How Can One Tell The Version Of React Running At Runtime In The Browser

React is a popular JavaScript library used for building user interfaces in web applications. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting with React, it's important to know how to determine the version of React running in your browser at any given time. Being able to identify the React version can help you troubleshoot compatibility issues, ensure that you are using the latest features, and stay up-to-date with the rapidly evolving web development landscape.

One simple way to find out the version of React running in the browser is by accessing the global `React` object and checking its version property. In the browser's developer tools console, you can type `React.version` and hit enter. If React is present on the page and loaded correctly, this command should return the version number of the React library that is currently active.

Another method to check the React version is by using the `react-dom` package. This package provides a method called `version` that allows you to retrieve the version of React being used. To access this information, you can run the following command in the browser console:

ReactDOM.version

Just like the previous method, executing this command in the developer tools console will display the version of React that is in use on the webpage.

If you are using a more recent version of React (specifically React 17 and later), the way to access the version number has been slightly updated. In these newer versions, you can use the following command to retrieve the React version:

import React from 'react';
React.version

By running this code snippet in your console, you can easily determine the React version currently active in your application.

Additionally, you can check the network tab in your browser's developer tools to see the version of React that the application is fetching from a CDN or any other source. Look for the React package URL in the list of network requests and check the version specified within the URL.

Keeping track of the React version being used in your projects is essential for maintaining compatibility and leveraging the latest features and enhancements. By following these simple steps, you can quickly and easily determine the version of React running in your browser at runtime, empowering you to develop and maintain React applications more effectively. Stay curious, keep exploring, and happy coding!