Introduction to Lightning Web Components (LWC)

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 What is LWC & Why It's Replacing Aura?

Salesforce development is evolving—rapidly. And one of the biggest shifts we've seen in recent years is the transition from Aura Components to Lightning Web Components (LWC).

But what exactly is LWC? Why did Salesforce introduce it? And why are developers (and Salesforce itself) moving away from Aura?

Let’s break it down,

What is Lightning Web Components (LWC)?

Lightning Web Components is a modern UI framework introduced by Salesforce in 2019, built using web standards like:

  • ES6+ JavaScript

  • HTML templates

  • Custom Elements

  • Shadow DOM

  • Modules


In simpler terms, LWC allows Salesforce developers to build lightweight, fast, reusable UI components using the latest front-end technologies.

 Why Did Salesforce Need LWC?

Aura was Salesforce’s first component framework for Lightning Experience. But it had limitations:

  1.  It used a proprietary component model
  2. It didn’t align with modern JavaScript standards
  3. It required more boilerplate code
  4. It wasn’t as performant as it could be

As web browsers evolved and JavaScript standards improved, Salesforce needed a new approach—something future-ready, standards-based, and faster.

Why LWC is Better than Aura

FeatureAuraLWC
Syntax.                        Custom & verbose                                 Modern JavaScript
Performance                   Heavier                                 Lightweight & faster
Learning Curve                   Steeper                                 Closer to standard web dev
Reusability                   Limited                                     High
Integration                   More boilerplate                                 Apex & Data integration
Testing                   More complex                                 Easier unit testing with Jest

Is LWC Replacing Aura?

Yes—but gradually.

Salesforce is still supporting Aura for backward compatibility, but all new development is recommended in LWC. In fact, many of Salesforce’s own internal components are now written in LWC.

Salesforce Best Practice:
“Use Lightning Web Components for all new UI development. Aura is only necessary when LWC lacks a required feature.”

Why Should You Learn LWC Today?

  • It’s the future of Salesforce UI development

  • You’ll write cleaner and more maintainable code

  • It opens doors to front-end engineering roles

  • You’ll stay aligned with industry-standard JavaScript practices

 



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