Why we use LINK tag instead of <a> in REACTJS

Why We Use the Link Tag of react-router-dom Instead of the a Tag in JSX Files

When building a ReactJS application, navigating between pages is a crucial aspect of the user experience. However, the way we navigate between pages can have a significant impact on the performance and user experience of our application. In this article, we'll explore why we should use the Link component from react-router-dom instead of the plain HTML a tag in our JSX files.

The Problem with the a Tag

When we use a plain HTML a tag to navigate between pages, the browser performs a full page reload. This means that the browser sends a request to the server, which responds with a new HTML page. This process involves a full page reload, which can be slower and less efficient than client-side routing.

Here is an example of using the a tag in a React component:

import React from 'react';

function Home() {
  return (
    <div>
      <h1>Home Page</h1>
      <a href="/about">Go to About Page</a>
    </div>
  );
}

export default Home;

In this example, clicking the "Go to About Page" link will cause a full page reload as the browser requests the /about page from the server.

The Advantages of react-router-dom

On the other hand, when we use the Link component from react-router-dom, it doesn't trigger a full page reload. Instead, it uses JavaScript to update the URL in the browser's address bar and render the new page content without requesting a new HTML page from the server.

But remember Link tag is just a wrap up over < a > you can see this in chrome developer tools

Here are some advantages of using react-router-dom:

1. Client-side routing: react-router-dom handles routing entirely on the client-side, which means that the browser updates the URL without requesting a new page from the server.

2. JavaScript-based navigation: react-router-dom uses JavaScript to navigate between pages, which allows for a faster and more efficient navigation experience.

3. No server request: Because react-router-dom handles routing on the client-side, it doesn't send a request to the server when you navigate between pages, which means that the page doesn't reload.

The Disadvantages of Full Page Reloads

Full page reloads can have several disadvantages, including:

1. Loss of State: When the page reloads, the entire application state is lost, which means that any unsaved data, user input, or temporary state is discarded.

2. Poor User Experience: Page reloads can be jarring and disrupt the user's flow, leading to a poor user experience.

3. Slower Performance: Page reloads can be slower than client-side routing, which can negatively impact the application's performance.

Using the Link Tag from react-router-dom

First, ensure you have react-router-dom installed:

npm install react-router-dom

Then, you can use the Link component like this:

import React from 'react';
import { BrowserRouter as Router, Route, Switch, Link } from 'react-router-dom';

function Home() {
  return (
    <div>
      <h1>Home Page</h1>
      <Link to="/about">Go to About Page</Link>
    </div>
  );
}

function About() {
  return (
    <div>
      <h1>About Page</h1>
      <Link to="/">Go to Home Page</Link>
    </div>
  );
}

function App() {
  return (
    <Router>
      <Switch>
        <Route exact path="/" component={Home} />
        <Route path="/about" component={About} />
      </Switch>
    </Router>
  );
}

export default App;

In this example:

• The Router component wraps the entire application to enable routing.
• The Link component is used for navigation instead of the a tag.
• The Switch component ensures that only one route is rendered at a time.
• The Route components define the paths and corresponding components to render.

Conclusion

Using the Link component from react-router-dom instead of the plain HTML a tag in your JSX files is essential for creating a smooth and efficient navigation experience in your ReactJS application. By leveraging client-side routing, you can avoid full page reloads, maintain application state, and provide a better overall user experience.