Learn React to enhance your website or app's performance and secure a place in thousands of companies using it worldwide. From comprehensive courses to career paths that require React expertise, this guide offers everything you need to step up your game in web and mobile development.
Want to speed up your website or app but aren’t sure how to do it effectively? React is the answer—it’s used by over 8,000 companies and nearly half of all developers. This guide will show you various resources if you want to learn how to use React. That includes various courses, programs, and bootcamps; the types of careers that use React the most; and free resources that you can access at any time.
React is a JavaScript library that allows new user interface (UI) components to appear on websites and apps without needing to reload the page. Jordan Walke, a Software Engineer at Meta, created it to make Facebook’s News Feed load faster. It was later added to Instagram and became open-source for the benefit of the public. Now it’s one of the go-to JavaScript libraries for most websites and apps.
Most people use React in web and mobile development because of its flexibility and versatility. A website or app would typically need to pull information from its server to generate new information or images. React enables websites and apps to skip that step by creating reusable components that can be added to the page as the user scrolls. That saves time and computer power for the website—and the user.
Read more about what React is and why you should learn it.
React is known for its uses with social media news feeds, such as Facebook and Instagram. That’s not the only use for it, though—you can use it for any online page constantly loading new components on-screen. React libraries are meant to save time by creating reusable interactive elements. They act as templates where the website or app can pull information instead of needing to access the server constantly.
This skill is helpful for websites and apps such as Netflix, Amazon, and Uber Eats that generate new information without reloading the page. If you have aspirations to build websites or apps or work for a company that relies on them, React is an essential skill. With React in your professional toolkit, you’ll be an asset to any web or mobile development team you join.
React is used by multiple fields, most notably JavaScript Developers, Mobile Developers, and Web Developers. Each has its own purpose for using React, but the main objective is to load more elements into the page without needing to refresh it completely. User Interface (UI) Designers with coding experience also benefit from learning React because React creates templates for user interface components.
Most people who work with websites or mobile apps will find themselves in an advantageous position for using React. It’s a skill that makes these platforms run more smoothly and optimize loading time, affecting how likely your users will revisit your site or app. The faster it’s able to load new elements, the more seamless the process becomes, and the quicker the user will be able to navigate the page. While the above roles use React regularly, anyone who has an interest in coding will want to look into learning React so they can adapt it to their field.
React dramatically increases the speed of websites and apps and is an essential JavaScript library for every programming professional. Most people find React easy to learn, especially if you have a background in JavaScript. React has tremendous potential in every programmer’s career. You can use it with user interface (UI) design, web development, and mobile development.
It’s widely supported by the online community, which you can find through the official React website. If you prefer talking to people directly, most people with experience with JavaScript have some React skills. It’ll be easy to find help when you need it.
Read more about why you should learn React.
When it comes to learning React, you’ll want to start by deciding which format you want to use for your education. Most people choose between in-person or live online; in-person React classes are the ones you’ve likely had throughout school, where you work in a distraction-free environment and the learning materials are set up for you. Live online React classes allow you to work anywhere in the world, but you’ll also work with your classes in real-time. The instructors that teach live online classes are the same ones that teach in-person classes and are all experts in their course’s subjects.
While you might want to start looking for a class, there’s a chance that you’re an incredibly busy person who has a hectic schedule. If that’s the case, try looking into some on-demand React classes in the meantime. These classes are meant to give you foundational knowledge in React and related subjects during your own time. That way, you can still progress even when you’re reprioritizing your schedule to make time for a React class with a live instructor.
You can try some free React video tutorials if you’re still building the funds before you commit to a class. The Intro to React video tutorial will walk you through the basics and give you enough information to see if you want to commit to an entire course. There’s also a web development and design playlist on YouTube that goes over other topics related to React, including user interface (UI) design, Node.js, and WordPress. When you’re ready to find a course, look through the Classes Near Me search engine to find all available in-person and live online React classes.
Read the full guide on how to learn React.
