Introduction to Hooks and Functional Components in React JS

React is a popular JavaScript library for building user interfaces, and it's constantly evolving to make building web applications even easier. One of the newest features in React is the introduction of hooks and functional components. These two features have changed the way developers build React applications and have made it more efficient and easier to understand.

Hooks are functions that allow you to use state and other React features in functional components. In the past, only class components were able to use state and lifecycle methods. But with the introduction of hooks, functional components can now also have access to state, context, and other lifecycle methods. This means that you can use functional components to build your application and still have access to the same features as class components.

There are several built-in hooks that are available in React, including:

• useState: allows you to use state in functional components
• useEffect: allows you to use lifecycle methods in functional components
• useContext: allows you to use context in functional components
• useReducer: allows you to use a reducer in functional components

Functional components, on the other hand, are a simpler way of defining a React component. In the past, you would define a component using a class that extends React.Component. But with functional components, you can define a component using a simple function that returns JSX. This makes it easier to understand and reason about a component.

Functional components also have a few benefits over class components. They are easier to test, since they are just simple functions, and they can also be more performant since they don't have the overhead of a class.

In summary, hooks and functional components are two new features in React that make building web applications easier and more efficient. Hooks allow you to use state and lifecycle methods in functional components, while functional components provide a simpler way of defining components. Together, these two features make it easier to understand and reason about your application, and can make your code more performant.

It's worth noting that, even though hooks and functional components are not exclusive, and you can use class components with hooks. But, it's recommended to use functional components with hooks for a better developer experience.

In conclusion, Hooks and functional components are a powerful addition to React, making it more efficient and easier to build web applications. They allow for a more organized and simpler codebase and make it easier to understand and reason about your application. As React continues to evolve, it's important to stay up to date on these features to take full advantage of its capabilities.