React is an open-source JavaScript library that is used for building user interfaces or components of it. It is a declarative, efficient, and flexible JavaScript library and is used in the development of single-page or mobile applications. Its simplicity makes it painless to create UIs. React JS is one of the most sought-after web frameworks today. Although maintained by Facebook for building UIs for SPAs, as many as 340000+ live websites use React all over the world. 

There are quite a lot of job roles a developer can get once trained in React, such as React.js Developer, JavaScript Developer, Front-end Developer, Senior Frontend Developer, Full Stack developer, ReactJs Architect, and ReactJs Lead to name a few. All the big companies like Netflix, Airbnb, and LinkedIn hire React developers thanks to the myriad of benefits the framework offers. It’s quick, SEO-friendly, creates UI test cases with ease, easy to debug, and its components can be readily reused. 

Getting Started 

The multitude of benefits it provides has both companies as well as professionals drawn towards React JS. Companies need more and more professionals who can run the system and professionals want job roles that put their capabilities to the best use. If you are a developer aspiring to learn React professionally, there are a few prerequisites you must check if you fulfill. 

Prior Knowledge/Training Required: If you are learning React, you already know JavaScript. So that's a given. You must have an intermediate working knowledge of JavaScript (ES6+ features) as well as know the basics of HTML and CSS.  

Software Requirements: You must know how to use Node.js v13.x.x or any software above, have working knowledge of an IDE or a code editor like Microsoft VSCode, Sublime Text, or any similar editor, and a web browser like Google Chrome or Firefox. If you have some understanding of npm, even better. 

System Requirements: You should know to work on any workstation or laptop with at least 8 GB of RAM. That’s about it. 

These may seem easy enough requirements to fulfill but we recommend that you double-check these before you start learning React. Any training material will work on the assumption that you are well versed in the aforementioned software and systems and if you’re not, you might miss out on key details in your learning process. 

Do It Yourself 

Once you have the prerequisites sorted, there are two ways to go about learning React JS. You can either learn on your own or enroll in a course. Let us first have a look at what self-study is all about. Start by learning the fundamentals through tutorials online. There is the ‘React official documentation’ by React itself, ‘Beginners guide to React’ by Kent C. Dodds, ‘Fundamentals of React’ by Samer Buna, and many more available that delve as deep as you would want to go. 

Other than tutorials, there are quite a few books that can help you learn. We recommend Learning React: A Hands-On Guide to Building Web Applications Using React and Redux; Learning React: Functional Web Development with React and Redux; React.js Essentials; Learn React Hooks: Build and Refactor Modern React.js Applications Using Hooks; and Fullstack React: The Complete Guide to ReactJS and Friends. 

These books will help you gain a comprehensive knowledge of the framework along with its real-life applications. Learning React is easy for beginners thanks to its simplicity so the books should cover the learning scope you wish to achieve with studying yourself. However, this method is not recommended if you want to learn React for professional purposes. 

Course Training 

If you want to learn React JS to advance your career, React JS training with an online or offline course is strongly recommended. An instructor-led training walks you through the concepts with examples and stimulated processes. These help you learn the fundamentals along with practical application. What is more, is that you get exercises and assignments to test your knowledge periodically. Mock tests are especially important in identifying weak spots and working on them. 

A feature that distinguishes online training from offline is the facility to revisit the instructor videos as when the need arises as you get lifetime access. This feature is promptly absent in offline classes. Both, however, focus on the creation of projects as the prominent way to learn and put your learning to application. After all, as a professional React developer, your prime job is going to be to create practical web applications and UIs. 

Projects 

As stated above, projects are the number one way to learn and test your learning at the same time. You need to do as many projects as you can. Now, you can do these while pursuing the training, on your own or along with a full-time job is up to you. How much time you devote to it is also up to you. But it is important to explore different topics each time. 

Most developers start by a simple to-do app, then level up to a calculator app and a shopping cart. You can go even further with a CRUD application or a Hacker news clone. Building projects have a three-way effect. First, it helps you learn more by applying theoretical knowledge. It helps you push your boundaries. Second, it builds your resume credentials. Any employer will be happy to hire a professional with a great number of completed projects to his name. 

Lastly, it helps you engage in your community. Books and tutorials can only get you so far. What helps you stay relevant in your field is how you engage with your community. Anytime you get stuck in your projects, you can shoot a question at the React forums or on Reddit and receive useful responses. Not only does this keep you up-to-date with the latest happenings, but it also helps you attract the right kinds of offers. People who are active in the community and are eager to learn more are the number one candidates of choice for employers.