The Evolution of React Interviews: Moving Beyond Class Components in 2024

The Current State of React Interviews

In 2024, it's not uncommon to encounter interview questions like:

• "Implement a class component with lifecycle methods"
• "Convert this functional component to a class component"
• "Explain how to handle state using this.setState()" I’ve noticed something interesting: while bootcamps and interviews often focus heavily on class components, modern React development has moved almost entirely towards functional programming. This disconnect got me thinking: Are we really testing the skills that matter today?

Why We Need to Evolve Our Approach

1. Mental Models Matter

React isn't just about syntax – it's about thinking in terms of:

• Data flow
• State management
• Component composition

Class components force developers to think in an object-oriented way, while React's true power lies in functional programming patterns. This cognitive disconnect can hinder developers from fully grasping React's modern paradigms.

2. Modern React is Fundamentally Functional

Since the introduction of Hooks in 2018, the React ecosystem has undergone a profound transformation. Today's React development centers around:

• Custom hooks for logic reuse
• Function composition for building complex components
• Pure components for predictable behavior
• Immutable state patterns for better performance
• Effect management through useEffect
• State management via useState and useReducer

3. Shifting Paradigms

The contrast between class-based and functional approaches is stark. Class components align more closely with Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) principles, commonly seen in languages like Java and C++, while React's functional approach leans toward composition and declarative patterns, which are core to JavaScript’s strengths.

What We Should Focus On Instead

1. Core Functional Concepts

• Understanding hooks and their use cases
• State management patterns
• Component composition principles
• Performance optimization techniques
• Custom hook creation
• Side effect handling

2. Modern Development Patterns

• Code splitting and lazy loading
• Error boundaries
• Context management
• Server components (React 18+)
• Concurrent features

Real-World Impact

While legacy codebases still exist, new development overwhelmingly favors functional components. Here's a simple comparison:

Old approach (Class Component)

// Old approach (Class Component)
class UserProfile extends React.Component {
  constructor(props) {
    super(props);
    this.state = { user: null };
  }

  componentDidMount() {
    fetchUser(this.props.id).then(user => {
      this.setState({ user });
    });
  }

  render() {
    const { user } = this.state;
    return user ? <div>{user.name}</div> : <div>Loading...</div>;
  }
}

Modern approach (Functional Component)

// Modern approach (Functional Component)
function UserProfile({ id }) {
  const [user, setUser] = useState(null);

  useEffect(() => {
    fetchUser(id).then(setUser);
  }, [id]);

  return user ? <div>{user.name}</div> : <div>Loading...</div>;
}

The functional approach is:

• More concise
• Easier to understand
• More maintainable
• Less prone to bugs
• Easier to test

The Path Forward

While understanding class components might help with maintenance work, the real value lies in mastering hooks and functional patterns. Interview processes should evolve to reflect this reality by:

1. Focusing on functional component implementation
2. Testing understanding of hooks and their use cases
3. Evaluating knowledge of modern React patterns
4. Assessing ability to compose and optimize components
5. Checking familiarity with current best practices

The Bottom Line

The future of React is functional. Our hiring practices should reflect this reality. By aligning our interview processes with current development practices, we can better evaluate candidates' ability to contribute to modern React applications.

What are your thoughts? How has your organization adapted its interview process to reflect modern React development? Share your experiences in the comments below.