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5 Famous Misconceptions About React (and What You Should Know Instead)
Introduction:
React has been a game-changer in the world of front-end development since its introduction by Facebook in 2013. With its component-based architecture and fast rendering using the Virtual DOM, React has gained widespread adoption. But with popularity comes misunderstanding. Many developers, especially those new to React, often fall prey to certain misconceptions about how it works. In this article, we’ll debunk five of the most common myths about React and provide the clarity needed to make the most of this powerful UI library.

1. React is a Framework, Right?
Misconception:
React is often lumped together with frameworks like Angular or Vue, leading to the common belief that it is a complete solution for building web applications.
Reality:
React is not a framework; it’s a JavaScript library specifically for building user interfaces. While frameworks like Angular come with built-in tools for routing, state management, and form validation, React focuses solely on the view layer of an application. It doesn’t dictate how you should handle other parts of your app, giving you the flexibility to choose your own tools. For example, React Router is often used for routing, and Redux or the Context API for state management.