A higher-order component is a function that transforms a component into another component with added functionality. HOCs are not part of the React API. They are a design pattern that emerges from React’s compositional nature.
- It is a technique in React for reusing component logic. They are used for code reuse, cross-cutting concerns like authentication, and adding functionality to components without modifying their original source code.
- HOC doesn’t modify the input component, nor does it use inheritance to copy its behaviour. Rather, a HOC composes the original component by wrapping it in a container component.
A HOC is a pure function with zero side effects.
- Takes a component as an argument
- Returns a new component
- Can render the original component
- Can add extra props to the original component
Use Cases:
- Wrapping components with cross-cutting concerns like authentication, logging, or data fetching.
- Sharing stateful logic or behaviour across multiple components.
- Encapsulating reusable logic that doesn't require a specific rendering structure.
Pros:
- Offers a clean way to reuse logic without repeating it in multiple components.
- Enhances modularity by separating concerns into individual HOCs.
- Works well with class-based components.
- Supports reusing logic and behaviour without altering the original components.
- Well-suited for sharing behaviour across components.
Cons:
- May be less intuitive for developers new to the concept.
- Prop conflicts can arise when multiple HOCs try to manipulate the same prop.
- HOC nesting can lead to deep component hierarchies and affect readability.
- Debugging might become complex when the component structure becomes convoluted.