Code quality

High-quality code is the backbone of a maintainable and scalable React application. . Adhering to best practices ensures that the codebase remains clean, readable, and easy to debug. Below are some fundamental principles to maintain high code quality in React projects.

1. Write readable Code

Readable code improves collaboration and long-term maintainability. Follow these principles:

• Keep functions short and focused, each function should do one thing well.
• Use proper indentation and spacing.
• Avoid deeply nested logic; break it into smaller functions when needed.

Bad code

function d(a,b){return a+b}
const c=d(5,10);

Problems in this code:

• The function name d is vague and does not indicate its purpose.
• Variable c is not descriptive.
• Lack of spacing makes the code harder to read.

 Good code

function addNumbers(num1, num2) {
  return num1 + num2;
}

const sum = addNumbers(5, 10);

• Descriptive function and variable names.
• Proper indentation and spacing.
• Readability improved without additional effort.

2. Write self-documenting code

• Code should be clear enough that it “explains itself.”
• Avoid excessive comments. Write them only for complex or non-obvious logic.
• Prefer expressive variable, function, and component names.

3. Avoid magic numbers and strings

Instead of using hardcoded values, define constants and enums to improve maintainability.

Good example

const MAX_RETRIES = 3;
if (retryCount > MAX_RETRIES) {
  throw new Error("Max retries exceeded");
}

4. Keep functions and components small

A function or component should do one thing and do it well. If it starts to get too large, break it into smaller, reusable pieces. Each component should have a single responsibility:

• Break down large components into smaller, reusable ones.
• Keep business logic out of UI components:
  • Use custom hooks for logic.
  • Use utility functions for repeated logic.

5. Use hooks correctly

Hooks should be used correctly to prevent issues:

• Follow the Rules of Hooks (only call hooks at the top level and inside React functions).
• Avoid unnecessary dependencies in useEffect.
• Use useReducer for complex state management instead of excessive useState calls.

6. Minimize side effects

• Prefer pure functions that return the same output for the same input.
• Avoid hidden mutations or modifying external variables.
• Keep side effects inside controlled hooks like useEffect.

7. Use TypeScript (or ‘PropTypes’) 

• Static typing with TypeScript helps catch errors early and improves the development experience.
• If TypeScript isn’t used, apply PropTypes for type validation in components.
• Always type function parameters, props, and return values.

8. Handle errors gracefully

Errors are inevitable, but handling them properly improves user experience:

• Wrap critical UI components with an ErrorBoundary to prevent crashes.
• Use try/catch blocks for async operations.

Example

try {
  const data = await fetchUser();
  setUser(data);
} catch (error) {
  console.error(error);
  showToast("Failed to load user");
}

9. Write reusable and maintainable code

• Extract common logic into reusable custom hooks and utility functions.
• Follow the DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself) principle – avoid copy-paste logic.
• Avoid hardcoded values; use constants and environment variables instead.

10. Enforce standards

• Linting and Formatting: Use ESLint rules, Prettier configuration, to enforce consistent style automatically.
• Type Safety: Using TypeScript or PropTypes for type-checking.
• Code Reviews: Conduct reviews not just for correctness, but for readability, maintainability, and adherence to best practices.