ReactDOM render process

Introduction

The ReactDOM render process shows how React puts your components on the web page. It helps you see your app's content in the browser.

When you want to show a React component inside a web page.

When you create a new React app and need to display the main component.

When updating the UI after changes in your React app.

When testing how your React components appear in the browser.

Syntax

React

import ReactDOM from 'react-dom/client';

const root = ReactDOM.createRoot(document.getElementById('root'));
root.render(<App />);

Use ReactDOM.createRoot to start rendering in React 18+.

The render method shows the React component inside the chosen HTML element.

Examples

This renders a simple heading inside the element with id 'app'.

React

import ReactDOM from 'react-dom/client';

const root = ReactDOM.createRoot(document.getElementById('app'));
root.render(<h1>Hello World</h1>);

This renders a custom React component called MyComponent inside the element with id 'root'.

React

import ReactDOM from 'react-dom/client';

const root = ReactDOM.createRoot(document.getElementById('root'));
root.render(<MyComponent />);

Sample Program

This example creates a simple React component called Greeting that shows a welcome message. Then it uses ReactDOM's render process to display it inside the HTML element with id 'root'.

React

import React from 'react';
import ReactDOM from 'react-dom/client';

function Greeting() {
  return <h2>Welcome to React!</h2>;
}

const root = ReactDOM.createRoot(document.getElementById('root'));
root.render(<Greeting />);

Important Notes

Always make sure the HTML element you target (like root) exists in your HTML file.

ReactDOM's render process replaces the content inside the target element with your React component.

In React 18+, use ReactDOM.createRoot instead of the old ReactDOM.render.

Summary

ReactDOM render process shows your React components on the web page.

Use ReactDOM.createRoot and root.render() to display components.

Target an existing HTML element to place your React app content.

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of ReactDOM.createRoot in React?

easy

A. To define a new React component

B. To update the state of a component

C. To create a root container to render React components into the DOM

D. To fetch data from an API

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand ReactDOM.createRoot role

   This function creates a root container that connects React with a specific DOM element.

2. Step 2: Connect React components to the DOM

   Using this root, React can render components inside the chosen HTML element.

3. Final Answer:

   To create a root container to render React components into the DOM -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   ReactDOM.createRoot creates root container [OK]

Hint: ReactDOM.createRoot sets where React shows content [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing createRoot with component creation
• Thinking it updates state
• Assuming it fetches data

2. Which of the following is the correct syntax to render a React component App inside a DOM element with id root using React 18+?

easy

A. const root = ReactDOM.createRoot(document.getElementById('root')); root.render();

B. ReactDOM.render(, document.getElementById('root'));

C. ReactDOM.createRoot().render(document.getElementById('root'));

D. const root = ReactDOM.render(document.getElementById('root')); root.createRoot();

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify React 18+ render syntax

   React 18+ uses ReactDOM.createRoot with root.render to mount components.

2. Step 2: Match correct method calls and parameters

   const root = ReactDOM.createRoot(document.getElementById('root')); root.render(); correctly calls createRoot with the DOM element, then calls render with the component.

3. Final Answer:

   const root = ReactDOM.createRoot(document.getElementById('root')); root.render(<App />); -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   ReactDOM.createRoot + root.render = correct syntax [OK]

Hint: Use createRoot on element, then call render with component [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using old ReactDOM.render syntax in React 18+
• Swapping parameters in createRoot or render
• Calling methods in wrong order

3. Given the code below, what will be displayed on the web page?

const root = ReactDOM.createRoot(document.getElementById('root'));
function Greeting() {
  return <h1>Hello, React!</h1>;
}
root.render(<Greeting />);

medium

A. Hello, React! inside an h1 heading

B. An empty page

C. Error: Greeting is not defined

D. The text 'Greeting' displayed

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand component definition and rendering

   The Greeting function returns an h1 element with text 'Hello, React!'.

2. Step 2: ReactDOM renders Greeting component inside 'root'

   Calling root.render with <Greeting /> displays the returned h1 content in the page.

3. Final Answer:

   Hello, React! inside an h1 heading -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Component returns h1 with text, so page shows it [OK]

Hint: Component returns h1 with text, so that text appears [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking component name shows as text
• Expecting error without import
• Assuming empty page without render

4. What is wrong with the following ReactDOM render code?

const root = ReactDOM.createRoot('root');
root.render(<App />);

medium

A. createRoot cannot be assigned to a variable

B. root.render should be called before createRoot

C. App component must be a class component

D. The argument to createRoot should be a DOM element, not a string

Solution

1. Step 1: Check createRoot argument type

   createRoot expects a DOM element, but 'root' is a string, not an element.

2. Step 2: Correct usage requires document.getElementById('root')

   We must pass document.getElementById('root') to get the actual DOM node.

3. Final Answer:

   The argument to createRoot should be a DOM element, not a string -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   createRoot needs DOM element, not string [OK]

Hint: Pass DOM element, not string, to createRoot [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Passing string id instead of element
• Calling render before createRoot
• Thinking component type matters here

5. You want to render a React component Dashboard inside a div with id app-root. You also want to ensure the component updates correctly when state changes. Which code snippet correctly sets up the ReactDOM render process for this scenario?

hard

A. const root = ReactDOM.createRoot('app-root'); root.render(Dashboard);

B. const root = ReactDOM.createRoot(document.getElementById('app-root')); root.render();

C. ReactDOM.render(, document.getElementById('app-root'));

D. const root = ReactDOM.createRoot(document.querySelector('#app-root')); root.render(Dashboard());

Solution

1. Step 1: Select the correct DOM element

   Use document.getElementById('app-root') to get the div element for rendering.

2. Step 2: Use ReactDOM.createRoot and root.render properly

   Call createRoot with the element, then render the component as JSX (<Dashboard />) to enable React updates.

3. Step 3: Avoid passing string or calling component as function

   Passing string or calling Dashboard() directly breaks React's rendering and update process.

4. Final Answer:

   const root = ReactDOM.createRoot(document.getElementById('app-root')); root.render(<Dashboard />); -> Option B

5. Quick Check:

   createRoot + render with JSX component = correct [OK]

Hint: Use createRoot on element, render JSX component for updates [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Passing string instead of element to createRoot
• Using old ReactDOM.render in React 18+
• Calling component as function instead of JSX