Configuring Cosmos React
Cosmos React offers a new low-code paradigm for developing applications quickly by using out-of-the-box components built around the concept of configuration. This still-expanding framework creates products that require less customization and one-off development, but promote a slightly different approach compared to application creation.
Cosmos React is a prescribed design system that promotes out-of-the-box, low-maintenance solutions. Consequently, some classic Pega Platform components work differently in Cosmos React. The following table lists some of the changes to the design process:
| Component | Change in Cosmos React | Best practice |
| Controls and JSP | Low-code configuration solutions are a core tenet of Cosmos React. Consequently, traditional controls, such as buttons or links, are replaced by configurable components that include the automatic configuration of buttons and associated actions. | Use fields in views. The system pairs the field automatically with an
optimal out-of-the box control. For custom solutions, use DX components. |
| Editable data pages | The application removes editable data pages at the end of a requestor life cycle. | Use saveable data pages. |
| Live editing | Cosmos React applications do not include the Design button and do not support live editing. | Use App Studio to build and edit views. |
| Mashups | Cosmos React replaces iframe-based mashups with div-based web embeds. | Use web embedding. |
| Reports and report browser | Cosmos React do not support complex reporting features with sub-reports and joins. | Use the Explore Data landing page and Insights. |
| Sections and harnesses | Cosmos React supports template-based views that you design in App Studio. You cannot edit views in Dev Studio. | Use App Studio to build and edit views. |
| Styles, skins, and custom CSS | To maintain consistency, Cosmos React applications rely on the Cosmos design system for styling. | Use styling tools in App Studio. |
| Temporary pages | Cosmos React architecture is stateless, so it does not support temporary pages. | Use data pages for populating data. |
For more information, see the Pega Academy article Cosmos React and Constellation.
- UI version comparison
Pega Platform version 8.7 expands the scope of Cosmos React, a modernized UI.
- Choosing a UI version
Cosmos React reduces time to value and offers a new paradigm for application authoring that eliminates the need for deep Pega knowledge and front-end expertise. The goal of Cosmos React is to offer common patterns for case management applications out-of-the-box.
- Feature limitations in Cosmos React
By familiarizing yourself with the current capabilities and limitations of Cosmos React, you can choose the UI best suited to your business needs. In cases where Cosmos React would limit the design of your application, the best practice is to use Theme Cosmos.
- Data visualization features in Cosmos React
You can use data visualization and reporting features to help you conveniently explore and analyze application data, such as company sales, bugs, and team assignments. For example, in a sales application, you can visualize data about profits that your company generates in specific regions. You can then analyze the distribution of earnings across various categories of products.
- Tools for debugging Cosmos React
Identify issues in the Cosmos React UI more conveniently by using recommended tools and techniques. Debugging helps you adjust your application to make it issue-free and easier to maintain.
- Application UI setup
When building a new application, you can choose the view-based Cosmos React UI or the section-based, server-rendered Theme Cosmos UI that can also support view-based portal landing pages. You can check which UI your application is using to better understand the tools at your disposal.
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