JSX, short for JavaScript XML, is a unique syntax extension integral to React that allows developers to write UI structures within JavaScript in a way that resembles HTML. At its core, JSX provides a more intuitive and readable format to describe the visual layout of a UI component. Instead of relying on traditional JavaScript functions and objects to create React elements, JSX offers a declarative approach, allowing components to be written in a manner similar to how they will appear in the DOM.
One of the compelling advantages of JSX is its capability to embed expressions within {}. This means variables, functions, and even JavaScript logic can be directly intertwined with the UI markup, making it highly dynamic. For instance, a variable’s value can be directly rendered or a list can be mapped to generate multiple elements.
Under the hood, JSX does not directly interface with the browser’s DOM. Instead, when a JSX code is compiled, it gets transformed into standard JavaScript function calls, specifically to React’s createElement function. This ensures a seamless integration with the broader JavaScript ecosystem.
Importantly, while JSX is recommended for React due to its simplicity and clarity, it’s not mandatory. React components can still be crafted using pure JavaScript. However, JSX’s elegant fusion of markup and logic has made it a popular choice among React developers.