If you’re interested in React but aren’t quite ready to commit to a more comprehensive course, you might want to start with a quick lesson that gives you an overview of the skills you need to start. Most people benefit from taking a free tutorial that goes over the basics, like Noble Desktop’s free Intro to React seminar. This video tutorial teaches why most JavaScript programmers rely on React and use it for their websites and apps.
You can find these online tutorials through most training facilities, including Scrimba, Udemy, and Noble Desktop. Take some time to find the one that best resonates with you. After you’ve taken these tutorials, you can decide whether you want to enroll in a React class.
Read about more free React videos and online tutorials.
At the bare minimum, you will need to know JavaScript to understand React to its fullest extent. Learning about user interface (UI) design is also helpful since React creates templates for UI components. For those who want to specialize in websites or mobile apps, you can look into web development or mobile development.
Read more about the prerequisites for React.
React and JavaScript are free and open source, which means they’re open for modification and available to the public. The main costs associated with React are connected to web development and iOS app development since you’ll need to pay fees to host your website, keep its domain name, and upload apps onto a store.
Read more about the costs associated with React.
Most people find React more challenging if they don’t know JavaScript beforehand. That’s because JavaScript is the programming language used to make React libraries. Once you have those foundational skills, it’ll be easy to understand. You can also easily install React on your computer by following simple steps.
Read about how difficult it is to learn React.
React is related to JavaScript, user interface (UI) design, web development, and mobile development. JavaScript is the programming language used to create React libraries, and React creates templates for user interface elements to help them load without needing to refresh the page. Meanwhile, web and mobile development are important because React is commonly used for websites and mobile apps.
You’ll have an easy time learning React if you’re already well-versed in JavaScript, but it can be challenging if you don’t have little or no experience in JavaScript beforehand. That’s why it’s recommended to learn JavaScript first. Most JavaScript bootcamps and certificate programs also cover React because it’s one of the most popular libraries currently on the market. Once you feel comfortable with JavaScript, try out a React Development Bootcamp to take a deep dive into the subject.
You may want to start learning React immediately, but you aren’t sure which format would be best for you. Keep your current circumstances and experience level in mind as you explore the various training methods. For example, if you’ve only started to explore React recently, you may want to look through some video tutorials that give an overview of the topic. Online React tutorials are an excellent way to gauge your interest in the topic and learn the basics without spending money. They’re also useful for veteran programmers that need a quick refresher.
Professionals seeking to pivot into a new career or get a promotion at their current company will benefit from a bootcamp. Many employers hire bootcamp graduates because they have practical knowledge that they can apply to their field immediately. Taking a JavaScript or React bootcamp—or both—will help you immensely as you shift into your desired role. Every industry needs programmers, and bootcamp knowledge can be a gateway into a rewarding new professional journey.
Certificate programs are best for professionals who want to take their careers to the next level. These programs are a collection of courses and bootcamps that are placed together with the targeted goal of teaching you everything you need to know to become a specialist in your certificate track.
The courses and bootcamps within these programs are discounted because you’re taking them in a bundle, and you’ll get one-on-one career support to help you improve your resume or land that elusive role. Once you have enough certificates under your belt, you can also look into certification exams related to React. Both certificates and certifications are permanent reminders to employers that you are a valuable team member.
Noble Desktop has plenty of resources to help you through your React learning journey, including courses and bootcamps that will help you land that job you’ve been eager to apply for. Most of these programs feature many benefits, including expert instructors leading each course, small class sizes for individualized instruction, and free retake options if you want to review some of the topics discussed.
One of the first options worth checking out is the React Development Bootcamp, which will teach you everything you need to know about React for your career. JavaScript is the foundation of React, so it’s worth looking into the JavaScript Development Certificate to give you an overview of the programming language. If you plan to use React for websites, try the Full Stack Web Development Certificate instead.
These programs will give you a certificate upon completion, which you can display on your LinkedIn for everyone, including future employers. Noble’s certificate programs also come with the opportunity to retake the course for free, an ideal scenario for those wanting extra practice and support. If you’re not ready to commit to a bootcamp or certificate program, you can look through all of the React courses and choose the one that works best for you.
You can also learn more about React through Noble Desktop’s React Learn Hub guides.
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