What is a Function Component in React?

A Function Component in React is a JavaScript function that returns React elements (JSX) representing the UI.

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Key Characteristics of Function Components:

Feature	Description
Stateless (Before Hooks)	Initially, function components couldn’t hold state, but with React Hooks (introduced in React 16.8), they can now manage state and side effects.
Simpler Syntax	They are simpler and easier to write compared to class components.
No this keyword	Unlike class components, there’s no need for this.
Hooks Support	Can use React Hooks like useState(), useEffect(), etc., to add state and lifecycle functionalities.

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Basic Syntax:

javascriptCopyEditfunction Welcome() {
  return <h1>Hello, World!</h1>;
}

OR

javascriptCopyEditconst Welcome = () => {
  return <h1>Hello, World!</h1>;
}

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Using Props in a Function Component:

javascriptCopyEditfunction Welcome(props) {
  return <h1>Hello, {props.name}!</h1>;
}

OR using destructuring:

javascriptCopyEditfunction Welcome({ name }) {
  return <h1>Hello, {name}!</h1>;
}

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Using State in a Function Component (with Hooks):

javascriptCopyEditimport { useState } from 'react';

function Counter() {
  const [count, setCount] = useState(0);

  return (
    <div>
      <p>Count: {count}</p>
      <button onClick={() => setCount(count + 1)}>Increment</button>
    </div>
  );
}

Explanation:

• useState() is a React Hook that adds state to the function component.
• count is the state variable, and setCount is the function to update it.
• When button is clicked, setCount() updates the state, and the component re-renders.

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Advantages of Function Components:

Advantage	Explanation
Simpler and Cleaner	Shorter and more readable compared to class components.
Better Performance	Slightly faster than class components in some cases because they don’t extend React.Component.
Hooks Support	Can handle state, side effects, and context using Hooks (useState, useEffect, useContext, etc.).
No this Binding Issue	No need to bind this, unlike in class components.
Recommended in Modern React	Preferred over class components after React Hooks were introduced in React 16.8.

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When to Use Function Components:

• For all new React projects.
• When you want a simpler structure.
• When you need state and lifecycle features (using Hooks).

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Key Takeaways:

• Function Component → A function returning JSX.
• Before React Hooks → Stateless;
  After Hooks → Can hold state and side effects.
• Simpler, cleaner, and recommended approach in modern React development.

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Let me know if you need more help with React components or any other concept! 🚀😊