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How is the new JSX transform different from old transform??

Peer-reviewed by HireXTech Technical Panel Updated for 2025/2026 hiring Editorial standards
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Interviewer Expectations for this Question
01
Core Competency

Assesses fundamental understanding of React conventions, runtime behavior, and memory/performance considerations.

02
Evaluation Criteria

Hiring managers look for precision, avoidance of ambiguous jargon, and ability to explain trade-offs under real production conditions.

Comprehensive Model Answer Verified Solution

The new JSX transform doesn’t require React to be in scope. i.e, You don't need to import React package for simple scenarios.

Let's take an example to look at the main differences between the old and the new transform,

Old Transform:

     import React from "react";

     function App() {
       return <h1>Good morning!!</h1>;
     }
     

Now JSX transform convert the above code into regular JavaScript as below,

     import React from "react";

     function App() {
       return React.createElement("h1", null, "Good morning!!");
     }
     

New Transform:

The new JSX transform doesn't require any React imports

     function App() {
       return <h1>Good morning!!</h1>;
     }
     

Under the hood JSX transform compiles to below code

     import { jsx as _jsx } from "react/jsx-runtime";

     function App() {
       return _jsx("h1", { children: "Good morning!!" });
     }
     

Note: You still need to import React to use Hooks.

Candidate Response Strategy & Interview Tips

  1. Start with a concise one-sentence summary: Deliver a direct, confident answer first before expanding into nuances.
  2. Demonstrate real-world trade-offs: Discuss where this approach excels and when you would avoid it in production systems.
  3. Discuss complexity & edge cases: Proactively explain time/space complexity or boundary conditions (null values, scale limits).
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