Why Do LLMs Always Pick React.js? (A Developer’s Guide to AI’s Favorite Framework)

Laith DevLast Updated: June 2, 2025

7 minutes read

Key Point:

Large Language Models (LLMs) often generate React code because it’s the most popular JavaScript framework, dominating their training data.
This bias can lead to outdated code or less exposure to other frameworks, but it reflects React’s widespread use in web development.
Developers should verify AI-generated code and stay updated to avoid pitfalls like deprecated tools or missed innovations.

Why Large Language Models Love React.js?

Hey there, fellow code wranglers! Ever asked an AI to churn out some web development magic and noticed it always defaults to React.js? It’s like React.js is the cool kid at the coding party—everyone’s talking about it, and the AI can’t stop either. But why? And what does this mean for us developers trying to build awesome apps? Grab your favorite energy drink, and let’s dive into the wild world of Large Language Models (LLMs) and their love affair with React.js.

In this post, we’ll unpack why LLMs are so smitten with React.js, explore the ups and downs of this bias, and share some pro tips to make sure you’re not just riding the React.js wave blindly. We’ll keep it fun, relatable, and packed with insights—because coding is serious, but it doesn’t have to be dull.

What’s the Deal with LLMs and React.js?

Imagine asking an AI to whip up some web code, and it hands you a shiny React.js component like it’s the only dish on the menu. Why does this happen? It’s simple: React.js is everywhere. LLMs, those brainy AI models, are trained on massive piles of code from the internet, and React.js is the rockstar of the bunch. With over 40% of developers using it (according to Statista), it’s no wonder LLMs lean toward it.

Why Does This Matter?

This React.js obsession can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s great—React is powerful, flexible, and widely supported. On the other, LLMs might spit out outdated code (like suggesting create-react-app, which is now deprecated) or overlook newer frameworks like Svelte. Developers need to stay sharp, double-check AI outputs, and explore other tools to keep their projects fresh and innovative.

What Can You Do About It?

Don’t let the AI run the show! Use LLMs as a helpful sidekick, not your project architect. Verify the code, stick to trusted templates, and keep learning about new frameworks. This way, you harness the power of AI without getting stuck in a React.js rut.

Why Do LLMs Favor React.js?

Let’s cut to the chase: LLMs pick React.js because it’s the most popular kid on the block. Think of LLMs as super-smart parrots that mimic what they’ve seen. They’re trained on massive datasets of code scraped from the internet—GitHub, Stack Overflow, you name it. And guess what? React.js is everywhere in those datasets.

According to a 2024 Statista survey, React.js is the second most-used web framework, with over 40% of professional developers relying on it. Another report from the State of JavaScript shows React’s adoption has been climbing since its debut in 2013. With so much React.js code floating around, it’s no surprise LLMs default to it when you ask for a web app.

But it’s not just about popularity. React.js has some traits that make it an AI’s dream:

Component-Based Structure: React’s Lego-like components are easy for LLMs to understand and replicate.
JSX Syntax: The mix of JavaScript and HTML-like code is clear and consistent, perfect for pattern-hungry LLMs.
Virtual DOM: React’s efficient update system provides predictable patterns that LLMs can easily learn.

So, when you prompt an LLM for code, it’s like asking it to pick its favorite song—it goes with the one it’s heard a million times: React.js.

The Dominance of React.js in Web Development

To get why LLMs are so React-obsessed, we need to understand why React.js rules the web development world. Spoiler: it’s not just because it’s backed by Meta (though that helps).

React.js was born in 2013 when Facebook needed a better way to handle complex user interfaces. Created by Jordan Walke, it focused on one thing: building UIs efficiently. Unlike frameworks like Angular, which try to do everything, React.js sticks to the view layer, letting developers pick their own tools for routing, state management, and more. This flexibility made it a hit.

Here’s why React.js is the king of JavaScript frameworks:

Reusable Components: Build a button once, use it everywhere. It’s like having a magic toolbox where every tool fits perfectly.
Virtual DOM: Instead of messing with the slow, clunky real DOM, React uses a lightweight virtual version, updating only what’s needed. It’s like editing a Google Doc before hitting “publish.”
Huge Ecosystem: From Redux for state management to React Router for navigation, there’s a tool for everything. Check out React’s ecosystem for a taste.
Community Power: With millions of developers, you’re never alone. Stuck? Someone’s probably answered your question on Stack Overflow.

This dominance creates a feedback loop: more developers use React, more code is written, and more LLMs learn it. It’s like React.js is the Taylor Swift of frameworks—impossible to escape.

How LLMs Learn and Generate Code

Let’s peek under the hood of LLMs to see why they’re so good at spitting out React.js code. LLMs are built on transformer architecture, which is a fancy way of saying they’re awesome at spotting patterns in data. When trained on code, they learn the syntax, structure, and quirks of languages and frameworks.

