Unleash the Power of Split Panes in React
As a developer, you know how crucial it is to have a well-organized screen layout. Split panes are an excellent way to achieve this, and in this article, we’ll show you how to create a split pane component in React from scratch, without relying on external libraries.
The Concept
Imagine having a web or desktop IDE with multiple areas, each displaying different information. Our example app will feature a predefined list of famous names on the left-side pane and a quote from each on the right-side pane. We’ll also demonstrate how to create both vertical and horizontal split panes, and how to enable state interactions between the panels using React’s context.
Setting Up the Project
To get started quickly, we’ll use the create-react-app tool. Run the following command:
npx create-react-app my-split-pane-app
Open the project in Visual Studio Code and create the necessary files.
Creating the Context
We’ll create two context files: QuoteContext.js and SplitPaneContext.js. These will hold data and functions common to both the top panel and its child panels.
App Structure
Let’s take a look at the App.js file:
“`jsx
import React from ‘eact’;
import { QuoteProvider } from ‘./QuoteContext’;
import SplitPane from ‘./SplitPane’;
function App() {
return (
);
}
export default App;
“`
The Magic Happens
The SplitPane.js component is where the real magic happens. We’ll build it step by step, using React hooks to ensure the freshest possible implementation.
SplitPane Component
The SplitPane component is responsible for keeping track of the pane positions, dimensions, mouse events, and child components. We’ll also create a Divider component, which represents a single pane divider line that can be both vertical or horizontal.
Testing the App
Before testing, make sure to fill in the index.css file with the necessary styles. Then, run the following command:
npm start
This will open your default web browser and display the application. You can now test and run your app!
Taking it to the Next Level
To take your split panes to the next level, try creating more complex and nested panels that interoperate with each other via React’s state and context. Good luck!