Best Tutorials to Learn React JS in 2023

Working on React JS can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with it. It comes with jumbled syntax and can feel like you’re working with Javascript and HTML in a single file. As you might already know, this combination does not create a stress-free work environment.

You can learn how to use and work with React by enrolling in online courses. This will help you build a basic understanding of the program. These courses are usually outlined to help learners like you to learn per phase or stage. However, if you already have prior knowledge of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, you can go straight to React tutorials. 

If you want to take the tutorial route, we’ve rounded up the best tutorials to learn React JS in this article. We’ll also fill you in on some reasons why you need it and how you can hone your skills, whether you’re a beginner or an expert.

What Is React JS?

Though unfamiliar to some, React JS is the most known and used front end JavaScript library in web development. As such, it’s been used by newly-minted startups and well-established companies like the New York Times, Instagram, Airbnb, and Netflix. The library brings a few notable advantages to the table. Below are some of the notable characteristics of React JS.

• Virtual DOM: This characteristic makes working with ReactJS flexible and fast. Virtual DOM’s memory reconciliation algorithm allows React JS to replicate an entire web page on its virtual memory. This makes the entire app development process cost-effective and quick. 
• JavaScript XML: JSX is a markup syntax quite similar to HTML. It’s often utilized to describe UI applications’ appearance. It’s one of React JS’s best features. It also makes the syntax for creating HTML-identical React components that are injected into web pages. 
• Declarative UI: This feature allows React JS to render and update the appropriate components when modifying data. It does this by generating a simple view of every application. With this feature, the codes are easier to debug and become more readable. 

Why Use React JS?

Simplicity

One of the best reasons to use React JS in your web-building projects and web development tasks is the fact that it’s easy to understand. You won’t have a hard time grasping it right away. React JS offers a well-defined lifecycle and component-based approach. It also uses plain JavaScript, making it simple to learn. 

Easy to Master  

If you have prior knowledge of programming and its essential concepts, React JS will not only be easy to use and master, it will also make the entire project fun to work on. This is one of what developers call ‘domain-specific languages’ which means that it’s not hard to learn. You only need basic HTML and CSS knowledge. 

Native Approach

You can use React JS if you want to create a React Native mobile application with a dynamic user interface. React is a reusable app that can support extensive codes. As such, it can be used to create web, Android, and IOS applications. 

Data Binding

React JS utilizes Flux to control the flow of the data it uses. Flux is a one-way data-binding application architecture that controls the data flow through a single control point called the dispatcher. With this feature, debugging self-contained React JS app components gets easier. 

Performance

React doesn’t come with a built-in dependency container. You can use ECMAScript 6, Require JS, or Browserify modules. These modules allow you to use React JS and Babel to inject dependencies automatically. 

How Long Does It Take to Learn React JS

If your goal is to have a strong understanding and be proficient in a wide range of React JS concepts, it will take you one to six months. Note that the exact timeline for you to master React is based on your knowledge and experience with software development. Another factor that will determine your learning pace is the amount of time you’re willing to spend on learning it. 

Naturally, if you spend 10 hours or more in a week learning React JS, you will also get to master it faster than those who only spend an hour or two. If you allocate at least two hours per day to learning and mastering it, you might be able to master it fully in a couple of months. 

How to Learn React JS

React JS should be in every front end developer’s ultimate library. As you learn the fundamentals of React and master React JS, you get better at development. This is a lucrative skill to have in the current job market. 

HTML and CSS

If you’re a front end developer, you shouldn’t be a stranger to CSS and HTML. React developers should be capable of working with and writing semantic HTML tags. Aside from that, they should be able to write, work with, and implement CSS selectors and a CSS reset.

JSX

When you work with React, you might not touch or use HTML properly. Instead, you’ll be working with a syntax extension that’s considered one of the most astounding parts of the whole React ecosystem – JSX. The good news about JSX is that if you know CSS and HTML, you’ll have a much easier time learning JSX.

JavaScript Fundamentals and ES6

You can’t master and get a full grasp of React unless you have a firm understanding of the JavaScript language and its fundamental concepts. Aside from that, you also need to master ES6 skills like scoping and variables, arrays and objects, array methods, arrow functions, event handlers, DOM manipulation, callback and higher-order functions, object creation, and prototypal inheritance.

Git

This is another developer essential to master and store projects on GitLab, Bitbucket, and GitHub. You need to know how to merge issues and conflicts, merge and branch strategies, and track changes using push, pull, commit, and add features. 

Node and npm

Understanding Node is important if you’re an aspiring React developer. You may be able to pull React into different HTML files, but there are other packages that could help you extend the entire React library. If you’re a React developer, you need to understand the entire npm registry. 

React JS Tutorials for Beginners

Guru 99

This tutorial is a step-by-step guide to learning React JS. It is designed for beginners with little to no background in React JS, starting with the basics before moving on to more advanced features. 

