What does "export default" do in JSX?

Unwrapping the export default candy

export default is like the cherry on top of a cake. It designates the main output of a JavaScript (JS) or JavaScript XML (JSX) module, making it readily available to be imported elsewhere. This greatly simplifies how you can create modular components in React.

Importing a default export

One perk of a default export is that it doesn't require an exact name on import, meaning it offers room for creativity. Here’s how it could look:

// Importing Greet, but I’m calling it ‘WelcomingComponent’ because why not?
import WelcomingComponent from './Greet';
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One size fits all

And just like Highlander, there can be only one. You may have multiple exports in a module, but only one default export is allowed, keeping up the balance of things in the JS universe.

Default export vs named exports

When it comes to distinguishing between default export and named exports, remember that named exports must be imported using their exact names, embraced by curly braces.

// I solemnly swear I’m up to exact naming
export const salutation = 'Hey there, gorgeous!';
// ...
import { salutation } from './Greetings';
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The nitty-gritty of export default

Using export default isn't just about writing code, it's about writing good code. It offers flexibility, but also comes with conventions that lead to cleaner and more maintainable code.

Consistent naming

Even though export default gives you liberty in naming, it is good practice to keep the filename consistent with the name of the default export.

Error messages are your friends

Like a Mirror of Erised in programming, error messages show us the deepest desires of our code. If you try to import a non-default or incorrectly named export, you're going to receive an informative error, and that's when you make a great friendship with debugging.

Exporting made easy

In the React realm, export default is an elegant way to expose components. Day by day, it provenly makes the code clearer and easier to read and understand.

Exporting with a purpose

Always keep in mind that export default is not just a statement, it's a statement of intention. It inherently communicates the module's primary contribution to the rest of your codebase.

A pinch of caution

Adopting export default haphazardly can lead to confusion and errors. When refactoring or renaming components, ensure your team is on the same page about the semantic meaning of your exports.