Quick Answer:
To build your first web component, focus on mastering the four core specs: Custom Elements, Shadow DOM, HTML Templates, and ES Modules. You can create a functional, reusable component in under an hour by starting with a simple class that extends HTMLElement and encapsulates its styles and markup in a Shadow Root. Forget frameworks at first; the native browser APIs are stable and powerful enough for most needs.
Look, if you’re reading this in 2026, you’ve probably heard that the development of web components is finally the “next big thing.” Again. I’ve been building for the web since the days of
| Aspect | Common Approach | Better Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Tooling | Start with a meta-framework (Lit, Stencil) and a complex build chain (Vite, Webpack). | Start with native APIs in a plain .js file. Add a helper library only when you feel the repetitive pain. |
| Scope | Attempt a “component library” as a first project, aiming to replace all existing UI. | Build one isolated, “leaf” component (a badge, a card) that solves an immediate, cross-framework need. |
| Styling | Use complex CSS-in-JS or pre-processors inside the shadow root, creating bloat. | Write plain, scoped CSS in the shadow root. Expose a minimal API of CSS custom properties for theming. |
| State | Import a state management library, treating the component like a mini-app. | Keep state simple and local. Use events (this.dispatchEvent) to communicate changes to the outside world. |
| Testing | Delay testing until the end, then struggle to instrument the Shadow DOM. | Test from day one with Web Test Runner or Playwright, which handle shadow roots natively. |
Where This Is All Heading in 2026
First, declarative shadow DOM is the game-changer you’re not hearing enough about. Being able to define a shadow root directly in your server-rendered HTML eliminates the “flash of unstyled content” and finally makes web components a first-class citizen for SSR and static sites. This alone will kill the last major criticism against them.
Second, expect the ecosystem to consolidate. The helper libraries like Lit have won. They provide just enough sugar without hiding the platform. In 2026, the choice won’t be “vanilla vs. a library,” but which well-established, lightweight library best fits your team’s patterns. The era of churn is over.
Finally, browser dev tools are catching up. Inspecting and debugging shadow trees is becoming seamless. This will lower the final barrier to adoption—developer experience. When debugging a web component feels as easy as debugging a <div>, resistance will melt away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are web components ready for production in 2026?
Absolutely. The core specifications are W3C standards and have been stable for years. Browser support is effectively 100%. The readiness question is now about your team’s understanding, not the technology’s stability.
Can I use web components with React or Vue?
Yes, but with a caveat. Frameworks treat them as regular HTML elements. You pass data via attributes and listen to events. The integration is straightforward for display, but complex two-way binding requires careful event handling. They excel as leaf components in a larger framework app.
What’s the biggest drawback of web components?
The lack of a built-in, reactive data-binding system like you find in frameworks. You have to manage attribute/property syncing and state changes manually, or adopt a helper library. This is by design—it’s a low-level primitive—but it’s the main source of complexity for newcomers.
How much do you charge compared to agencies?
I charge approximately 1/3 of what traditional agencies charge, with more personalized attention and faster execution. My model is built on cutting out the layers of account managers and junior devs, delivering senior-level strategy and code directly.
Should I rewrite my existing components as web components?
Almost never. The better strategy is “strangulation”: identify components that would benefit from cross-framework reuse or style encapsulation, and build new web components for those. Gradually replace the old ones as you touch related code. A full rewrite is a trap.
So where do you start? Open your editor. Create a file called hello-world.js. Write a class that says Hello, ${this.getAttribute(‘name’)}. Register it. Use it in an HTML page. That’s it. You’ve begun. The development of web components succeeds through accumulation of small, solid victories, not a single architectural revolution. Build something simple this week. Use it in a real project next month. That’s how you build lasting skill on the web platform.
