React Bootstrap

Language: JavaScript

UI Framework

React Bootstrap was created as an alternative to using Bootstrap’s JavaScript plugins, which relied heavily on jQuery. By rewriting components in React, it provides a more modern, declarative approach, making it easier to integrate with React applications while retaining the familiarity of Bootstrap’s styling.

React Bootstrap is a popular UI framework that rebuilds Bootstrap components entirely with React. It removes jQuery dependencies while keeping the same look and feel of traditional Bootstrap.

Installation

npm: npm install react-bootstrap bootstrap
yarn: yarn add react-bootstrap bootstrap
cdn: <link rel='stylesheet' href='https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/bootstrap/dist/css/bootstrap.min.css'>
manual: Include Bootstrap CSS via CDN or locally, then use React Bootstrap components directly.

Usage

React Bootstrap provides Bootstrap components like buttons, modals, forms, navbars, and grids as React components. Styling comes from Bootstrap CSS, while behavior is handled by React.

Button usage

import Button from 'react-bootstrap/Button';

<Button variant="primary">Click Me</Button>

Renders a primary Bootstrap-styled button using React Bootstrap.

Alert

import Alert from 'react-bootstrap/Alert';

<Alert variant="success">This is a success alert!</Alert>

Displays a dismissible Bootstrap-styled success alert.

Modal component

import { useState } from 'react';
import { Modal, Button } from 'react-bootstrap';

function Demo() {
  const [show, setShow] = useState(false);
  return (
    <>
      <Button onClick={() => setShow(true)}>Open Modal</Button>
      <Modal show={show} onHide={() => setShow(false)}>
        <Modal.Header closeButton>
          <Modal.Title>React Bootstrap Modal</Modal.Title>
        </Modal.Header>
        <Modal.Body>Modal content goes here.</Modal.Body>
        <Modal.Footer>
          <Button variant="secondary" onClick={() => setShow(false)}>Close</Button>
        </Modal.Footer>
      </Modal>
    </>
  );
}

Implements a modal dialog with header, body, and footer using React Bootstrap.

Navbar

import { Navbar, Nav, Container } from 'react-bootstrap';

<Navbar bg="dark" variant="dark" expand="lg">
  <Container>
    <Navbar.Brand href="#home">MyApp</Navbar.Brand>
    <Navbar.Toggle aria-controls="basic-navbar-nav" />
    <Navbar.Collapse id="basic-navbar-nav">
      <Nav className="me-auto">
        <Nav.Link href="#home">Home</Nav.Link>
        <Nav.Link href="#about">About</Nav.Link>
      </Nav>
    </Navbar.Collapse>
  </Container>
</Navbar>

Creates a responsive Bootstrap-styled navbar using React Bootstrap.

Error Handling

Components not styled: Ensure Bootstrap CSS is correctly imported in your project.
Modal backdrop not working: Check that React Bootstrap and Bootstrap versions are compatible.
Build size too large: Import components individually (e.g., `import Button from 'react-bootstrap/Button'`) instead of the entire library.

Best Practices

Always include Bootstrap’s CSS either via CDN or npm for proper styling.

Use React Bootstrap components instead of raw Bootstrap JS plugins to avoid conflicts.

Combine React Bootstrap with Bootstrap’s grid system for responsive layouts.

Customize Bootstrap themes using SASS variables or CSS overrides if needed.

Avoid mixing jQuery-based Bootstrap plugins with React Bootstrap components.