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React Lists


In React, you will render lists with some type of loop.

The JavaScript map() array method is generally the preferred method.

If you need a refresher on the map() method, check out the ES6 section.


Example:

Let's render all of the cars from our garage:

function Car(props) {
  return <li>I am a { props.brand }</li>;
}

function Garage() {
  const cars = ['Ford', 'BMW', 'Audi'];
  return (
    <>
      <h1>Who lives in my garage?</h1>
      <ul>
        {cars.map((car) => <Car brand={car} />)}
      </ul>
    </>
  );
}

const root = ReactDOM.createRoot(document.getElementById('root'));
root.render(<Garage />);

Run Example »

When you run this code in your create-react-app, it will work but you will receive a warning that there is no "key" provided for the list items.


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Keys

Keys allow React to keep track of elements. This way, if an item is updated or removed, only that item will be re-rendered instead of the entire list.

Keys need to be unique to each sibling. But they can be duplicated globally.

Generally, the key should be a unique ID assigned to each item. As a last resort, you can use the array index as a key.

Example:

Let's refactor our previous example to include keys:

function Car(props) {
  return <li>I am a { props.brand }</li>;
}

function Garage() {
  const cars = [
    {id: 1, brand: 'Ford'},
    {id: 2, brand: 'BMW'},
    {id: 3, brand: 'Audi'}
  ];
  return (
    <>
      <h1>Who lives in my garage?</h1>
      <ul>
        {cars.map((car) => <Car key={car.id} brand={car.brand} />)}
      </ul>
    </>
  );
}

const root = ReactDOM.createRoot(document.getElementById('root'));
root.render(<Garage />);

Run Example »


Test Yourself With Exercises

Exercise:

Add the attribute that allows React to keep track of elements in lists.

function GroceryList() {
  const items = [
    {id: 1, name: 'bread'},
    {id: 2, name: 'milk'},
    {id: 3, name: 'eggs'}
  ];

  return (
    <>
      <h1>Grocery List</h1>
      <ul>
        {items.map((item) => <li ={item.id}>{item.name}</li>)}
      </ul>
    </>
  );
}

const root = ReactDOM.createRoot(document.getElementById('root'));
root.render(<GroceryList />);

Start the Exercise