React is a javascript library for building user interfaces which has many great features going for it. It also happens to be easy to introduce in small increments, particularly when compared to other javascript frameworks, and plays well with Rails. Find out how you can start modernizing the javascript in your Rails application today, without major refactoring.

1. Why you should add React to
your Rails application now!
David Roberts
October 2015
+

2. What is React?
- UI library for Javascript
- Declarative API
- Reusable Components

3. var HelloMessage = React.createClass({
render: function() {
return <div>Hello {this.props.name}</div>;
}
});
<HelloMessage name="David" />
Here’s a simple example of a React component

4. Why React with Rails?
- NOT an SPA
- Use in anyway you want / unopiniated
- Mix with traditional jQuery on the same page
- Gem makes it very easy to use with Rails
-

5. https://github.com/reactjs/react-rails
React Rails
- jsx
- babel for es6
-

6. Install
• gem ‘react-rails’
• rails g react:install
https://github.com/droberts84/bloccit/commit/
47ee8cd5587097c6eccdd4de467e11fb02844a2f

7. Let’s Vote Using
Javascript!
https://github.com/droberts84/bloccit/commit/
1cb8298e158dc679a58e72586d5378a09e5762f5

8. Limitations
• Sprockets does not support Modules
• Alternatives
• Webpack
• Browserify
• Individual React Components can be re-used
- React Rails is great for getting started
- Not for SPA like integrations
- Not if you need to integrate with lots of other JS toolsets
-

9. Don’t let your current architecture prevent
you from moving forward!
Source Code:
https://github.com/droberts84/bloccit/tree/react