What is the difference between .js, .tsx and .jsx in React?

In React, file extensions like .js, .jsx, and .tsx are used to differentiate between different types of files based on their content and purpose.

  1. .js (JavaScript):
  • This is the standard file extension for JavaScript files.
  • In a React application, you can use .js files to write React components and application logic.
  • You can write React components using JavaScript in .js files, but you’ll typically see .jsx or .tsx being used more often.

    Example:
// MyComponent.js

import React from 'react';

function MyComponent(props) {
  return (
    <div>
      <h1>Hello, {props.name}!</h1>
      <p>This is a React component written in JavaScript.</p>
    </div>
  );
}

export default MyComponent;

2. .jsx (JavaScript with JSX):

  • .jsx is also a JavaScript file but with JSX (JavaScript XML) syntax extension.
  • JSX is a syntax extension for JavaScript recommended by React for defining component structures that look similar to HTML.
  • React components written in .jsx files are often more readable and maintainable because they closely resemble the structure of the UI they represent.
  • You can use .jsx files in your React application to create components.

    Example:
// MyComponent.jsx

import React from 'react';

function MyComponent(props) {
  return (
    <div>
      <h1>Hello, {props.name}!</h1>
      <p>This is a React component written in JavaScript with JSX.</p>
    </div>
  );
}

export default MyComponent;

3. .tsx (TypeScript with JSX):

  • .tsx files are similar to .jsx files, but they are used when you are using TypeScript with React.
  • TypeScript is a statically typed superset of JavaScript that adds static type checking to your code.
  • .tsx files allow you to write React components with JSX syntax and benefit from TypeScript’s type checking features. You can specify the types of props and state, which can help catch type-related errors at compile time.

    Example:
// MyComponent.tsx

import React from 'react';

interface MyComponentProps {
  name: string;
}

const MyComponent: React.FC<MyComponentProps> = ({ name }) => {
  return (
    <div>
      <h1>Hello, {name}!</h1>
      <p>This is a React component written in TypeScript with JSX.</p>
    </div>
  );
}

export default MyComponent;

In summary:

  • .js files are plain JavaScript files and can be used for React development, but they may lack the benefits of JSX or TypeScript type checking.
  • .jsx files are JavaScript files with JSX syntax and are commonly used for writing React components.
  • .tsx files are TypeScript files with JSX syntax and are used when you want to use TypeScript with React for enhanced type checking and safety.

The choice of which file extension to use (.js, .jsx, or .tsx) depends on your project’s requirements and whether you are using TypeScript or plain JavaScript for your React development.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *