Why does it matter?

The web today is no longer just a collection of simple static pages. It’s where businesses run, communities connect, and complex interactions happen. If you still think plain HTML and a few lines of manual JS are enough, you’re limiting yourself and your project.

What plain HTML can’t do but frameworks can

You might be proud of <details>, <dialog>, or basic forms. But building an app with:

• Complex interactive UI

Frameworks handle dynamic interactions like modals, tabs, accordions, and tooltips that would require verbose JavaScript and DOM manipulation in plain HTML.

• Multi-dimensional user state management

Plain HTML has no native support built-in state, components, context/shared state, ... But, tools like React’s useState, useReducer, or context APIs help manage complex app logic across components.

• Real-time data updates

Frameworks make it easier to connect with APIs and WebSockets to update the UI in real-time without reloading the page.
→ Plus, re-rendering with React's state is much easier and cleaner than manually selecting elements with document.querySelector() and updating the DOM yourself.

• Reusable, maintainable components

Component-based architecture allows you to build self-contained, testable, and reusable UI elements—plain HTML offers no such modularization.

• And proper accessibility for all users

Frameworks provide powerful ways to manage ARIA attributes, keyboard navigation, and focus control dynamically, supporting a fully accessible experience out-of-the-box. Like this example:

<button aria-expanded={isOpen}>Menu</button>

The aria-expanded updates automatically as isOpen changes.

👉 Frameworks like React are powerful tools that help you handle all that complexity easily instead of wrestling with tons of manual DOM manipulation.

State management — the core of every modern app

Trying to manage state with global variables or direct DOM manipulation will only make your code messy and fragile. Frameworks provide clear state management systems that keep your app stable and scalable.

Reusable components — reduce duplication, boost productivity

Instead of copying and pasting HTML everywhere and fixing things in dozens of places, React lets you create reusable components. Change once, update everywhere. Keep your code clean, readable, and maintainable.

Smarter UI updates for better performance

No more manually tweaking every element when data changes. Frameworks optimize rendering to update only what’s necessary, making your app smooth and avoiding display bugs.

Accessibility — done right

Building interfaces that work for everyone, including users relying on assistive technologies, requires high technical standards that plain HTML can’t easily meet. Frameworks help you create components with built-in ARIA attributes, keyboard navigation, and all the essentials.

Developer experience matters too!

React and its tools help you develop faster with:

• Hot reloads on code changes
• Early error detection via TypeScript
• Rich ecosystem of libraries
• Effective debugging, avoiding browser quirks

Performance isn’t just about initial load speed

Complex apps need to feel responsive in every interaction. Modern frameworks, combined with server-side rendering, code splitting, and lazy loading, handle this perfectly.

When should you use React?

• Your app has complex dynamic state to manage
• You need to build complex UI with reusable components
• It’s a SPA or web app, not just a static site
• You work in a team and need clear structure
• You want to leverage existing tools and libraries

Don’t fear the tool

Frameworks are just tools; the user is the real factor. Used right, they solve tons of problems. Used wrong, they can cause headaches. But avoiding powerful tools just because you “fear complexity” will only slow you down and cause more frustration.

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In short: If you want to build modern, interactive web apps, don’t avoid React or similar frameworks. They’re the way to work efficiently and keep your code clean and maintainable.