class_vs_function_component.mp4

While functional components with hooks have become the preferred choice for most React development scenarios, there are still specific situations where class components might be the better option:

1. Error Boundaries: Class components are currently the only way to implement error boundaries in React. Error boundaries are used to catch JavaScript errors in child components and display fallback UI, which can be crucial for maintaining application stability.
2. Legacy Codebases: In older React projects, class components may be extensively used. When maintaining or updating these projects, it's often more practical to continue using class components rather than refactoring everything to functional components.
3. Complex Lifecycle Management: If a component relies heavily on lifecycle methods like shouldComponentUpdate, componentDidCatch, or getDerivedStateFromProps, class components provide a more straightforward implementation. While hooks can replicate most lifecycle behaviors, some complex scenarios might be more intuitive with class components.
4. Third-Party Library Compatibility: Some older libraries or tools may be built with the assumption that you're using class components. In such cases, using class components might be necessary for seamless integration.
5. Strict Control Over Rendering: Class components offer more granular control over when a component should re-render through the shouldComponentUpdate lifecycle method. This can be useful for performance optimization in specific scenarios.

It's important to note that with the continuous evolution of React and the increasing power of hooks, the scenarios where class components are strictly necessary are becoming fewer. In most modern React applications, functional components with hooks are the recommended approach due to their simplicity, better performance, and easier maintenance.

Links

https://react.dev/reference/react/Component#catching-rendering-errors-with-an-error-boundary

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/when-to-use-a-class-component-over-a-function-component-in-reactjs/

https://dev.to/phanimurari/where-to-use-class-component-and-functional-component-1ed5