Which React Training Format Is Right for Me?

React is one of the best ways to improve the performance of websites and apps, and it’s worth learning if you’re a programmer of any kind. Nearly half of all developers use React because it creates reusable templates that help to increase loading speed. When comparing the types of React training, you’ll want to consider your learning preferences and how each method will impact your overall experience. This guide will walk you through each training method, how they compare, and how to determine which form of React training is best for you. 

What is React?

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. 

What Can You Do with React?

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. 

Training Formats for React

The main training formats for React are in-person, live online, online video tutorials, and on-demand classes. Most people use a combination of these training methods throughout their React learning journey. Find out more about each in the sections below. 

In-Person React Training

Most people are familiar with in-person training because that has been the standard for decades. Naturally, it comes with some perks and drawbacks that you’ll want to consider before choosing it out of habit. The main perk is that you’ll be guaranteed to have a distraction-free environment and equipment readily available to you. However, some drawbacks include the cost of commuting to and from the in-person location and that you might not have an in-person location nearby. 

You can easily find in-person React classes in your area, primarily if you use Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me search engine, which they developed for that exact purpose. Some quality programming schools include PDX Code Guild, Epicodus, Ironhack, and Noble Desktop. If you can’t find a reasonably close in-person course, live online classes are another suitable option. 

Live Online React Training

Live online training has become increasingly popular in the last few years. It has the same expert instructors that teach in-person classes, but with the added benefit of learning on the go. No matter where you are in the world, you’ll be able to take your courses with you and pick them up from where you left off. 

The one drawback to live online learning is that you’ll need to set up your own workspace, but there are many workarounds to ensure your experience is effective. Some online learning tips and tricks can help you create your own DIY workspace without needing to break the bank. Even if you can’t work in your home for any reason, you can always work at a cafe or library or step outside into your backyard. As long as you’re able to focus, the possibilities are endless. 

Some training centers, such as Noble Desktop, have been leading live online classes for the last few decades. Find some live online React classes that work with your schedule and see which one best fits your needs. They’ll be able to help you through tech support and give you some insight into how to approach remote work alongside excellent career advice. 

Free Online Courses & Tutorials

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.

On-Demand Classes

As you look for a React training program, 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.

Comparison of React Training Formats

Most people are familiar with in-person learning methods, but live online also offers the same engaging and interactive lessons through the same experts. Both have excellent value, and you can choose your preferred learning method based on the option you believe would be best for you. In-person options have networking opportunities and computer labs with the most updated software. Meanwhile, live online training is more accessible and doesn’t require a commute. 

On-demand tutorials are a solid choice while testing the waters, but you shouldn’t use them for long-term learning since they tend to go over the basics. If the video is older, it also has the potential to be outdated since technology rapidly evolves. In most cases, it’s recommended that you use self-paced options to help you get an overview and then move on to in-person or live online courses once you’re ready to commit. 

Is it Possible to Teach Yourself React?

You can certainly start to learn the fundamentals of React through videos and online tutorials, but it shouldn’t serve as your entire knowledge base. Videos are helpful, but there’s an overabundance of them on the internet, and it’s hard to find ones teaching you proper approaches to learning. The other drawback is that you’ll likely get overwhelmed sifting through the videos. 

Beginners will have a hard time spotting which ones are useful or not unless a reputable organization sponsors those courses. You’re better off taking an interactive course that happens in real time. Most people enjoy the engaging nature of in-person and live online classes. If you’re planning to use React for professional purposes, learning from an instructor will be the best option since you can also ask for career insight that will help you in the long run.

How to Decide the Best Way to Learn React

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.

Learn React with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

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.