What is ReactJS JSX? Characteristics, Advantages, Disadvantages

JSX is the abbreviation used for JavaScript XML. It is an HTML-like syntax extension of JavaScript. It is used by React so that HTML-like text can be written in React in Javascript code.

Simply put, JSX allows you to write concise HTML/XML-like structures in the same file as you write JavaScript code. It is quite easy to create a JSX template in React. But this does not mean that it is a simple language. It is a strong language with the power of Javascript.

If we talk of speed, JSX is faster than JavaScript. Here’s why:

• JSX performs optimizations while translating to regular JavaScript. 

• Instead of separating the markup and logic into separate files, React uses components for this purpose.

The concept of mixing HTML and JavaScript in the same file is a debatable topic for many, but you should use it if you find it helpful. 

ReactJS JSX provides a concise and familiar syntax for defining a tree structure with attributes that do not require learning a template language or unlearning JavaScript. Both template language and JavaScript are useful for programmers creating large applications.

• Using JSX is not mandatory, but its usage makes it easier for programmers to develop React applications.

• In JSX, you can write expressions in curly braces { }. The expression can be any JS expression or React variable, or property. JSX will execute the expression in the braces and return the result.

For example, if you want to execute the expression: 2+2, the code will be:

const myelement = < h1 >React is {2 + 2} times better with JSX< /h1 >;

• If you want to insert a large block of HTML, you need to write the text in a parenthesis ().

• React elements are produced as a result of using JSX.

• JSX works on XML rules.

• Once compiled, JSX expressions turn into regular JavaScript function calls.

• It is easy to write HTML text in React using JSX.

• HTML tags can easily be converted to React JS elements.

• The programming language becomes faster than when you use JavaScript.

• You can put HTML elements in DOM without using appendChild() or createElement().

• XSS (cross-site-scripting) attacks, also known as injection attacks, can be prevented with the use of JSX.

• You can detect most of the errors during the compilation time only.

• Being an expression, JSX can be used inside ‘if statements’ and ‘for loops’. It is also possible to assign this expression to variables and accept it as arguments.

While there are many pros of using JSX in React JS, a few drawbacks could be:

• If the HTML is not correct, JSX will show you an error.

• If you do not wrap the HTML text in a top element, JSX will give an error.

• JSX will also give an error if the elements are not appropriately closed.

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