Why Does Everyone Hate React?

Before we dive in, I have a serious question for you: why do you really think people hate React so much? Is it the JSX? The endless options? The fact that it changes more often than your Netflix recommendations? I genuinely want to know—so if you’ve got a hot take, do me a favor and drop it in the comments. Seriously, don’t hold back.

Now, full disclosure: in one of my previous articles, I may have poked a bit of fun at React, and let’s just say... people noticed. So, consider this an apology—except it’s not. But hey, I’m here to make amends (kind of).

React: the JavaScript library that developers love to hate. It’s like the popular kid in school that everyone talks about, either with admiration or resentment. For every person praising its component-based architecture, there’s someone else groaning about its complexity. So, why does everyone seem to hate React so much?

Let’s take a look at the usual complaints and unpack them.

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1. "React is too complicated!"

Oh yes, because writing JavaScript in the form of components, and managing state, is so much harder than learning a dozen different frameworks. Some say using React feels like solving a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. You’ve got JSX, hooks, lifecycle methods, and state management that can spiral out of control if you’re not careful.

But is it really that complicated? If you’ve ever dived into vanilla JavaScript for a serious project, you know that managing state there feels like trying to assemble Ikea furniture without instructions. Sure, React has its learning curve, but once you get a handle on it, things start to click—kind of like when you first figured out how to use recursion in programming. At first, it's confusing, then it's magic.

So yes, React takes effort, but so does anything worthwhile.

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2. "React’s ecosystem is overwhelming!"

Ah, the famous complaint about the ever-growing ecosystem. React isn’t just React—it’s Redux, React Router, Context API, and a parade of other tools that seem to multiply like gremlins. When you sit down to start a new project, it feels like choosing a streaming service: do I need Netflix, HBO, or maybe Disney+? In the React world, it’s more like, “Do I need Redux, or maybe I should try MobX? Should I use React Query for state management? What about the latest CSS-in-JS trend?”

And yes, the options can feel overwhelming. But this is the price of progress. React gives you the tools to build complex, scalable applications, but it also leaves the choices up to you. It's kind of like how the Marvel Cinematic Universe gives you endless options to dive into: from Iron Man to WandaVision, there’s something for everyone.

In React’s case, the ecosystem is vast because developers love options. You can assemble your app like a buffet, picking only what you need.

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3. "React keeps changing!"

The number of developers who complain about React’s constant updates could fill a stadium. They grumble about how just when they get used to class components, along comes hooks. But guess what? This is how things evolve in tech.

React’s evolution isn’t a bad thing—it’s keeping pace with modern development needs. Sure, things change, and yes, it might be annoying when your carefully crafted app suddenly feels outdated because of the latest React version, but wouldn’t you rather have a library that innovates than one that stagnates?

Like in Game of Thrones, where everyone was fighting for the Iron Throne, React is constantly evolving to stay at the top of the JavaScript framework battle. But unlike the show's ending, React actually gets better over time (no dragons needed).

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4. "JSX is weird!"

For those who aren’t used to mixing HTML with JavaScript, JSX feels like an abomination. “Why are we putting HTML right inside JavaScript?” some purists ask. It’s like when you first saw pineapple on pizza—an unexpected combination that just doesn’t seem right.

But then, you try JSX, and it’s surprisingly... useful? JSX allows you to build your UI in a way that keeps everything together. It’s not pretty at first glance, but once you start using it, you realize how powerful it is to have your logic and UI seamlessly integrated. Instead of flipping between multiple files and languages, you get everything in one place. What’s not to love?

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5. "React requires too much boilerplate!"

Developers love simplicity, so when they see the amount of setup React requires—creating components, managing state, using hooks, and importing libraries—it feels like overkill. "Why do I need so many files and lines of code just to build a simple to-do list?" is a common refrain. Yes, frameworks like Vue or Svelte might handle similar tasks with fewer steps. But with great power comes great boilerplate, right?

The truth is: React’s verbosity isn’t just extra fluff; it’s laying the groundwork for something scalable. Sure, it feels like you're assembling a Lego set when all you wanted was a toy car. But you’ll appreciate the structure when your “simple to-do list” morphs into a full-blown project with features you didn’t foresee. Plus, the modular nature of React makes it easier to maintain in the long run—like making sure your Lego Death Star doesn’t collapse when you add new pieces.

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6. "React apps can get slow!"

For all its talk about performance and virtual DOM wizardry, React apps can sometimes feel sluggish. When components re-render unnecessarily or state management gets tangled, it’s like driving a sports car with the handbrake on. You could spend hours optimizing it, chasing down rendering bugs like you’re in a never-ending game of Whack-a-Mole. But, the question is: why does this even happen?

The truth is: React isn’t inherently slow. Most of the time, it’s developer error or misuse of its features. Over-re-rendering? That's on us for not handling state correctly. Memory leaks? Again, it's usually about mismanagement. Think of React like Tony Stark’s Iron Man suit—it’s not the suit’s fault if someone without the right training crashes it into the side of a building. Once you master it, the performance can be amazing. And, let’s be honest, the tools React provides for optimization are plentiful—it’s just about knowing how to wield them.

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7. "React has too many frameworks!"

