To import or not to import: Should you use braces for JavaScript imports?

Unpacking JavaScript Imports with Braces

When importing libraries in JavaScript, developers have two options: using braces to specify named imports or omitting braces to import only the default object. This article explores the key distinctions between these two methods.

Using Braces (e.g., Import React, { Component, PropTypes } from 'react';)

This syntax allows for selective importing of specific named exports from a given module. In the example provided, the default export React is imported under the same name, while the named exports Component and PropTypes are imported under their respective names.

Benefits of Using Braces:

• Clarity and Reduced Name Clashes: By explicitly naming the imported variables, developers can enhance code readability and avoid potential name collisions with other local variables.
• Smaller Bundle Size: Importing only the specific named exports reduces the size of the bundled JavaScript file, improving performance.

Importing Without Braces (e.g., Import React, Component, PropTypes from 'react';)

This method imports all named exports as well as the default export. Variables with the same names as the imported entities are created in the local scope.

Drawbacks of Importing Without Braces:

• Possible Name Clashes: Importing all named exports without using braces can lead to name collisions, making code more difficult to maintain.
• Larger Bundle Size: Importing all named exports increases the size of the bundled JavaScript file, potentially slowing down page load times.

General Guidelines:

In general, it is advisable to use braces when importing named exports selectively. This approach provides greater control, clarity, and code efficiency. However, if all named exports are required and name collisions are not a concern, importing without braces can be used for convenience.

Additional Note:

Ensure that the syntax used matches the export syntax in the imported module. For example, if the module exports default and named exports separately (e.g., export default React; export { Component, PropTypes }), using braces is necessary for selective named imports.

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