How to Use React Router for Smooth Navigation (Step-by-Step Guide)

Introduction

Efficient navigation is a key component of any web application, and React Router makes it simple. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explore how to set up a React Router, define routes, and navigate smoothly within a React app.
 

1. Installing React Router

To get started, install React Router using npm:

npm install react-router-dom

 

2. Setting Up Routes

Wrap your application with <BrowserRouter> and define routes using <Routes> and <Route> components:

import { BrowserRouter as Router, Routes, Route } from 'react-router-dom';

import Home from './Home';

import About from './About';

 

function App() {

  return (

    <Router>

      <Routes>

        <Route path="/" element={<Home />} />

        <Route path="/about" element={<About />} />

      </Routes>

    </Router>

  );

}

 

export default App;

 

3. Navigating Between Pages

Use the <Link> component instead of <a> tags to ensure smooth navigation without reloading the page:

import { Link } from 'react-router-dom';

 

function Navbar() {

  return (

    <nav>

      <Link to="/">Home</Link>

      <Link to="/about">About</Link>

    </nav>

  );

}

 

4. Programmatic Navigation

Use the useNavigate hook to navigate programmatically within your application:

import { useNavigate } from 'react-router-dom';

 

function Dashboard() {

  const navigate = useNavigate();

 

  const goToProfile = () => {

    navigate('/profile');

  };

 

  return <button onClick={goToProfile}>Go to Profile</button>;

}

5. Handling Dynamic Routes

React Router allows dynamic parameters in URLs. Define a route with a dynamic segment:

<Route path="/user/:id" element={<UserProfile />} />

 

Retrieve the parameter using the useParams hook:

import { useParams } from 'react-router-dom';

 

function UserProfile() {

  const { id } = useParams();

  return <h1>User ID: {id}</h1>;

}

 

6. Implementing Nested Routes

Nested routes help create structured layouts with shared components:

<Route path="/dashboard" element={<Dashboard />}>

  <Route path="profile" element={<Profile />} />

</Route>

 

Conclusion

By following this step-by-step guide, you can easily set up React Router for smooth navigation in your React applications. With tools like <Link>, useNavigate, and dynamic routes, you can create a smooth and efficient user experience.

Start integrating React Router today and enhance your app’s navigation!