Since launching in 2013, React has consistently improved how developers build apps. If you are a front-end developer, you may have only ever used React to build web applications. However, did you know React can also be used for other interesting purposes? This article will explore six unique use cases for React that have nothing to do with the web.

This article draws inspiration from Theo Browne's research and his YouTube video embedded below. Keep reading for a quick summary, then watch the video for more in-depth explanations.

Six cool non-web React implementations

Remotion

Make videos

Remotion is a modern JavaScript library for rendering videos in React. It allows you to create videos programmatically using React components, making it easier to generate dynamic and data-driven video content. It is commonly used for creating video presentations, data visualizations, dynamic video advertisements, and any scenario where you need to generate videos with React.

React Email

Generate email templates

React Email is a library that simplifies designing and sending responsive HTML emails using React components. It helps ensure that your emails are visually appealing and displayed correctly on various email clients. It is valuable for businesses and developers who want to streamline their email marketing campaigns or send transactional emails with consistent branding.

React PDF

Generate PDF files

React PDF allows you to generate PDF documents using React components. It enables you to create custom PDF reports, invoices, or other PDF content from your React application. It is often used in applications that require the generation of printable documents, such as financial reports, certificates, or product catalogs.

Ink

React for CLI

Ink is a library for building command-line interfaces (CLIs) using React components. Developers use it to create user-friendly CLI tools, interactive command-line dashboards, and utilities that require user input and output in a structured format.

Reacord

Create elements for Discord

Reacord is a library for creating elements for Discord using React components. It allows you to create custom Discord bots, widgets, and other interactive elements that can be used to enhance the Discord experience for your users. It is a powerful tool for developers who want to create custom Discord experiences that are both visually appealing and functional.

React Three Fiber

Easily generate 3D elements

React Three Fiber is a popular framework for building 3D web applications and games using React. It serves as a bridge between React and Three.js, a powerful 3D graphics library, making it easier to create immersive 3D experiences. It is commonly used in projects that require 3D modeling, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), architectural visualization, and interactive 3D web applications.

Conclusion

If you are a React developer or aspiring to be one, I encourage you to explore some of the non-web use cases discussed in this article. You will gain deeper insights into how versatile React is and how it can be used to create innovative and useful software.