We are currently transitioning the code that powers some of our modules and pages to React. There will be no changes from your end, and you will continue to use Rank Math as usual.
However, we decided to create this knowledgebase article to give you a heads-up on what we are doing, why we are doing it, and how it will benefit you.
Why Are We Moving Our Modules to React?
Rank Math was built from the ground up to be light and fast. We achieved this by optimizing our code and incorporating modules that allow you to enable or disable the functionalities available in Rank Math, depending on your needs.
We are now migrating the code that powers our modules and pages to React.
These modules were originally written using Custom Meta Boxes 2 (CMB2), a PHP-based library. React is a JavaScript-based library and allows us to reuse code across multiple areas of Rank Math. This speeds up development and makes our code easier to maintain. It also means our ZIP files will be smaller and efficient.
How Does the Move from PHP to React Benefit You?
This transition makes our codebase even more lightweight, meaning Rank Math will consume fewer server resources and have less impact on your site’s performance.
Currently, the ZIP files for our Free and PRO versions total just 11.8 megabytes, which is already smaller than that of similar plugins, which is remarkable considering we offer more features than the competition.
As we complete the React migration, these files will shrink further, leading to faster response times, reduced hosting costs, and improved scalability for high-traffic sites, all while maintaining our powerful features.
React also brings noticeable improvements to your experience. It’s more dynamic and intuitive than CMB2 or PHP, making it easier to navigate, especially for non-technical users. It allows your settings to update in real-time without requiring you to reload the page. This is particularly helpful for dynamic and conditional fields that can be shown, hidden, or changed depending on your settings.
React will also enhance compatibility and minimize conflicts with the other themes and plugins on your site. CMB2, for its part, can cause conflict when you run different versions on your site. However, with React, you will see improved compatibility and fewer conflicts.
Lastly, the transition from CMB2 to React allows your site to better integrate with WordPress. WordPress is transitioning its admin panel to React. So, it makes sense to switch to React to ensure compatibility with WordPress once it fully transitions to React in the future.
What to Expect
The process of switching your Rank Math modules from PHP to React will be seamless. You probably wouldn’t even know it happened. So, you should not experience any issues and can continue using Rank Math as you normally would.
However, if you encounter any issues, you are always welcome to contact our dedicated support team. We’re available 24/7, 365 days a year.