What are the key differences between functional components and class components in ReactJS? Which approach do you prefer and why?

Key Differences Between Functional Components and Class Components in ReactJS:

Functional components are simple, functional JavaScript functions that return JSX elements. They are easier to read and write, as they involve less boilerplate code. They also do not support lifecycle methods or state management until the introduction of React hooks.

On the other hand, class components are ES6 classes that extend React.Component and provide more features such as lifecycle methods, state management, and refs. They are suitable for complex components that require state or lifecycle methods.

Preferred Approach and Reasons:

Personally, I prefer using functional components with hooks for most of my projects because they offer a more concise and cleaner syntax. Hooks allow me to work with stateful logic and side effects inside functional components without the need for class components. Additionally, functional components with hooks promote better code reusability and maintainability.

However, there are cases where class components may still be necessary, especially when dealing with legacy codebases or integrating with third-party libraries that rely on class components. In those scenarios, I do not hesitate to use class components to ensure compatibility and smooth integration.

In conclusion, while both functional components and class components have their own strengths and use cases, my preference lies with functional components with hooks for their simplicity, readability, and modern development practices.