BIS601 FSD - Difference between Functional and Class Components in ReactJS

 Here's a clear comparison between Class Components and Functional Components in React:

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Class vs Functional Components

Feature	Class Component	Functional Component
Syntax	Uses class keyword	Uses plain JS functions or arrow functions
State Management	Uses this.state and this.setState()	Uses useState() hook
Lifecycle Methods	Uses methods like componentDidMount()	Uses useEffect() hook
this keyword	Required (this.state, this.props)	Not required
Hooks support	❌ Not directly supported	✅ Fully supports hooks
Boilerplate code	More verbose	More concise
Performance	Slightly heavier due to binding	Slightly better due to cleaner function closures
Readability	Less readable for beginners	Easier to read and write

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When to Use Which

Situation	Recommendation
Writing new React code (modern projects)	✅ Functional
Need to use Hooks (useState, useEffect)	✅ Functional
Maintaining legacy React app	✅ May require Class
Learning lifecycle methods explicitly	🟡 Either, but class for classic syntax

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Which Should Be Preferred?

Functional Components are preferred in modern React:

• React team recommends hooks
  
  

• Cleaner, shorter syntax
  
  

• Better performance patterns
  
  

• Easier to test and reuse logic