# Building components
A component is a reusable piece of code that represents a single UI element. Components vary by complexity and type, existing at either the **application** level or the **Fuselage library** level:
- **Application components** remain specific to particular Rocket.Chat applications, without cross-application reusability.
- **Fuselage library components** are reusable across all Rocket.Chat applications and represent the recommended approach.
## Component rules matrix
| Combination | Fuselage level | Application level |
| ---------------- | -------------- | ----------------- |
| Simple & Visual | ✅ | ❌ |
| Complex & Visual | ✅ | ✅ |
| Simple & Logical | ❌ | ❌ |
| Complex & Logical| ❌ | ✅ |
## Simple components
Simple components represent atomic UI elements like buttons or text fields.
### Prefer variation over styles
Use prop names suggesting component variation rather than style-based props. Instead of `color="blue"`, use `variation="primary"` for improved readability and consistency.
### Avoid hardcoded values or magic numbers
Preferred:
```jsx
```
Not recommended:
```jsx
```
### Customize via CSS variables
Prioritize CSS variable customization over arbitrary values:
```scss
$modal-margin: theme('modal-margin', auto);
.rcx-modal {
position: static;
display: flex;
width: 100%;
max-height: 100%;
margin: $modal-margin;
}
```
### Document variations in Storybook
Display all possible variations with descriptive explanations for non-obvious options.
### Unit test all behaviors
Comprehensive unit tests ensure reliability across all intended scenarios:
```jsx
describe('[Menu Component]', () => {
it('should renders without crashing', () => {
render();
});
it('should open options when click', async () => {
const { getByTestId } = render();
const button = getByTestId('menu');
userEvent.click(button);
expect(await screen.findByText('Make Admin')).toBeInTheDocument();
});
it('should have no options when click twice', async () => {
const { getByTestId } = render();
const button = getByTestId('menu');
await userEvent.click(button);
await userEvent.click(button);
expect(screen.queryByText('Make Admin')).toBeNull();
});
it('should have no options when click on menu and then elsewhere', async () => {
const { getByTestId } = render();
const button = getByTestId('menu');
await userEvent.click(button);
await userEvent.click(document.body);
expect(screen.queryByText('Make Admin')).toBeNull();
});
});
```
### Avoid "Boxed" components
The `Box` component works as a wildcard primarily for simple or complex components during prototyping. For simple components specifically, construct using HTML tags instead.
## Complex components
Complex components combine multiple simple components for sophisticated UI elements like modals or tables.
### Visual only, no logic
Concentrate solely on the user interface design, ensuring it is poised to incorporate the required logic seamlessly.
```jsx
export const Default = () => (
Modal HeaderModal Body
);
```
### Split components for clarity
Structure components into understandable, logical segments.
### Develop with Storybook first
Start with Storybook to separate interface from logic:
```tsx
export const CallingDM: ComponentStory = () => (
Calling...JoinWaiting for answer
);
export const CallEndedDM: ComponentStory = () => (
Call endedCall BackCall was not answered
);
```
### Child components must remain scoped
❌ Incorrect:
```tsx
export const MyComponent: ComponentStory = () => (
);
```
✅ Correct:
```tsx
export const MyComponent: ComponentStory = () => (
);
```
### HTML elements, box, and box props should be encapsulated
Encapsulation ensures predictable behavior and streamlined debugging by accessing HTML elements and Box props solely through the Box component's API.
❌ Incorrect:
```tsx
export const VideoConfMessage = () => (
My Text
);
```
✅ Correct:
```tsx
export type VideoConfMessageProps = Omit, 'is'>;
const VideoConfMessage = (props: VideoConfMessageProps) => (
);
```
### Provide hooks as helpers
In the following example, the `useVideoConfControllers` hook is provided as a helper to manage the state of the popup's controllers:
```ts
export const useVideoConfControllers = (
initialPreferences: controllersConfigProps = { mic: true, cam: false },
): { controllersConfig: controllersConfigProps; handleToggleMic: () => void; handleToggleCam: () => void } => {
const [controllersConfig, setControllersConfig] = useState(initialPreferences);
const handleToggleMic = useCallback((): void => {
setControllersConfig((prevState) => ({ ...prevState, mic: !prevState.mic }));
}, []);
const handleToggleCam = useCallback((): void => {
setControllersConfig((prevState) => ({ ...prevState, cam: !prevState.cam }));
}, []);
return {
controllersConfig,
handleToggleMic,
handleToggleCam,
};
};
```
```tsx
const { controllersConfig } = useVideoConfControllers();
return (
);
```
## Understanding the component and defining the scope
New components typically emerge from requirements put forth by the Product Design Team. The frontend engineer holds the responsibility of assessing the genuine necessity of such components. Due to the substantial effort involved in creating a new component, it is prudent to collaborate with product managers and designers. It is advisable to explore the feasibility of employing Complex Components as an MVP to validate concepts and user flows. After successful validation, the progression to developing a new Fuselage level component can be considered.
**How do I know my component should be part of the Fuselage library?**
Consider the `VerticalBar` component as a clear example. It began as a Complex Component for a single application but has now advanced to the Fuselage level. This shift is driven by its usefulness in multiple applications, like Rocket.Chat and Cloud Portal. This case demonstrates how components can grow from specific solutions to versatile tools with broader applications.
## Logical components
### Use child components to compose a logical complex component
Leverage the integration of child components to construct a unified and logical complex component:
```tsx
const OutgoingPopup = ({ room, onClose, id }: OutgoingPopupProps): ReactElement => {
const t = useTranslation();
const videoConfPreferences = useVideoConfPreferences();
const { controllersConfig } = useVideoConfControllers();
return (
);
};
```
### Customization through variations
Provide users with the ability to customize a component's appearance or behavior by selecting from predefined variations or options. This approach enhances user experience and flexibility in adapting components to specific requirements.
```tsx
```
```tsx
const VideoConfController = ({ icon, active, secondary, disabled, small = true, ...props }: VideoConfControllerProps): ReactElement => {
const id = useUniqueId();
return (
);
};
```
### Avoid direct styles
Refrain from applying direct styles to components. By avoiding inline styling, the code maintains a cleaner structure and promotes better separation of concerns, enhancing maintainability and readability.
❌ Avoid:
```tsx
```
### Don't write CSS styles in JS files
This approach separates your component's logic from styling, promoting better code organization and maintainability while avoiding inline CSS-in-JS styling.
Define your custom styling in an external CSS file:
```css
/* styles.css */
.customClass {
border: 1px solid black;
padding: 1.5rem;
}
```
Then, apply the class to your component:
```tsx
import './styles.css';
return (
);
```
### Use the states of the component
By using component states to conditionally render different complex components, you maintain a clear and organized structure in your code, enhancing readability and maintainability.
```tsx
if (isReceiving) {
return ;
}
if (isCalling) {
return ;
}
return ;
```
Each state should render the proper Complex Component:
```tsx
const OutgoingPopup = ({ room, onClose, id }: OutgoingPopupProps): ReactElement => {
const t = useTranslation();
const videoConfPreferences = useVideoConfPreferences();
const { controllersConfig } = useVideoConfControllers();
return (
);
};
```
## Visual components
Visual components are responsible for the appearance of a UI element. They define the element's style, layout, and other visual properties.
Adhering to the guidelines in Fuselage's componentization offers the value of modular, reusable, and maintainable UI components. This approach enables efficient development, ensures consistent behavior, and supports the evolution of solutions from specific contexts to broader applications. By encapsulating logic, avoiding direct styles, and leveraging API-driven customization, developers can create a streamlined and user-centered experience.