Ibaslogic

The entire tutorial only takes about 22 minutes to read and it’s what every beginner needs. It starts with an introduction to React JS and then provides tips on how to work with data, write to-do apps, and convert class-based components. There are photo samples to help you code on your own. 

React 

The tutorial is best for people who don’t have prior knowledge of React. As the page indicates, this is not for people who want to learn React from the ground up. For that, they refer users to their step-by-step guide. You’ll start the tutorial by learning the React fundamentals – its props, states, and components.  

W3Schools

This tutorial allows you to learn React JS by example. The page has a “show React” tool that illustrates how to use and master React. There are exercises and quizzes to ensure that you’re learning at the right pace. At the end of the tutorial, the platform offers a certification program that helps you gain in-depth knowledge of React JS. 

FreedCodeCamp

This platform offers a free handbook to serve as a starter guide for those who want to learn React JS. At the end of the handbook, the learner will be able to identify what React is and understand its popularity. Apart from that, the learner can also learn how to use different React props and components, handle React user events, and learn the React event cycle.

Advanced React JS Tutorials

JavaTPoint

This tutorial is both for beginners and professionals. However, the level of difficulty of each program segment suggests that it’s more ideal for professionals. Here, you can learn a plethora of topics like component life cycle, React events, conditional rendering, React redux, higher-order components, and more. 

React Resources

In this platform, you’ll find various links to different advanced topics in React JS. For example, they have articles and tutorials for React Fiber Internals, React’s Advanced Patterns, developing React through HOC pattern, and how React differentiates between a class and function. If you want to learn a specific topic, you can just click it and it will lead you to the tutorial page. 

CodeCademy 

This platform offers video lessons to help you with different aspects of React JS. One of the lessons they offer is Advanced React Techniques, which teaches you a plethora of techniques a Reactor programmer is expected to know. You will be asked to use styles, write a form, and make a PropType.

Udemy

In this Redux React tutorial, you are expected to build an API equipped with Passport, Mongo, and Express authentication. You will also learn more about the differences between token-based and cookie-based authentication. Aside from that, you will be learning about higher-order components and how to use them with less code. 

Egghead.io

This is one of the best tutorials for expert React developers. Through this tutorial, you can make React components that are enjoyable, flexible, and simple. From the simple <Toggle /> components, you’ll be progressing to pattern refactoring. Through the tutorial, you’ll learn the benefits of every pattern. You’ll also learn to mix and match them with other useful components. 

Other Places to Learn React JS

Aside from tutorials, coding bootcamps, online courses, and books are popular ways to learn React JS. Below these learning options are discussed in detail. 

Coding Bootcamps

The good thing about coding bootcamps is that they offer intensive training programs that only run for a couple of weeks or months. Unlike online courses and tutorials, bootcamp programs are usually under the guidance of a trainer or instructor. You can expect to learn all the essential skills to help you jumpstart your tech career. 

Online Courses 

This refers to online React courses, where you learn React applications, from online learning platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and edX. There are many different course options, including part-time, full-time, flexibly scheduled, fixed schedule, as well as varying lengths of time. Each platform offers syllabi and course outlines, so check them first before you decide to enroll.

Books

Books and other reading material on React are also good ways of learning about the topic. These books will give you more insights on development practices, full stack web development, mobile app development, libraries for building users, popular libraries, programming concepts, and other advanced concepts and real-world projects using React JS. 

React JS Resources

Aside from the online tutorials, popular websites, developer communities, bootcamps, online courses, and books, you can also turn to the resources below as you learn React. 

• Video Series: You can check out Treehouse for videos and courses on web development and React JS. They also offer a seven-day trial program for you to get a feel of the program before enrolling. These video tutorials will help you navigate this interesting programming language. 
• Job boards: Many people want to learn React because it can lead to lucrative job offers. Check RemoteOK.io for a comprehensive list of the top React JS jobs on the market. 
• Interview resources: TechLead, the lead senior tech developer of Google and Facebook, created a series of coding interview problems from big tech companies. You can go over these and use them to practice. The first three episodes are free. 
• UI Kits: You can also try sample templates and UI kits if you want to work on a React project fast. They can give you a good headstart in learning how to use React. However, you might have to pay $99 to $149 for the code generator. 
• Libraries: Create React App is a library that can help you create React JS applications without building configurations. With constant practice, you can have a solid foundation and tech skills relevant to React.

Why React JS?

React JS is the most known and used front end JavaScript library in web development. Being common, it’s been used by newly-minted startups and well-established companies like the New York Times, Instagram, Airbnb, and Netflix. They bring a few notable advantages to the table. By learning Advanced React Patterns, you hone your skills as a developer and get better at using external libraries.  

It will also help you build a strong foundation in web development and other programming languages. As you learn advanced techniques on React Routing, you will develop React Router skills. You can be more at ease in working with complex applications and building web applications. 

Best Tutorials to Learn React JS FAQ