WordPress is a powerful CMS, while ReactJS is a modern JavaScript library for building dynamic user interfaces. Combining both can enhance the performance and interactivity of your website. This guide will walk you through the process of integrating ReactJS with WordPress.

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1. Why Use ReactJS with WordPress?

1.1. Improved User Experience

ReactJS enhances WordPress by enabling smooth, fast-loading, and highly interactive user interfaces.

1.2. Headless WordPress for Performance

With ReactJS, you can use WordPress as a headless CMS, meaning WordPress handles the backend, and ReactJS takes care of the frontend.

1.3. Better Scalability

Combining React with WordPress allows developers to build scalable applications, as ReactJS efficiently handles data updates and UI rendering.

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2. Setting Up ReactJS with WordPress

2.1. Install WordPress and Set Up REST API

Before integrating React, ensure your WordPress site is running and has the REST API enabled. By default, WordPress provides an API endpoint at:

bashCopyEdithttps://yourwebsite.com/wp-json/wp/v2/posts

You can test the API by visiting this URL in your browser.

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2.2. Set Up a React App

To create a new React application, install Node.js and run the following command:

bashCopyEditnpx create-react-app my-wordpress-react
cd my-wordpress-react
npm start

This will start a React development server.

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2.3. Fetch Data from WordPress API in React

To display WordPress posts in React, modify the App.js file like this:

jsxCopyEditimport React, { useEffect, useState } from "react";

function App() {
  const [posts, setPosts] = useState([]);

  useEffect(() => {
    fetch("https://yourwebsite.com/wp-json/wp/v2/posts")
      .then((response) => response.json())
      .then((data) => setPosts(data));
  }, []);

  return (
    <div>
      <h1>WordPress Posts in React</h1>
      <ul>
        {posts.map((post) => (
          <li key={post.id}>
            <h2>{post.title.rendered}</h2>
            <div dangerouslySetInnerHTML={{ __html: post.content.rendered }} />
          </li>
        ))}
      </ul>
    </div>
  );
}

export default App;

This code fetches and displays WordPress posts inside a React app.

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3. Deploying React with WordPress

3.1. Embedding React in a WordPress Theme

To embed React inside a WordPress theme, compile your React project and add the JavaScript file to your theme:

bashCopyEditnpm run build

Then, enqueue the React script inside your WordPress theme’s functions.php:

phpCopyEditfunction enqueue_react_script() {
    wp_enqueue_script('react-app', get_template_directory_uri() . '/react-app/build/static/js/main.js', array(), null, true);
}
add_action('wp_enqueue_scripts', 'enqueue_react_script');

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3.2. Using React with a WordPress Plugin

You can also build a custom WordPress plugin that renders React components inside a shortcode.

Example:

phpCopyEditfunction react_shortcode() {
    return '<div id="react-root"></div>';
}
add_shortcode('react_app', 'react_shortcode');

Then, mount your React app inside index.js:

jsxCopyEditimport React from "react";
import ReactDOM from "react-dom";
import App from "./App";

ReactDOM.render(<App />, document.getElementById("react-root"));

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4. Conclusion

Integrating ReactJS with WordPress allows developers to build highly dynamic and fast applications while leveraging the power of WordPress as a CMS. Whether using React for interactive UI components or a full headless approach, the combination provides a scalable and future-proof solution.

If this setup seems too complex or confusing, I can help! Contact me for expert guidance on integrating ReactJS with WordPress seamlessly.