Difference between React Component and React Element

Question

What is the difference between React Component and React Element? The documentation mentions both but does not go into detail, some methods require components, other element

Answer 1

A React Element is what you would consider to be a basic html(dom to be precise) element. It is just a way of creating element without using the much controversial jsx format.

A React Component is what you can consider as an object. It has its methods, supports React lifecycles and is generally unreusable (at least haven't found any reuse yet, welcome to examples). It necessarily needs to have a render function.

A React Class is what you call a class. Functionality wise React Class and React Component are same. Only syntax is the real change, as React Component is based on ES6 syntax. Another major change is the default binding of functions to this is no longer supported unless using arrow functions. Mixins also are no longer supported as of ES6.