Getting Started with React Flow: A Complete Guide

In this guide, you'll learn all essential concepts about React Flow. You're new to the topic? This React Flow tutorial will get you started!

What is React Flow?

React Flow is an open-source library for building node-based graphs and diagrams. It's built on top of React and provides a powerful, flexible way to create interactive flowcharts, node editors, and graph visualizations.

Setting up React Flow

Installation

To get started with React Flow, you'll need to install the package:

npm install @xyflow/react
# or
bun add @xyflow/react

Basic Setup

Here's a simple example to get you started:

import React, { useCallback } from 'react';
import ReactFlow, {
  Node,
  Edge,
  addEdge,
  Background,
  Controls,
  MiniMap,
} from '@xyflow/react';
import '@xyflow/react/dist/style.css';

const initialNodes: Node[] = [
  { id: '1', position: { x: 0, y: 0 }, data: { label: 'Node 1' } },
  { id: '2', position: { x: 100, y: 100 }, data: { label: 'Node 2' } },
];

const initialEdges: Edge[] = [
  { id: 'e1-2', source: '1', target: '2' },
];

function Flow() {
  const [nodes, setNodes, onNodesChange] = useNodesState(initialNodes);
  const [edges, setEdges, onEdgesChange] = useEdgesState(initialEdges);

  const onConnect = useCallback(
    (params) => setEdges((eds) => addEdge(params, eds)),
    [setEdges]
  );

  return (
    <div style={{ width: '100vw', height: '100vh' }}>
      <ReactFlow
        nodes={nodes}
        edges={edges}
        onNodesChange={onNodesChange}
        onEdgesChange={onEdgesChange}
        onConnect={onConnect}
      >
        <Background />
        <Controls />
        <MiniMap />
      </ReactFlow>
    </div>
  );
}

Core Concepts of React Flow

Nodes

Nodes are the building blocks of your flow. Each node can have:

• Position: X and Y coordinates
• Data: Custom data object
• Type: Different node types (default, input, output, custom)

Edges

Edges connect nodes together. They can be:

• Straight: Simple line connections
• Bezier: Curved connections
• Step: Step-based connections
• Smooth Step: Smooth step connections

Handles

Handles are connection points on nodes. You can have:

• Source handles: Where connections start
• Target handles: Where connections end
• Multiple handles: Multiple connection points per node

Customizable React Flow - Built-in Options

React Flow provides extensive customization options:

Node Customization

const customNode = {
  id: 'custom-1',
  type: 'custom',
  position: { x: 250, y: 100 },
  data: {
    label: 'Custom Node',
    color: '#ff0071',
  },
};

Edge Customization

const customEdge = {
  id: 'e1-2',
  source: '1',
  target: '2',
  type: 'smoothstep',
  animated: true,
  style: { stroke: '#ff0071', strokeWidth: 2 },
};

React Flow State Management

React Flow uses React state management. You can:

• Track node positions
• Manage edge connections
• Handle user interactions
• Implement undo/redo functionality

Performance Optimization in React Flow

For large diagrams, consider:

• Using virtual rendering
• Implementing node filtering
• Optimizing re-renders
• Using React.memo for custom nodes

Real-time Collaboration in React Flow

You can implement real-time collaboration using:

• WebSockets
• Server-sent events
• Shared state management
• Conflict resolution strategies

Use Cases and Applications

React Flow is perfect for:

• Workflow builders
• Automation tools
• Diagram editors
• Node-based UIs
• Process visualization

Wrap Up: Why Use React Flow?

React Flow offers:

• ✅ Easy to use and learn
• ✅ Highly customizable
• ✅ Great performance
• ✅ Active community
• ✅ TypeScript support
• ✅ Extensive documentation

Start building amazing flow diagrams with React Flow today!