function MyComponent(props) {
return <div>{props.displayString}</div>;
}














Compare Declarative Frameworks





@Composable
fun MyComponent(
displayString: String
) {
Text(displayString)
}
function ConditionalComponent({ condition }) {
return (
<>
{condition ? (
<p>Condition is true</p>
) : (
<p>Condition is false</p>
)}
</>
);
}
// Usage
<ConditionalComponent condition={true} />;
@Composable
fun ConditionalComponent(condition: Boolean) {
if (condition) {
Text("Condition is true")
} else {
Text("Condition is false")
}
}
// Usage
ConditionalComponent(condition = true)
function Parent({ data }) {
return <IntermediateComponent data={data} />;
}
function IntermediateComponent({ data }) {
return <ChildComponent data={data} />;
}
function ChildComponent({ data }) {
return <p>Received data: {data}</p>;
}
// Usage
<Parent data="Some data" />;
@Composable
fun Parent(data: String) {
IntermediateComponent(data = data)
}
@Composable
fun IntermediateComponent(data: String) {
ChildComponent(data = data)
}
@Composable
fun ChildComponent(data: String) {
Text("Received data: $data")
}
// Usage
Parent(data = "Some data")
import { useState } from "react";
function ClickableComponent() {
const [clicked, setClicked] = useState(false);
return (
<button onClick={() => setClicked(true)}>
{clicked ? "Button clicked" : "Click me"}
</button>
);
}
@Composable
fun ClickableComponent() {
var clicked by remember { mutableStateOf(false) }
Button(onClick = { clicked = true }) {
Text(if (clicked) "Button clicked" else "Click me")
}
}
function TextInputComponent() {
const [text, setText] = useState("");
return (
<input
type="text"
value={text}
onChange={(e) => setText(e.target.value)}
placeholder="Enter text"
/>
);
}
@Composable
fun TextInputComponent() {
var text by remember { mutableStateOf("") }
TextField(
value = text,
onValueChange = { newText -> text = newText },
label = { Text("Enter text") }
)
}
React doesn't have a built-in preview feature. However, you can use a tool like Storybook to create previews for your components in a separate development environment.
@Composable
fun ExampleComponent() {
Text("Hello, World!")
}
@Preview(showBackground = true)
@Composable
fun ExampleComponentPreview() {
ExampleComponent()
}
Additionally, you can also use Showkase, an open source library by Airbnb that allows you to view themes preview functions in an auto-generated component browser that can be viewed on an Android device.
function ListComponent({ items }) {
return (
<ul>
{items.map((item) => (
<li key={item}>{item}</li>
))}
</ul>
);
}
// Usage
const items = ["Item 1", "Item 2", "Item 3"];
<ListComponent items={items} />;
@Composable
fun ListComponent(items: List<String>) {
LazyColumn {
items(items) { item ->
Text(item)
}
}
}
// Usage
val items = listOf("Item 1", "Item 2", "Item 3")
ListComponent(items = items)
function ItemKeysExample({ items }) {
return (
<ul>
{items.map((person) => (
<li key={person.id}>
Name: {person.name}, Age: {person.age}
</li>
))}
</ul>
);
}
// Usage
<ItemKeysExample
items={[
{ name: "John", age: 30, id: "1" },
{ name: "Jane", age: 28, id: "2" },
{ name: "Bob", age: 25, id: "3" },
]}
/>;
data class Person(val name: String, val age: Int, val id: String)
@Composable
fun ItemKeysExample(items: List<Person>) {
LazyColumn {
items(items, key = { person -> person.id }) { person ->
Text("Name: ${person.name}, Age: ${person.age}")
}
}
}
function Parent({ header, content }) {
return (
<div>
{header}
{content}
</div>
);
}
// Usage
<Parent header={<h1>Header</h1>} content={<Child />} />;
function Child() {
return <p>Child Content</p>;
}
@Composable
fun Parent(
header: @Composable () -> Unit,
content: @Composable () -> Unit
) {
Column {
header()
content()
}
}
// Usage
Parent(
header = { Text("Header") },
content = { Child() }
)
@Composable
fun Child() {
Text("Child Content")
}
React doesn't have a direct analog to modifiers in Jetpack Compose or SwiftUI. Instead, you can use inline styles or CSS classes.
