Compound components create flexible, expressive APIs. Here's how to build them effectively.
Basic Compound Pattern
Context for State Sharing
Flexible Accordion
Slot Pattern
Render Props Variant
Best Practices
Design:
✓ Use context for state sharing
✓ Provide clear error messages
✓ Support controlled and uncontrolled
✓ Keep components focused
API:
✓ Attach sub-components to parent
✓ Use descriptive component names
✓ Allow customization via props
✓ Document expected children
Accessibility:
✓ Use proper ARIA attributes
✓ Support keyboard navigation
✓ Manage focus appropriately
✓ Test with screen readers
Conclusion
Compound components create intuitive, flexible APIs. Use context for shared state, attach sub-components for discoverability, and provide both controlled and uncontrolled modes. This pattern scales well for complex UI components like tabs, accordions, and menus.