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React Component Patterns

React Function Declarations vs Arrow Functions

Should React components be defined with function declarations or arrow functions? Explore how top TypeScript projects structure their React components.

62%

Use Function Declarations

38%

Use Arrow Functions

Function Declarations

Define components with traditional function syntax for clear hoisting and readability.

Code Example

Button.tsx (function declaration)
interface ButtonProps {
  label: string;
  onClick: () => void;
}

function Button({ label, onClick }: ButtonProps) {
  return <button onClick={onClick}>{label}</button>;
}

export default Button;

Key Benefits

  • Components are hoisted within their scope
  • More traditional and familiar syntax
  • Clear function keyword indicates it's a component
  • Named functions appear in React DevTools
  • Stack traces show the function name
  • Consistent with React documentation examples

Statistics

Arrow Functions

Modern, concise component definitions with const declarations and arrow syntax.

Code Example

Button.tsx (arrow function)
interface ButtonProps {
  label: string;
  onClick: () => void;
}

const Button = ({ label, onClick }: ButtonProps) => {
  return <button onClick={onClick}>{label}</button>;
};

export default Button;

Key Benefits

  • Concise, modern syntax
  • Lexical 'this' binding (though rarely needed in components)
  • Const prevents accidental reassignment
  • Consistent with other const declarations
  • Popular in modern React codebases
  • Works seamlessly with type inference

Statistics

Additional Insights

More data points to help you make an informed decision for your team.

986

repositories analyzed