function ModifiersExample() {
const style = {
padding: "16px",
backgroundColor: "blue",
color: "white",
};
return <div style={style}>Hello, World!</div>;
}
@Composable
fun ModifiersExample() {
Text(
"Hello, World!",
modifier = Modifier
.padding(16.dp)
.background(Color.Blue)
)
}
import { useState } from "react";
function Counter() {
const [count, setCount] = useState(0);
return (
<button onClick={() => setCount(count + 1)}>
Count: {count}
</button>
);
}
@Composable
fun Counter() {
var count by remember { mutableStateOf(0) }
Button(onClick = { count = count + 1 }) {
Text("Count: $count")
}
}
import { createContext, useContext } from "react";
const CustomContext = createContext();
function Parent({ data }) {
return (
<CustomContext.Provider value={data}>
<Intermediate />
</CustomContext.Provider>
);
}
function Intermediate() {
return <Child />;
}
function Child() {
const data = useContext(CustomContext);
return <p>Received data: {data}</p>;
}
// Usage
<Parent data="Some data" />;
val CustomLocal = compositionLocalOf<String> { "Default data" }
@Composable
fun Parent(data: String) {
CompositionLocalProvider(CustomLocal provides data) {
Intermediate()
}
}
@Composable
fun Intermediate() {
Child()
}
@Composable
fun Child() {
val data = CustomLocal.current
Text("Received data: $data")
}
// Usage
Parent(data = "Some data")
import { useEffect } from "react";
function SideEffectOnLoadComponent() {
useEffect(() => {
// Perform side effect, e.g. fetch data, update external data source
}, []);
// Other UI components
return <div />;
}
@Composable
fun SideEffectOnLoadComponent() {
LaunchedEffect(Unit) {
// Perform side effect, e.g. fetch data, update external data source
}
// Other UI components
Text("Hello, World!")
}
Frequently Asked Questions About React vs Jetpack Compose
Which is better for beginners, React or Jetpack Compose?
Let's analyze the learning curve and requirements for each framework in 2025:
React (4/5)
React's component-based architecture and extensive ecosystem make it accessible for beginners. While concepts like hooks and virtual DOM require time to master, the large community and abundance of learning resources help overcome challenges. TypeScript adoption adds type safety but increases the initial learning curve.
Learning Path:
- Learn modern JavaScript/TypeScript
- Understand React components and JSX
- Master hooks and state management
- Learn component lifecycle and effects
- Practice React patterns and best practices
Key Prerequisites:
- JavaScript/TypeScript
- HTML/CSS
- npm/yarn
Time to Productivity: 2-3 months for web developers, 3-4 months for beginners
Jetpack Compose (3/5)
Jetpack Compose has a moderate learning curve that requires understanding of Kotlin and Android fundamentals. Its functional programming approach and declarative syntax can be challenging for developers coming from imperative XML layouts, but the excellent tooling and preview system make the learning process smoother.
Learning Path:
- Learn Kotlin fundamentals (especially lambdas and higher-order functions)
- Understand Android Activity/Fragment lifecycle
- Master Compose basics (composables, state, side effects)
- Learn Material Design components and theming
- Practice state management and composition patterns
Key Prerequisites:
- Kotlin
- Android basics
- Gradle build system
Time to Productivity: 2-3 months for Android developers, 4-6 months for beginners
Recommendation
Based on the analysis, React offers the most approachable learning curve. However, your choice should depend on:
- Your existing programming background (JavaScript/TypeScript, Kotlin)
- Target platform requirements (Cross-platform, Android)
- Available learning time (2-3 months for web developers, 3-4 months for beginners for React)
- Long-term career goals in mobile/web development
How does the performance of React compare to Jetpack Compose in real-world applications?
Let's analyze the real-world performance characteristics of React and Jetpack Compose based on benchmarks and practical experience:
React Performance Profile
Strengths
-
✓ Virtual DOM optimization
Efficient diffing algorithm minimizes actual DOM updates, improving performance.
-
✓ Code splitting
Built-in support for code splitting and lazy loading of components.
-
✓ Concurrent rendering
React 18's concurrent features allow for prioritized rendering and better user experience.
