Flux and React.js – Complementing Each Other Flux is quite simply put, an application architecture for building User Interfaces (UI). It is a data flow application architecture created and used by Facebook for client-side web applications. React.js on the other hand is a JavaScript library for building user interfaces. It is an implementation of Web Components for customized User Interface elements. React is an open source Javascript library maintained again by Facebook. It goes without saying that it is extensively used by the social media pioneer as well. React blends in easily with any of the technologies selected. They say that React is the V in the MVC – Model View Architecture and has its own set of benefits acknowledged by many.
Prudent use of a Component Model Abstraction Composition Expressivity Server Side Rendering
Flux can be implemented using any platform or programming language. But when it is internally used with React.js, it works wonders especially when it comes to the UI and the UX. React enhances the use of reusable UI to generate competent UX. The commendable user interfaces and components reassure us of the many competencies that this combination offers to us and the well-known who rely on it and make the most out of it.
Facebook Instagram New York Times 2014 Red Carpet Project
The Core Components of the Flux Architecture The core components of the Flux Architecture are responsible for the closely coordinated functioning of the applications. They control and initiate Events as allocated to them to maintain the integrity and validity of the application state. This harmony amongst the components ensures a unidirectional data flow.
Actions & Action Creators Dispatcher Stores Controller Views
Views APIs
• Communicate to Users
Action Creators
Stores • Event • Data
• Actions
Dispatcher • Callbacks
Actions Actions are Helper methods which pass data to the Dispatcher. They are JavaScript objects with a type and data associated with them, exchanging data from the Server. The data is introduced into the Flux Flow by Actions while the bi directional interactions from the outside traffic are taking place. The data is eventually then sent to the Stores. Another group of methods called the Action Creators are invoked and they send actions to the Dispatcher. Actions pass data to the Dispatcher and are basically Helper methods. They introduce the data into the Flux Flow when interacting with the to and fro traffic from the outside. Finally the data finds way into the Stores.
Dispatcher The Dispatcher is the one responsible for co-ordinating the entire logic of the application. It synchronises the receiving of actions and the dispatching of the actions as well, along with the data to the registered call backs. Stores
True to its name, Stores hold various components for use down the line within the application. They hold the components for multiple states of the applications, maintaining smooth logic. They hold application state and business logic using various variables. Stores manage data, its methods and the Dispatcher call backs as well. The Stores organizes components domain wise and the management is done in accordance with the need of each domain. They emit Events and a View eventually binds to the respective Store’s Events for further actions.
Controller Views These components obtain the State as data from Stores and communicate them to the respective View in the hierarchy. The components render with the Controller Views.
The Logic Associated With the Flux Architecture The Flux architecture clearly defines roles of each component with an aim to create competent user interfaces. It is the responsibility of the Action Components to synchronize the sends and receives of the API components. The Dispatcher on the other hand evaluates the events and the data exchange takes place according to the initiator of the event. In short, a different line of action is worked out for the APIs and the views. The actions sent out by the Dispatcher are accompanied by the constants and the data payloads. The registered callbacks receive these and the Stores associated with the registered callbacks finally are communicated the Event and the data associated with the Event. The Store passes on the Action Constant and the corresponding data to the Change Event after the necessary updating. The View Event receives the Change Event and subsequently updates the Child Views along with itself with the aim to maintain integrity within the application which is absolutely necessary. The Action Creators are called repeatedly by the views and the cycle continues constantly.
A Promising Future - Flux and React.js Together React is a rage today when it comes to web frontend eliminating the nuisances of huge and slow data structures of the age old DOMs by introducing the very crisp Virtual DOM. The Flux architecture enforces unidirectional data flow and typically turns Single Page Applications into understandable and simple implementations.
The first ever React.js Conference was held at the Facebook headquarters earlier this year in January. The unveiling of three new technologies in this forum GraphQL, Relay, and React Native are indicative of the promising times to come.