@dnd-kit/core vs react-dnd vs react-beautiful-dnd vs react-sortable-hoc
React Drag-and-Drop Libraries Comparison
1 Year
@dnd-kit/corereact-dndreact-beautiful-dndreact-sortable-hoc
What's React Drag-and-Drop Libraries?

Drag-and-drop libraries in React provide developers with the tools to implement drag-and-drop functionality in web applications. These libraries abstract the complexities of handling mouse events, touch events, and state management, allowing developers to create intuitive interfaces for reordering lists, moving items between containers, and more. Each library has its unique approach to implementing drag-and-drop, catering to different use cases and preferences, thus enhancing user experience and interactivity in applications.

Package Weekly Downloads Trend
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Stat Detail
Package
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License
@dnd-kit/core2,559,59314,0261.07 MB4883 months agoMIT
react-dnd2,246,32321,263231 kB460-MIT
react-beautiful-dnd1,778,24433,6991.39 MB643-Apache-2.0
react-sortable-hoc497,04210,851-2944 years agoMIT
Feature Comparison: @dnd-kit/core vs react-dnd vs react-beautiful-dnd vs react-sortable-hoc

Customization

  • @dnd-kit/core:

    @dnd-kit/core offers extensive customization options, allowing developers to define their own drag-and-drop behaviors, animations, and styles. This flexibility makes it suitable for applications that require unique interactions beyond standard use cases.

  • react-dnd:

    react-dnd is highly customizable and allows developers to create complex drag-and-drop interactions. It supports custom drag previews, drop targets, and can handle various data types, making it suitable for advanced use cases.

  • react-beautiful-dnd:

    react-beautiful-dnd provides a more opinionated approach with built-in styles and behaviors, making it easier to implement but less flexible for custom interactions. It is best for developers who prefer a straightforward implementation without deep customization needs.

  • react-sortable-hoc:

    react-sortable-hoc is designed for simplicity and ease of use, providing basic customization options for sorting lists. It is less flexible than others but is perfect for straightforward sortable lists.

Learning Curve

  • @dnd-kit/core:

    @dnd-kit/core has a moderate learning curve due to its modular nature and the need to understand its API for customization. However, once familiar, developers can create highly tailored drag-and-drop experiences.

  • react-dnd:

    react-dnd has a steeper learning curve due to its flexibility and the need to understand concepts like drag sources and drop targets. It is more suited for developers with experience in handling complex interactions.

  • react-beautiful-dnd:

    react-beautiful-dnd is relatively easy to learn, with a clear API and good documentation. Developers can quickly implement drag-and-drop functionality with minimal configuration, making it beginner-friendly.

  • react-sortable-hoc:

    react-sortable-hoc is easy to grasp for developers familiar with React. Its API is straightforward, allowing for quick implementation of sortable lists without much overhead.

Performance

  • @dnd-kit/core:

    @dnd-kit/core is designed with performance in mind, utilizing modern React features to minimize re-renders and optimize drag-and-drop interactions. This makes it suitable for applications with many draggable items.

  • react-dnd:

    react-dnd can handle complex interactions efficiently, but performance may vary based on implementation. Developers need to manage re-renders carefully to maintain optimal performance in larger applications.

  • react-beautiful-dnd:

    react-beautiful-dnd is optimized for performance, ensuring smooth animations and interactions even with large lists. It uses a virtualized approach to minimize DOM updates, enhancing user experience.

  • react-sortable-hoc:

    react-sortable-hoc is efficient for simple sortable lists, but performance may degrade with a large number of items due to its reliance on React's rendering behavior. It is best used for smaller lists.

Accessibility

  • @dnd-kit/core:

    @dnd-kit/core emphasizes accessibility, providing features that help developers create drag-and-drop interfaces that are usable with keyboard navigation and screen readers, making it suitable for inclusive applications.

  • react-dnd:

    react-dnd requires developers to implement accessibility features manually, which can be a drawback for those looking for an out-of-the-box solution. It is recommended for experienced developers who can ensure accessibility compliance.

  • react-beautiful-dnd:

    react-beautiful-dnd is built with accessibility in mind, ensuring that drag-and-drop interactions are keyboard navigable and screen reader friendly, which is crucial for modern web applications.

  • react-sortable-hoc:

    react-sortable-hoc does not focus heavily on accessibility, and developers may need to implement additional features to ensure that sortable lists are accessible to all users.

How to Choose: @dnd-kit/core vs react-dnd vs react-beautiful-dnd vs react-sortable-hoc
  • @dnd-kit/core:

    Choose @dnd-kit/core if you need a highly customizable and modular drag-and-drop solution that allows for fine-tuned control over the drag-and-drop experience. It is ideal for developers who want to build complex interactions and require flexibility in design.

  • react-dnd:

    Choose react-dnd if you require a more powerful and flexible solution that supports complex drag-and-drop interactions, including nested drag sources and drop targets. It is ideal for applications that need to handle various types of draggable items and complex layouts.

  • react-beautiful-dnd:

    Choose react-beautiful-dnd for its simplicity and out-of-the-box experience, especially for standard list reordering. It is well-suited for applications that need a straightforward implementation with a focus on accessibility and performance.

  • react-sortable-hoc:

    Choose react-sortable-hoc for its ease of use when implementing sortable lists. It is particularly useful for simple use cases where you need to reorder items in a list with minimal setup.

README for @dnd-kit/core

@dnd-kit/core

Stable release

@dnd-kit – a lightweight React library for building performant and accessible drag and drop experiences.

Installation

To get started, install the @dnd-kit/core package via npm or yarn:

npm install @dnd-kit/core

Usage

Visit docs.dndkit.com to learn how to get started with @dnd-kit.