Areas for Optimization
-
! DOM operations overhead
Multiple DOM operations can still impact performance in complex applications.
-
! Bundle size concerns
Large dependency trees can lead to significant bundle sizes.
Jetpack Compose Performance Profile
Strengths
-
✓ Efficient recomposition system
Uses smart recomposition that only updates components when their inputs change, reducing unnecessary UI updates.
-
✓ Optimized rendering pipeline
Compose leverages Android's rendering pipeline to optimize performance for animations and transitions.
-
✓ Memory efficiency
Compose's compiler plugin optimizes memory allocation by reusing existing objects and reducing unnecessary allocations during UI updates.
Areas for Optimization
-
! Initial release overhead
First-time compilation and initial app startup time can be slower compared to XML layouts. You can address this by leveraging Baseline Profile.
-
! Complex state management impact
Improper state management can trigger unnecessary recompositions, affecting performance.
Performance Optimization Tips
React
- Implement React.memo() for expensive computations
- Use useMemo and useCallback hooks appropriately
- Leverage Code Splitting with React.lazy()
- Profile with React DevTools and Lighthouse
Jetpack Compose
- Use remember() and derivedStateOf() to minimize recompositions
- Implement proper key() usage in lists for efficient updates
- Leverage Compose's built-in lazy loading components
- Profile with Android Studio's Layout Inspector and Performance tools
What are the key architectural differences between React and Jetpack Compose?
Here are the key differences between React and Jetpack Compose:
Feature | React | Jetpack Compose |
---|---|---|
Paradigm | Declarative UI library with a component-based approach | Declarative UI toolkit with a functional programming approach |
Target Platform | Web (with React Native for mobile) | Android (with experimental desktop support) |
Language | JavaScript/TypeScript | Kotlin |
Component Model | Function components with hooks or class components | Composable functions |
State Management | useState, useReducer, and third-party solutions like Redux | State hoisting with remember and mutableStateOf |
Ecosystem | Vast ecosystem with many libraries and tools | Integrated with Android ecosystem and Kotlin coroutines |
The choice between these frameworks often depends on your target platform, existing expertise, and specific project requirements. React and Jetpack Compose each have their strengths in different contexts.
What are the job market trends for React vs Jetpack Compose in 2025?
If you're considering a career move in 2025, here's how these frameworks compare in terms of job prospects:
React
- Current Demand: Very high demand across web, mobile (React Native), and desktop
- Growth Trajectory: Mature but still growing with continuous innovation
- Notable Companies: Meta, Netflix, Airbnb, Dropbox
Jetpack Compose
- Current Demand: Growing rapidly as more Android apps transition from XML layouts
- Growth Trajectory: Strong upward trend as Google pushes it as the future of Android UI
- Notable Companies: Google, Twitter, Square, Airbnb
Can React and Jetpack Compose be used together in the same project?
Understanding how React and Jetpack Compose can work together:
React + Jetpack Compose
React Native can integrate with Jetpack Compose through native modules, allowing you to use Compose UI components within a React Native Android app.
Web + Mobile Strategy: A common approach is to use React for your web application, while using Jetpack Compose for mobile apps. You can share business logic and API calls between them, but the UI layer would be implemented separately for each platform.
How does Jetpack Compose compare to traditional Android XML layouts?
Jetpack Compose represents a significant shift from traditional Android XML layouts:
Traditional XML Layouts
- Declarative XML with imperative Java/Kotlin manipulation
- View hierarchy with expensive findViewById() calls
- Complex layouts like ConstraintLayout for performance
- Separate files for layouts, styles, and logic
- Many boilerplate adapters and view holders
- Slow layout inflation process
Jetpack Compose
- Fully declarative Kotlin code for UI
- No view hierarchy or findViewById()
- Layout composables handle optimization automatically
- UI, styling, and logic in one place
- Simple list creation with LazyColumn/LazyRow
- No layout inflation, faster rendering
Compose brings significant advantages in:
- Code reduction: Much less boilerplate code compared to XML
- State management: Built-in state handling with react-like patterns
- Preview: @Preview annotation for seeing UI changes without deploying
- Animation: Simplified animations with type-safe builders
- Testing: Better testability without complex UI testing setups
Migration can be gradual - Compose can be adopted incrementally within existing XML-based apps through the ComposeView component.