Optimizing SVG Usage in React: Tips for Loading and Managing Files

Effective SVG Handling in Your Project: A Guide for React Developers

  1. Dynamic Import:
  1.  const dynamicImport = {
       "AccessTime": () => import('./assets/icons/access_time.svg?react'),
       "AccountBalanceWallet": () => import('./assets/icons/account_balance_wallet.svg?react'),
       "Add": () => import('./assets/icons/Add.svg?react'),
     }
     export { dynamicIconImports as default };
    

    In this approach, you're dynamically importing the SVG icons when they are needed. This can be beneficial if you have a large number of icons and you want to optimize initial load times. The icons will be loaded asynchronously when they are requested, which can help improve performance.

    However, one downside is that you'll need to handle the asynchronous nature of these imports in your code, which might add complexity.

  2. Static Import:

     import AccessTime from './assets/icons/access_time.svg?react';
     import AccountBalanceWallet from './assets/icons/account_balance_wallet.svg?react';
     import Add from './assets/icons/Add.svg?react';
    
     export {
       AccessTime,
       AccountBalanceWallet,
       Add,
     }
    

    In this approach, you're statically importing all the SVG icons upfront. This can simplify your code because you don't have to handle asynchronous imports, but it might lead to longer initial load times, especially if you have a large number of icons.

    However, once imported, the icons are readily available synchronously whenever needed.

Which one to choose?

  • If your application has a large number of icons and you're concerned about initial load times, consider using dynamic imports.

  • If simplicity is your priority and you don't have a large number of icons, static imports might be more straightforward.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific requirements and preferences. You could also consider a hybrid approach where you statically import frequently used icons and dynamically import less frequently used ones.