Understanding JSX (JavaScript XML)

Henry williams
LearnFactory Nigeria
3 min readMay 14, 2024

JSX, or JavaScript XML, is a syntax extension for JavaScript that allows you to write HTML-like code in your JavaScript files. It is a key feature of React, a popular JavaScript library for building user interfaces, but it is also used in other frameworks and libraries. In this article, we will dive into the basics of JSX, its syntax, and how it is used in modern web development.

What is JSX?

JSX is a syntax extension that allows you to write HTML elements in your JavaScript code. It is not a separate language, but rather a way to write JavaScript that looks like HTML. JSX is compiled into JavaScript functions at build time, making it possible to use HTML-like syntax in your JavaScript code.

JSX ARRANGEMENT

The JSX syntax is similar to HTML but with some key differences. Here is a breakdown of the basic syntax:

  • Elements: JSX elements are similar to HTML elements, but they are written in JavaScript. You can write elements like div, p, span, and more.
  • Attributes: JSX attributes are similar to HTML attributes, but they’re written in JavaScript. You can add attributes to elements like className, id, and style.
  • Children: JSX elements can have children, which are elements that are nested inside other elements.

Here’s an example of JSX syntax:

const element = (
<div className="container">
<h1>Hello, World!</h1>
<p>This is My Work.</p>
</div>
);

In this example, we are creating a JSX element div with a className attribute set to "container". The div element has two children: an h1 element and a p element.

JSX vs. HTML

OK

So, how does JSX differ from HTML? Here are a few key differences:

  • JSX is compiled: JSX is compiled into JavaScript functions at build time, whereas HTML is parsed by the browser at runtime.
  • JSX is more expressive: JSX allows you to write more complex expressions and logic in your HTML-like code, whereas HTML is limited to static content.
  • JSX is more flexible: JSX can be used to create dynamic components and layouts, whereas HTML is limited to static templates.

How JSX is used in React

JSX is a key feature of React, and it’s used extensively in React applications. Here’s how JSX is used in React:

  • Components: JSX is used to create React components, which are reusable pieces of code that represent a UI element.
  • Templates: JSX is used to create templates for React components, which are used to render dynamic content.
  • State and Props: JSX is used to bind state and props to React components, which allows them to update dynamically.

Here is an example of how JSX is used in a React component:

import React from 'react';

function Hello(props) {
return (
<div>
<h1>Hello, {props.name}!</h1>
</div>
);
}

In this example, we’re creating a React component Hello that takes a name prop. The component returns a JSX element div that contains an h1 element with the name prop inserted into it.

Conclusion

JSX is a powerful tool for building user interfaces and React components. By understanding its key features and best practices, you can write more efficient and effective code. Summarize the key points covered in the article. Encourage readers to explore more resources and continue learning about JSX and React. Remember to use clear and concise language, provide relevant examples, and structure the article in a way that makes it easy for a high school student to understand the concepts. Additionally, you can include code snippets using Markdown formatting to illustrate the examples.

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Henry williams
LearnFactory Nigeria
0 Followers

Learning about technology and Web development but open to more ideas