In the world of web development, we often get caught up in the “latest and greatest” frameworks. But after building dozens of interfaces, I realized that the secret to a fast, maintainable site isn’t just the tool—it’s the architecture. Today, I’m breaking down how I use React and Modern CSS to build portfolio pieces that load in under a second.
1. The Power of Functional Components
Most developers over-engineer their React apps. I focus on Hooks and Functional Components to keep the logic clean. By separating my data fetching from my UI rendering, I ensure the site stays snappy.
2. Beyond Bootstrap: Why I Write Custom CSS
Frameworks are great, but they often come with “bloat.” In my recent projects, I’ve leaned into CSS Modules and Flexbox/Grid. This allows for:
- Unique Branding: No “cookie-cutter” templates.
- Performance: Only loading the CSS needed for that specific page.
- Responsive Design: Ensuring the site looks perfect on a 4K monitor and an iPhone SE alike.
3. Bridging the Gap Between HTML and JSX
Accessibility (a11y) shouldn’t be an afterthought. Using semantic HTML within my React components ensures that my work is inclusive and SEO-optimized from the jump.