Question 1

What is a "feature-first" architecture and why is it better than grouping by type?

Accepted Answer

A feature-first architecture organizes code into self-contained "kits" based on user functionality, such as `features/cart` or `features/product-catalog`, rather than grouping all hooks or components into giant generic folders. This approach makes the codebase more discoverable and scalable because all logic, components, and API calls related to a specific business goal live in one place. It prevents "digital archaeology" by allowing developers to find everything they need for a specific workflow within a single directory.

Question 2

How can I prevent components from becoming "God Components"?

Accepted Answer

To avoid creating massive, unmanageable components, you should follow the "200-line rule" and the "Container-Presentational" pattern. If a component exceeds 200 lines, it is likely handling too many responsibilities like data fetching, validation, and layout. By separating the "how it works" (logic in custom hooks or containers) from the "how it looks" (stateless presentational components), you create code that is easier to test, read, and reuse.

Question 3

What is the "Public API" pattern in React project structure?

Accepted Answer

The Public API pattern involves using an `index.ts` file within each feature folder to act as a gatekeeper. This file explicitly exports only the specific components or hooks that the rest of the application needs to access, hiding the internal "messy warehouse" of helper functions and sub-components. This encapsulation allows you to refactor the internal logic of a feature freely without breaking other parts of the app, as long as the public-facing interface remains the same.

Question 4

When should I use `useReducer` instead of `useState`?

Accepted Answer

While `useState` is ideal for simple, independent pieces of data like a toggle or a text input, `useReducer` is the better choice for "complex transitions" where multiple pieces of state change together. It centralizes logic into a pure function that handles specific actions, which prevents "impossible states"—such as being in a loading and success state simultaneously. This makes complex logic, like a shopping cart with discounts and taxes, much more predictable and easier to test.

Question 5

Why is it discouraged to use a single Context for all global state?

Accepted Answer

Using one giant Context for various types of data, such as authentication, themes, and cart items, creates a "re-render bomb." Because any change to a Context value triggers a re-render for all components consuming that Context, updating a single item in a cart could cause unrelated parts of the app, like the navigation or footer, to refresh unnecessarily. The professional approach is to use "scoped contexts," creating separate providers for distinct data types to ensure better performance.

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