It’s React, right? Just one library to learn, right? Wrong. Once you dive into the React ecosystem, you’re suddenly confronted by a buffet of frameworks: Next.js, Gatsby, Remix, and more. It’s like opening one door only to find ten more behind it, each offering something different, and you’ve got no clue which to pick. "Do I need server-side rendering? Is static site generation overkill for my personal blog?"

The truth is: The fact that there are so many frameworks around React isn’t a curse—it’s a blessing in disguise. React is flexible enough to let you choose what you need. Do you want SEO-friendly server-side rendering? Next.js. Want a blazingly fast static site generator? Gatsby’s your guy. It’s like having a Swiss Army knife: the number of tools might seem overwhelming, but in the end, it gives you the flexibility to solve whatever problem you're working on. No one’s forcing you to learn them all—just pick what works and stick with it.

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Why React Deserves More Respect

The reality is, most people don’t hate React—they’re just frustrated with the learning curve. It’s not that React is bad; it’s that React isn’t a hand-holder. While other frameworks might pamper you with built-in conveniences, React throws you into the deep end and says, “Swim!” Sure, it might seem daunting at first, but that’s where its power lies. React doesn’t limit you; it challenges you to understand its nuances, its vast ecosystem, and its core philosophy. And let’s be honest—React is more of a slow burn, not an immediate crush.

React has never claimed to be the easiest tool in the box. It’s not like your overly helpful cousin Vue, who will make you dinner and fold your laundry. No, React is more like the wise, seasoned mentor who shows you the door but expects you to open it. And that’s not a flaw—it’s a design choice. The learning curve might be steep, but the flexibility and power it gives in return? Unmatched.

Let’s give React the respect it deserves. It’s been around since 2013 (which, in tech years, is practically an eternity). Think about the number of trends, libraries, and frameworks that have come and gone since then—AngularJS faded away, jQuery became a relic, and countless others have either died off or pivoted drastically. Yet React has not only survived but thrived. It didn’t just stick around; it evolved, adapting to new developer needs while maintaining the same core philosophy. That’s not something to dismiss; that’s the hallmark of something truly remarkable.

React’s Enduring Relevance

React may not be perfect, but let’s acknowledge its staying power. Libraries and frameworks often burn out as fast as they rise, but React has outlasted its ancestors and continues to dominate, even against a flood of newer, shinier competitors. Sure, there’s Svelte, Solid, or even Vue 3—but none have managed to dethrone React’s dominance in the market. React is still on top of its game, with millions of websites and apps powered by it, from Facebook and Instagram to Airbnb and Netflix.

Let’s face it: any tool that has lived through that many developer gripes, jokes, and “React sucks” Reddit threads and is still the go-to library for so many? That deserves respect. Its long-lasting reign is no fluke. It has been battle-tested, refined, and strengthened by years of real-world use, all while maintaining a growing, passionate community. It may have its quirks, but it’s clearly doing something right.

Why React’s Complexity is Its Strength

Now, let’s talk about its complexity. Does React require more effort to master than some other frameworks? Absolutely. But that’s not a downside; that’s a testament to its flexibility. React gives you choices, and with great power comes great responsibility (thanks, Uncle Ben). Whether you’re building a single-page app, a mobile app with React Native, or a high-performance, SEO-friendly website with Next.js, React is versatile enough to handle it all.

Sure, JSX might look a little strange at first, and the sheer number of hooks, patterns, and state management solutions might feel overwhelming. But once you’ve put in the work to get comfortable, the control React gives you is extraordinary. It’s not just about building basic apps—it’s about crafting experiences, creating scalable architectures, and solving complex problems in ways other frameworks might not allow.

React doesn't tell you how to build your app; it gives you the tools and expects you to figure out what works best for you. That flexibility means React is equally useful for both small, quick projects and massive, enterprise-level applications. It’s the Swiss Army knife of frontend development, and while learning to wield it properly might take time, it’s incredibly rewarding once you do.

Why React is Still the Framework of Choice

Even after more than a decade in the game, React’s influence shows no sign of waning. Its massive ecosystem, with libraries like Redux, React Router, and frameworks like Next.js, is constantly growing and innovating. Developers still flock to it because it provides a level of flexibility, performance, and developer experience that few can match. Plus, React’s focus on components and reusability wasn’t just a fad—it changed how we think about building user interfaces.

In fact, it’s React’s ecosystem that has made it a staple in the tech world. The support from Facebook (Meta) and its robust community of contributors means React keeps getting better. It’s not just a framework—it’s an entire ecosystem that supports modern web development. Whether it’s for creating small widgets or entire websites, React has your back.

Final Thoughts

So, is React perfect? No, and it never claimed to be. But its strengths far outweigh its quirks. The initial complexity? That’s what gives React its long-term scalability. The ecosystem that feels overwhelming? That’s just React giving you the freedom to build whatever you need. The quirky JSX? Well, sometimes the weird things in life turn out to be the best.

In a world where tech trends change at lightning speed, React has managed to stay relevant, adapt, and remain the go-to choice for developers. And that deserves not just respect but admiration. Whether you love it or hate it, React is here to stay—and, honestly, we’re all better off for it.

So, maybe next time you find yourself cursing at JSX or grumbling about the never-ending state of change, remember: it’s not React—it’s just growing pains. And when you finally master it? You’ll realize why React has earned its place as the king of frontend frameworks.

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