Why Learn React?

React is known for its speed and efficiency in creating reusable interface elements on websites, but have you ever explored everything it can do? React has uses in web and mobile development, and the online community widely supports it. Most importantly, it’s easy to learn once you have all of React’s prerequisites under your belt. 

This guide will show you the professional uses of React and how it can enhance your career. Regardless of your goals, learning React is a valuable and impressive skill to add to your resume.

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. 

Common Professional Uses for React

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 is Easy to Learn

Some people might wonder if React is difficult to learn because of how involved it looks on the surface. Rest assured, it’s straightforward once you have the foundational knowledge. 

You need to know JavaScript to understand React fully. This skill helps because programmers use JavaScript to program React’s libraries. If you don’t already have JavaScript experience, it helps to look into a JavaScript class or two. JavaScript bootcamps are a great place to look because they often go over the basics of React, and you’ll receive a certificate that can help you with career advancement.

React might seem difficult without JavaScript knowledge under your belt. Once you have it, learning React will be a breeze. 

React is Widely Supported

You might fear being left alone once you finish your React courses, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. React is one of the most widely supported JavaScript programs, and it’s used by over 8,000 companies and over 42% of developers that work with JavaScript. That means most people will have JavaScript knowledge and can answer your questions as they arise. 

You’ll find loads of online React support readily available through the official React.js website. If you prefer talking to someone directly, ask your programming mentors for help. React is straightforward once you have the basics down, and mentors from your class, workplace, or online community can explain it to you in a way you can understand.

React is Excellent for Mobile Development

Many new React programmers start with front end web development, but it also has excellent uses for mobile development. Over 50% of internet access is through mobile devices, and since people tend to scroll through their phones quickly, mobile websites need to load new elements at the same pace to keep up.

A website’s speed is often equated to its effectiveness. If the website doesn’t load when expected, it will reflect poorly on its overall quality. Since many mobile users also access the internet when not accessing Wi-Fi, they’ll quickly get frustrated if the website moves at a snail’s pace; their frustrations can escalate once they return to Wi-Fi range if the site still fails to load. 

React is the secret ingredient that prevents these frustrations. Since it uses templates to create new interface elements, it doesn’t need to frequently pull data from the website’s servers. 

Many Mobile Developers also work with app development, which follows similar principles. They rely on React more than websites since many apps need to load quickly to keep their audience’s attention. That goes double for mobile apps that only use a single page. An entire field of study—iOS development—focuses specifically on creating mobile apps for iOS devices. React knowledge will be essential to building an effective app if that interests you. You can also explore relevant programming avenues after you’ve finished studying React. 

How to Start Learning 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.

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. 

Key Insights

• React is one of the most widely supported JavaScript libraries, with over 8,000 companies using it for their business.
• It’s easy to learn and can enhance any skill you learn after React.
• React is an essential skill for mobile developers, especially those who want to work in app development. 
• You can start learning this skill through a comprehensive in-person or live online React course with Noble Desktop.