For code generation, LLMs use autoregressive modeling—they predict the next piece of code based on what came before. It’s like autocomplete on steroids. Here’s a simple React component they might generate:

import React from 'react';

function Welcome(props) {
  return <h1>Hello, {props.name}</h1>;
}

export default Welcome;

Why is React.js so easy for LLMs to generate? A few reasons:

Abundant Training Data: With React.js powering over 1.3 million websites (Uplers), LLMs have seen tons of examples.
Clear Patterns: React’s declarative style and JSX make it easy for LLMs to predict what comes next.
Community Resources: Tutorials, docs, and forums provide structured, high-quality code for LLMs to learn from.

But here’s the catch: LLMs don’t understand code. They just predict based on patterns. If those patterns are mostly React.js, that’s what you’ll get.

Negative Impacts of LLMs’ Bias Towards React.js

While it’s awesome that LLMs can churn out React.js code like nobody’s business, this bias has some downsides. Let’s break it down:

Outdated Code

LLMs are trained on static datasets, which means they might not know about the latest React.js updates. For example, they might suggest using create-react-app, which is now deprecated in favor of tools like Vite or Next.js. This can lead to code that’s outdated before you even run it.

Stifling Innovation

If LLMs keep pushing React.js, other frameworks like Svelte or SolidJS might get overlooked. These frameworks have unique approaches—like Svelte’s “no runtime” philosophy—that could be better for certain projects. Less exposure means less innovation, and that’s not great for the web dev world.

Over-Reliance on AI

LLMs are powerful, but they’re not perfect. They can generate buggy code or miss complex logic. If you lean too heavily on AI without understanding the code, you’re setting yourself up for a debugging nightmare. As one Reddit user put it, “As soon as React stuff is added, it’s like the model becomes super dumb about the logic.”

The takeaway? LLMs are tools, not oracles. You’ve got to stay in the driver’s seat.

Tips for Developers Using AI Tools

So, how do you use LLMs without getting burned by their React.js bias? Here are some battle-tested tips:

Skip AI for Boilerplate: Project setup is critical. Instead of letting an LLM create your structure, use trusted tools like Vite or company-specific templates. They’re more reliable and up-to-date.
Stay the Decision-Maker: You know your project best. Don’t let AI dictate your tech stack. Check out resources like DEV Community to stay informed about alternatives.
Verify Everything: Always test AI-generated code. Even if you feed it the latest docs, it might miss nuances. Run it, debug it, love it.
Use Internal Templates: Many companies have standardized setups with their preferred tools and versions. These are often better than AI suggestions.
Learn from AI: Use LLMs to explore new concepts or frameworks, but take time to understand the code. It’s like having a tutor—great for learning, but you still need to do the homework.

By treating LLMs as a helpful sidekick, you can leverage their power without falling into the React.js trap.

Real Examples of Stellar React.js Use

Let’s look at some real-world examples where React.js shines (and why LLMs love it):

Facebook: The OG React user, leveraging its component system for a dynamic UI.
Instagram: Uses React for seamless, interactive features like Stories.
Netflix: Relies on React’s performance for smooth streaming interfaces.

These examples show why React.js is so prevalent—and why LLMs can’t stop generating it. But don’t forget to explore other frameworks for your specific needs!

Conclusion

So, why do LLMs always pick React.js? It’s a mix of React’s massive popularity, its clear structure, and the way LLMs learn from data. While this bias can lead to outdated code or less focus on other frameworks, it’s also a testament to React’s dominance in web development.

As developers, we’ve got to use LLMs wisely. Verify their output, stay updated on best practices, and don’t be afraid to explore beyond React.js. Whether you’re building the next big app or just tinkering with a side project, keep your critical thinking cap on and let AI be your trusty assistant—not your boss.

Now go forth and code like a rockstar! 🚀

FAQ

Why do LLMs prefer React.js over other frameworks?
LLMs lean toward React.js because it’s the most popular framework, with tons of code in their training data. They generate what they know best.
Can LLMs generate code in other frameworks?
Yes, but they’re often less reliable with less popular frameworks like Vue.js or Svelte due to limited training data.
Is it bad that LLMs favor React.js?
It’s not inherently bad, but it can lead to outdated code or missed opportunities with other frameworks. Always double-check AI suggestions.
How can I ensure AI-generated code is up-to-date?
Cross-reference with the latest documentation, like React’s official site, and test thoroughly.
Should I use LLMs for my projects?
Absolutely, but treat them as tools, not decision-makers. Review and understand the code they generate.
What are some alternatives to React.js?
Check out Vue.js, Angular, Svelte, or SolidJS for different approaches to web development.
How can I learn more about using LLMs effectively?
Experiment with prompts, explore forums like Reddit, and read up on AI coding tools to master their use.

Sources We Trust:

A few solid reads we leaned on while writing this piece.

Laith DevLast Updated: June 2, 2025

7 minutes read