React vs Solid for Solo Developers

React and SolidJS share a surprising amount of DNA. Both use JSX, both use a component-based architecture, and both were designed for building reactive user interfaces. The key difference is under the hood: React uses a virtual DOM and re-renders entire component trees, while Solid uses fine-grained reactivity and updates only the exact DOM nodes that change. For solo developers weighing these two options, the decision comes down to ecosystem maturity versus raw performance and simplicity.

React Overview

React is the industry standard for frontend development. Maintained by Meta and backed by a community of millions, it powers everything from small side projects to massive production applications. React's component model, hooks system, and JSX syntax have shaped modern frontend development.

For solo developers, React offers unmatched resources. Every problem you encounter has likely been solved and documented. Libraries for routing, state management, forms, animations, and data fetching are abundant and well-maintained. If you get stuck, help is a search away.

The complexity comes from React's re-rendering model. Understanding when and why components re-render, managing memoization with useMemo and useCallback, and debugging unnecessary renders can consume significant development time, especially as your app grows.

Solid Overview

SolidJS was created by Ryan Carniato as a reimagination of what React could be with fine-grained reactivity. The API looks almost identical to React. You write JSX, you create signals (similar to useState), and you compose components. The difference is that Solid components run once and never re-execute. Only the specific reactive expressions that depend on changed data will update.

For solo developers, this means you never worry about unnecessary re-renders, stale closures, or memoization. The mental model is simpler: create a signal, use it in JSX, and the DOM updates automatically when the signal changes. No dependency arrays, no useEffect pitfalls.

The trade-off is ecosystem size. Solid has a fraction of the libraries, tutorials, and community resources that React offers. While the community is passionate and growing, you will find yourself building things from scratch that would be a quick npm install in React.

Comparison Table

When to Pick React

React is the right call when you need access to a broad ecosystem of third-party tools. If your project depends on component libraries like Radix, Shadcn, or Material UI, or if you need specialized integrations like Stripe Elements, React has the most mature options.

React also makes sense if you are building something you might eventually hand off or hire for. The talent pool for React is enormous. Finding a freelancer or co-developer who knows React is straightforward. Finding one who knows Solid is much harder.

If you already have React experience, the productivity gains from using a tool you know well are real. The familiarity advantage should not be underestimated, especially when you are building under time pressure as a solo developer.

When to Pick Solid

SolidJS is the right choice when performance matters and you want a simpler mental model. If you have ever spent hours debugging React re-renders, tracking down stale closure bugs in useEffect, or deciding between useMemo and useCallback, Solid eliminates those entire categories of problems.

Solid is also excellent for solo developers building performance-critical tools, dashboards, or interactive applications. Its fine-grained reactivity means your app stays fast as it grows, without you needing to manually optimize rendering.

If you already know React, picking up Solid is remarkably fast. The JSX is nearly identical, and signals map directly to the useState mental model. The main adjustment is unlearning React-specific patterns like dependency arrays and memoization, which Solid simply does not need.

Verdict

For most solo developers, React is still the safer and more practical choice. The ecosystem advantage is significant, and the sheer volume of existing solutions, documentation, and community support makes it hard to beat for general-purpose projects.

For solo developers who prioritize performance, simplicity, and a cleaner reactive model, SolidJS is genuinely compelling. It delivers the same JSX developer experience with none of the re-rendering headaches. If your project does not depend heavily on third-party React libraries, Solid can be a faster and more enjoyable way to build.

Think of it this way: React is the Toyota Camry of frontend frameworks, reliable, everywhere, and practical. Solid is the lightweight sports car, faster and more fun, but with fewer cupholders.