BOS Guide #1: Introduction to React & BOS

Article by: venomity.near

In the convergence of web development and blockchain technology, React stands out for its ability to create dynamic user interfaces, while NEAR’s Blockchain Operating System (BOS) redefines application development with decentralization. In this article, we will discuss React’s role in developing frontend applications for DApps on BOS, highlighting its component-based efficiency and how it complements blockchain’s capabilities. This guide offers insights into leveraging React for blockchain projects, suitable for both experienced developers and newcomers.

Overview of React

React is a popular JavaScript library for building user interfaces, particularly single-page applications. It is known for its efficiency and flexibility, using a component-based architecture. This approach allows developers to build complex UIs from small, isolated pieces of code called components.

Components

At its core, React is all about components. You build your UI out of components. These can be simple, like a button, or complex, encompassing a whole app. Components can be nested within other components, allowing for complex applications to be built out of simple building blocks.

JSX

JSX is a syntax extension for JavaScript. It looks like HTML and is used to describe what the UI should look like. Each JSX element is just syntactic sugar for calling React.createElement(). This makes it easier to write and understand the UI code.

Adding Styles

Styles in React can be added in various ways, including inline styles and CSS files. Inline styles use a JavaScript object with camelCased properties rather than a CSS string. This is different from traditional HTML but allows for dynamic styling in your components.

Displaying Data

React makes it easy to display data. You can pass data to components via “props” – short for properties. These are read-only and allow the parent component to pass data down to its children. Additionally, components can maintain their own state, which allows them to hold data that may change over time and should be re-rendered.

State and Lifecycle

Components in React can have a state, which allows them to react to user input, server responses, etc. When the state of a component changes, the component re-renders. React components also have lifecycle methods that allow you to run code at particular times in the process, such as when the component mounts, updates, or unmounts.

Handling Events

React elements handle events similarly to DOM elements. However, there are some syntax differences: React event handlers are camelCased (e.g., onClick), and you pass functions to event handlers rather than strings.

Key Features of React:

• Declarative: 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.
• Component-Based: Build encapsulated components that manage their state, then compose them to make complex UIs.
• Learn Once, Write Anywhere: React doesn’t dictate how you structure your data. You can use it with a variety of state management solutions and APIs.

Introduction to Blockchain Operating Systems

The Blockchain Operating System (BOS) refers to a platform or framework designed to operate on a blockchain network. It provides the foundational software layer to enable decentralized applications (DApps) to interact with the blockchain’s underlying infrastructure.

Significance of BOS:

• Decentralization: BOS platforms facilitate the creation of applications that are not controlled by any single entity, promoting a decentralized approach to application development.
• Security and Transparency: Blockchain technology offers enhanced security and transparency, which are inherent benefits leveraged by BOS.
• Smart Contract Integration: BOS often includes support for smart contracts, self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code.

Synergy of React and BOS

React’s modular nature makes it an excellent choice for developing the front end of DApps on the Blockchain Operating System. It allows for the creation of dynamic and responsive user interfaces that can interact seamlessly with blockchain technology.

Advantages of Using React for BOS:

• User Experience: React’s efficient update and rendering system ensures a smooth user experience, which is crucial for DApps.
• Reusable Components: The ability to reuse components makes React ideal for developing complex applications on BOS, as it promotes code reusability and maintainability.
• Community and Ecosystem: React’s vast community and rich ecosystem provide a wealth of resources and tools, which can be beneficial for developers working on blockchain projects.

Starting a React Project on BOS

When developing a React application, you have four of many primary paths to choose from, depending on your preferences and requirements:

Option 1: Using Jutsu.ai for Easy and Interactive Development (Recommended)

Jutsu.ai offers an intuitive and interactive platform for developing React JavaScript applications. It’s particularly suitable for beginners or those seeking a more visual and straightforward development experience.

Advantages of This Approach:

• Interactive Development: Provides a more visual and interactive approach to coding, making it easier to understand and debug.
• Beginner-Friendly: Ideal for those new to React or programming in general, thanks to its user-friendly interface.

Access Jutsu.ai: Start your React development journey by visiting Jutsu.ai.

Option 2: Using NEAR Sandbox for Simplicity

The NEAR Sandbox provides an easy and streamlined way to write your React JavaScript code directly within a browser-based environment. This approach is recommended for those who prefer a quick and straightforward setup.

Advantages of This Approach

• Ease of Use: The Sandbox environment is user-friendly and ideal for beginners or for rapid prototyping.
• No Complex Setup: It eliminates the need for a local environment setup, making it accessible from anywhere.

Access NEAR Sandbox: Visit NEAR Sandbox to start coding your React application on BOS right away.

Option 3: Setting Up Your Environment with VS Code for BOS Deployment

Setting up your development environment with Visual Studio Code (VS Code) for deploying applications on the NEAR BOS involves a more traditional approach, where you configure your local environment to develop, test, and deploy your applications.

Advantages of This Approach:

• Full Control: Developers have complete control over their development environment, allowing for customization and optimization based on personal or project-specific needs.
• Advanced Features: Using VS Code enables access to a wide range of extensions and tools that can enhance productivity and code quality.
• Local Development: This setup is ideal for complex projects that may require integration with other local tools or services.

This option suits developers who prefer or require the flexibility and control of a local development environment, and who may be working on more complex projects that benefit from the extensive features and extensions offered by VS Code.

Option 4: Setting Up a Gateway for BOS

This approach involves setting up a comprehensive development environment on your local machine, tailored for building and accessing complex applications on the BOS. It offers complete control and is well-suited for larger projects.

Advantages of This Approach:

• Complete Control: You have full control over your development environment, tools, and workflow.
• Scalability: This setup is better suited for larger, more complex applications that require advanced features and custom configurations.
• Flexibility: Tailor the development environment to your specific needs, including the integration of additional tools and libraries.

React Documentation and Learning Resources

• Getting Started with React: React Getting Started Guide – An overview of React documentation and related resources, ideal for beginners.
• React Official Website: React Official Site – The main landing page for React, offering comprehensive information about the library.
• React Quick Start: React Quick Start – A quick introduction to the essential concepts in React.
• MDN Web Docs on React: Getting started with React – MDN – A detailed guide for beginners on React, provided by MDN Web Docs.
• React API Documentation: React API Documentation – DevDocs – API documentation with search functionality, offline support, and more.

Blockchain Operating System (BOS) Documentation

• NEAR Protocol Official Documentation: NEAR Protocol Docs – The official documentation for the NEAR Protocol, covers everything from basics to advanced topics.
• NEAR Protocol Development Guide: NEAR Development Guide – A guide for developers to get started with building on NEAR.
• NEAR API JS Library: NEAR API JS GitHub Repository – The GitHub repository for the NEAR API JS library, useful for integrating NEAR functionalities into web applications.

 

This article was crafted in collaboration with Browns Avenue Consulting Inc. (BAC Inc.), as part of our initiative to simplify the development process for blockchain applications, thereby fostering innovation and growth. This effort underscores our dedication to providing comprehensive resources and support to developers navigating NEAR protocol. To learn more about the initiatives supported by the Marma J Foundation and how BAC Inc. contributes to the development and education within the blockchain community, please visit our DAO page or join our Telegram channel for updates and discussions.