Configuring Storybook

What is Storybook?

Storybook is an open-source tool for developing UI components in isolation for React, Vue, Angular, and many other frameworks. It allows developers to create, test, and document components without needing to run the entire app.

Installation

Step 1: Install Storybook

You can install Storybook using npm or yarn. Navigate to your project directory in the terminal and run:

npx sb init

This command sets up Storybook in your existing project.

Configuration

After installation, Storybook creates a directory named `.storybook`. This directory contains configuration files that control how Storybook operates.

Key Configuration Files

main.js: This file is the central configuration for Storybook. It defines how Storybook works and which files to load.
preview.js: This file is used to add global configuration and decorators.
manager.js: This file customizes the Storybook UI.

Example of main.js Configuration

module.exports = {
    stories: ['../src/**/*.stories.@(js|jsx|ts|tsx)'],
    addons: ['@storybook/addon-links', '@storybook/addon-essentials'],
};

This configuration tells Storybook to load stories from any JavaScript or TypeScript file within the `src` directory.

Customizing Storybook

You can customize Storybook's appearance and behavior through addons and themes.

Installing Addons

Addons enhance Storybook's capabilities. To install an addon, use:

npm install @storybook/addon-

Replace with the specific addon you want to use.

Best Practices

Keep stories organized in a structured way, ideally mirroring your component structure.
Utilize the addon panel to enhance your stories with documentation and interactions.
Regularly update your Storybook and addons to benefit from new features and bug fixes.

FAQ

What frameworks does Storybook support?

Storybook supports React, Vue, Angular, Svelte, and more. Check the official documentation for a complete list.

Can I use Storybook with TypeScript?

Yes, Storybook has excellent TypeScript support. You can configure it to work seamlessly with your TypeScript projects.

Is Storybook free?

Yes, Storybook is an open-source project and is free to use under the MIT license.