React Reusable Components Best Practices for Efficient Development

Want to write cleaner, more maintainable React code?

Reusable components make it easier to build scalable applications. They help keep your project organized and reduce repetition.

This blog covers React reusable components best practices to keep them flexible and easy to maintain. Whether you're working on buttons, form fields, or API calls, following these strategies will improve your workflow.

Let’s get started!

Understanding React Reusable Components

What Are Reusable Components in React?

A reusable component is a self-contained, modular piece of UI that can be used in multiple places within a react project without rewriting the same logic.

These components follow the single responsibility principle, meaning they focus on a single task while remaining flexible through props.

Why Are Reusable Components Important?

• Avoids duplicating code across the application.

• Enhances code readability and maintainability.

• Ensures a consistent UI across the application.

• Makes testing and debugging easier.

• Improves performance by reducing redundant re-renders.

Best Practices for Building Reusable Components

Keeping Components Focused

Following the single responsibility principle ensures that a component is designed to do one thing well. A reusable button component, for example, should handle click events and UI styling but should not contain business logic.

1const Button = ({ label, onClick, type = "button", disabled = false }) => {
2  return (
3    <button type={type} onClick={onClick} disabled={disabled}>
4      {label}
5    </button>
6  );
7};
8
9export default Button;

​

This button component can be used in multiple places without modifying its internal logic.

Component Hierarchy and Composition

A well-structured component hierarchy promotes reusable and maintainable components. Instead of creating monolithic components, break them into smaller child components.

Example: Building a Form Component

Instead of hardcoding form inputs inside a form component, make each field reusable.

1const InputField = ({ label, type, value, onChange }) => {
2  return (
3    <div>
4      <label>{label}</label>
5      <input type={type} value={value} onChange={onChange} />
6    </div>
7  );
8};

​

Now, use it inside a parent component:

1const LoginForm = () => {
2  const [email, setEmail] = React.useState("");
3  const [password, setPassword] = React.useState("");
4
5  return (
6    <form>
7      <InputField label="Email" type="email" value={email} onChange={(e) => setEmail(e.target.value)} />
8      <InputField label="Password" type="password" value={password} onChange={(e) => setPassword(e.target.value)} />
9      <Button label="Login" onClick={() => console.log("Logging in")} />
10    </form>
11  );
12};

​

This structure ensures reusable react components and eliminates duplicating code.

Managing Component State with React Hooks

React hooks like useState and useEffect help in managing component state efficiently. A reusable component should manage its state only when necessary.

Example: Controlled Input Component

1const ControlledInput = ({ label, inputType, value, setValue }) => {
2  return (
3    <div>
4      <label>{label}</label>
5      <input type={inputType} value={value} onChange={(e) => setValue(e.target.value)} />
6    </div>
7  );
8};

​

This reusable ui component can now be used in various forms.

Handling API Calls in Reusable Components

When making API calls, separate logic from UI components. Use custom hooks to manage external data.

Example: Fetching Data in a Custom Hook

1const useFetchData = (url) => {
2  const [data, setData] = React.useState(null);
3  const [loading, setLoading] = React.useState(true);
4
5  React.useEffect(() => {
6    fetch(url)
7      .then((res) => res.json())
8      .then((data) => {
9        setData(data);
10        setLoading(false);
11      });
12  }, [url]);
13
14  return { data, loading };
15};

​

Now, use it in a component:

1const UserList = () => {
2  const { data, loading } = useFetchData("https://api.example.com/users");
3
4  if (loading) return <p>Loading...</p>;
5
6  return (
7    <ul>
8      {data.map((user) => (
9        <li key={user.id}>{user.name}</li>
10      ))}
11    </ul>
12  );
13};

​

Creating Reusable UI Components for Form Elements

Form Component with Validation

A form component should include form validation and flexible form elements.

1const FormInput = ({ label, inputType, value, setValue, required }) => {
2  return (
3    <div>
4      <label>{label}</label>
5      <input type={inputType} value={value} onChange={(e) => setValue(e.target.value)} required={required} />
6    </div>
7  );
8};

​

This can be reused in different forms, making it a great example of reusable ui components.

Reusable Button Component

A button component should accept dynamic props for flexibility.

1const FunctionButton = ({ text, handleClick, variant }) => {
2  return (
3    <button className={`btn btn-${variant}`} onClick={handleClick}>
4      {text}
5    </button>
6  );
7};

​

This reusable button component adapts to different use cases.

Organizing Components in a React Project

Structuring a Maintainable React Project

Organizing components in a react project improves scalability. A common approach is:

1/src
2  /components
3    /Button
4      index.js
5      styles.css
6    /Input
7      index.js
8      styles.css
9    /Form
10      index.js
11      styles.css
12  /hooks
13    useFetch.js
14  /pages
15    Home.js
16    Login.js

​

This structure ensures maintainable code and avoids clutter.

Best Practices for Reusable Components

Maintain Consistency

• Use a reusable UI system with consistent naming and styles.

• Ensure existing components are modified instead of creating new ones unnecessarily.

Avoid Mixing Business Logic with UI

Keep API calls and other logic separate from UI components.

Make Components Configurable

Use props and default values for better flexibility.

1const AlertBox = ({ message, type = "info" }) => {
2  return <div className={`alert alert-${type}`}>{message}</div>;
3};

​

Build Better React Components

React reusable components best practices help create scalable and maintainable applications. Writing clean, structured components makes development easier and improves consistency.

By following these best practices, you can simplify your workflow and build components that work across different parts of your application. A well-structured React app saves time, reduces errors, and improves overall performance.

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