10 best practices for writing clean, maintainable React + TypeScript code

If you’re a React developer working with TypeScript (or just thinking about making the switch), you’ve probably realized one thing by now: TypeScript makes life easier, but it also comes with a learning curve. Whether you're a TypeScript pro or still figuring out generics (we've all been there), writing clean, maintainable code is key.

So, here are my top 10 best practices for keeping your React + TypeScript projects in tip-top shape—where future-you (and your teammates) will thank you for being a coding genius. ??

1?? Type everything (but don’t go overboard)

TypeScript is all about types, but it’s easy to get carried away. Sure, typing everything sounds cool, but you don’t need to type every little thing, especially when TypeScript can infer it for you. A simple rule: let TypeScript do its thing where it can, and only type what’s necessary to improve code readability and prevent bugs.

// Type inference at work
const message = "Hello, World!"; // TypeScript knows this is a string        

2?? Use React.FC sparingly

The React.FC type (Functional Component) seems like a good idea at first, but it comes with unnecessary baggage (like children being automatically inferred). These days, it’s recommended to skip React.FC unless you specifically need it.

// Instead of this:
const MyComponent: React.FC = () => { /*...*/ };

// Do this:
const MyComponent = () => { /*...*/ };        

3?? Always type your props and state

Typing your component props and state isn’t optional—it’s essential for clarity and maintainability. It helps other devs (and you, six months down the line) understand exactly what a component expects and what state it's managing.

interface ButtonProps {
  label: string;
  onClick: () => void;
}

const Button = ({ label, onClick }: ButtonProps) => {
  return <button onClick={onClick}>{label}</button>;
};        

4?? Use enums for better clarity

Enums can be your best friend when you’re dealing with a set of related values. They make your code much more readable, and they ensure that you're always using the right value.

enum ButtonType {
  PRIMARY = "primary",
  SECONDARY = "secondary",
}

interface ButtonProps {
  type: ButtonType;
}

const Button = ({ type }: ButtonProps) => {
  return <button className={type}>Click me</button>;
};        

5?? Avoid any like the plague

Using any in TypeScript is like using duct tape to fix a leaky pipe. Sure, it works, but it defeats the whole purpose of TypeScript. Try to avoid any at all costs by finding the proper types or using unknown if you absolutely have no clue.

// Bad:
const fetchData = async (): Promise<any> => { /*...*/ };

// Better:
const fetchData = async (): Promise<MyDataType> => { /*...*/ };        

6?? Use Partial, Pick, and Omit

TypeScript gives you some awesome utility types to work with. Partial, Pick, and Omit help you modify existing types without creating new ones from scratch, which keeps your code DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself).

interface User {
  id: string;
  name: string;
  email: string;
}

const updateUser = (user: Partial<User>) => {
  // Only update provided fields
};        

7?? Create reusable types

If you find yourself writing the same type or interface over and over, stop. DRY applies to types too. Create reusable types or interfaces and share them across your components.

interface ApiResponse<T> {
  data: T;
  status: number;
}

const fetchData = async <T>(): Promise<ApiResponse<T>> => { /*...*/ };        

8?? Stick to one type of state management

Mixing different state management patterns is a recipe for disaster. Whether you’re using React's built-in useState and useReducer, or an external library like Redux or Zustand, pick one approach and stick to it throughout your project.

9?? Write unit tests with TypeScript in mind

When writing tests for your React components, take advantage of TypeScript’s type system to mock props and states properly. This prevents your tests from breaking when your types change.

import { render } from "@testing-library/react";

const mockProps: ButtonProps = {
  label: "Click Me",
  onClick: jest.fn(),
};

render(<Button {...mockProps} />);        

?? Use meaningful names for types and interfaces

Naming is hard, but it’s important. If you're naming your types and interfaces generically (`Data`, Info, Thing), future-you is going to hate it. Give your types meaningful, descriptive names to keep your code understandable.

// Bad:
interface Data {
  value: string;
}

// Good:
interface ProductInfo {
  productName: string;
  price: number;
}        

Wrapping it up: Keep it simple, but typed

React and TypeScript can feel overwhelming at first, but once you’ve got the basics down, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Writing clean, maintainable code isn’t just about making things work today—it’s about making sure they’ll still work (and make sense) six months from now. These best practices will help you write better, cleaner code, with fewer bugs and more productivity.

Now, get out there and start writing some rock-solid React + TypeScript code! ??