web applications.
Differences between React Router and Reach Router
API
One of the main differences between React Router and Reach Router is their API. React Router uses a declarative approach, where routes are defined using JSX components. Reach Router, on the other hand, uses a programmatic approach, where routes are defined using JavaScript functions.
Here's an example of how routes are defined in React Router:
<Router>
<Route exact path="/" component={Home} />
<Route path="/about" component={About} />
<Route path="/contact" component={Contact} />
</Router>
And here's the same example using Reach Router:
<Router>
<Home path="/" />
<About path="/about" />
<Contact path="/contact" />
</Router>
As you can see, Reach Router's API is simpler and more concise than React Router's API.
Size
Another difference between React Router and Reach Router is their size. React Router is a more feature-rich library and comes with a larger bundle size. Reach Router, on the other hand, is a smaller library that only includes the essential features for routing in modern web applications.
Accessibility
Accessibility is a critical aspect of any frontend application. Reach Router is designed to be more accessible than React Router by providing a more semantic API. This makes it easier to create accessible routes and components in your application.
Best Practices for Using React Router and Reach Router
Here are some best practices for using React Router and Reach Router in your projects:
Use React Router for larger applications
If you're working on a larger application with complex routing requirements, React Router is likely the better choice. It has a more comprehensive API and provides more features than Reach Router.
Use Reach Router for smaller applications
If you're working on a smaller application with simple routing requirements, Reach Router is a good choice. It has a simpler API and a smaller bundle size than React Router.
Use accessible routing components
Both React Router and Reach Router provide accessibility features that you should take advantage of. Use semantic HTML elements like <nav>, <main>, and <section> to create accessible routes and components.
Use the latest version of React Router and Reach Router
Both React Router and Reach Router are actively maintained and updated. Make sure to use the latest version to take advantage of bug fixes and new features.
Conclusion
React Router and Reach Router are both excellent routing libraries for React applications. React Router is more feature-rich and suitable for larger applications, while Reach Router is simpler and more accessible, making it a good choice for smaller applications. By following best practices and taking advantage of the accessibility features provided by these libraries, you can create high-quality routing components for your React applications.