17 May 2021

The React framework advantage

We’re big fans of React at Catch. But just what is React, and how do we use it?

React is a JavaScript library used in web development to build interactive elements on the web. The main advantage for end users is the fast interactivity they’re provided with, as there should be very little reload time when new data is presented on their screen. This, in turn, leads to a more positive user experience.

The React advantage for End Users

As you probably know, we’re Drupal experts. Whilst Drupal is an excellent CMS for general website usage, there comes a time when users want a bit more which is when we reach for React to build a ‘web app’ to sit on a page.

Think of Google Maps, for example. What a pain it would be if there was a noticeable page refresh (such as clicking on a link and waiting for the page to reload) each time you zoomed in or out or panned across the map. React helps eliminate this friction, allowing elements to quickly load on a page as the user interacts with them.

React makes it painless to create interactive UIs. Design simple views for each state in your application, and React will efficiently update and render just the right components when your data changes.

ReactJS.org

The React advantage for Developers

React is a JavaScript library that at a fundamental level is used to build many components each with their own independent ‘state’ that tells the component what to do. If you think of a button on a website as a component, the state might include the colour, the text (e.g. ‘Click Here’) and the URL (e.g. ‘https://www.catchdigital.com’). As you build out your React project with components, it allows you to avoid the time-intensive process of coding and testing over and over meaning you can build new features and scale your application.

Developers can reuse the button all over the web app and update the ‘state’ of each of these using ‘props’. The advantage to this is that every button on the site will look and behave in the same way. Of course, components will be much more complicated than just a button, and can do more than just take a user from one page to another.

Below are some helpful definitions to understand the terminology used when discussing React.

State - The current data that is within the component, any time this is updated and the state changes, a re-render will take place
Props - This is how information or data is passed from one component into another. For example if we reuse the button analogy where have colour, text and url managed in the state of the button, we could also have disabled as a state. If the button component is associated with a contact form, we could set the disabled state of the button to be true until all of the fields of the form are completed and then update the state of the button component using props

Developers are able to reuse tested code and know that it will stand up to stress.

The React advantage for our clients

We now know that React is a data driven tool, and allowing our clients to manage the content for a data driven API means we can treat Drupal as a headless CMS for the output of JSON in an API format. New content can be created in the same way new pages can be created. The same goes for content within each page, reducing what could be a time intensive process to update their site (or multiple sites from one data source).

Some examples of our use of React

From quickly adapting to what the user is looking for on the TV Guide on our Freeview web platform:

To helping students filter and book available accommodation in London via IQ Student Accommodation:

To helping global telecommunication company SES provide users with the ability to search for satellite footprint information using their “Our Coverage” tool within their existing Drupal solution:

Or providing the Internet Advertising Bureau (IAB) Members with a quick and easy way to view Adspend data in a graph that instantly updates as you change dates and add filters:

Catch is experienced in offering our clients effective solutions that take advantages of all the benefits of React.

If you're ready to start your journey and see how we can help you improve your connection with your audience through smart technology like React, don't hesitate to get in touch.

19 Aug 2015

Just launched: Stonewall

We're proud to unveil the new website for Stonewall, the leading charity for lesbian, gay, bi and trans equality.

Stonewall appointed us to design and build the website following a competitive pitch at the end of 2014, the new website www.stonewall.org.uk also reveals a fresh new look for the 26-year-old charity.

New features include clearer designs and easier search functions, a new information structure to enable better more intuitive navigation and a responsive design. All of Stonewall’s websites – Stonewall Scotland, Stonewall Cymru and Young Stonewall – have also been integrated to sit across one site.

Stonewall has also recently added the tagline - Acceptance without exception, to its famous star logo, demonstrating its commitment to making real change to ensure everyone, everywhere is free to be themselves.

Content has also been refreshed to make the information engaging and clear, with new film and photo content to be developed to ensure the site is fully accessible. The new website now also hosts Stonewall’s expansive library of research and publications in a new format so they're easier to browse and download.

The website also has a new section – Stonewall Says – to communicate the charity's view on news, recent trends and issues affecting LGBT people, as well as a spotlight on Stonewall volunteers to celebrate their achievements and demonstrate the benefits of volunteering as well as encouraging others to get involved.

As part of this commitment, Stonewall is strengthening its networks and developing deeper relationships with people from ethnic minorities, faith-based groups and those who live in rural communities to secure equality for all.

Stonewall’s website is used by a variety of audiences such as schools and corporate businesses working to create inclusive and accepting cultures; LGBT people and groups seeking legal guidance or information on support in their area; volunteers, donors and supporters looking for how to get involved; journalists looking for information and research on LGBT issues; and UK and international human rights activists looking for ideas and resources.