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What is ReactJS?

ReactJS is an open-source JavaScript library for building highly interactive web applications developed and maintained by Meta.Footnote 1 Using React, individuals can manipulate the virtual document object model (DOM) of a web page, which is a structured representation of the existing elements or user interface (UI).

In computer programming, libraries are collections of pre-made functional components that developers can reuse and adapt, which can save them the time and effort of building them from scratch.

React is declarative and component-based.Footnote 2

Declarative: This kind of code describes the final desired state of the UI. The alternative is imperative, in which the code describes the step-by-step process to mutate the DOM.

Component-based: Encapsulated web components are independent, reusable chunks of code that return HTML. In ReactJS, components can maintain internal state data, which when updated will also update the rendered markup.

ReactJS libraries contain resources ranging from UI components such as textboxes and drop-down menus to special elements like animations, videos, and data visualizations. In addition to UI components, libraries can also contain resources that help developers manage other aspects of the web development process, such as debugging or testing.

ReactJS is commonly used for building web applications or software that’s accessed through a web browser, such as a website.Footnote 3

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ReactJS course curriculum 

ReactJS is not a coding language; it’s a library for developing web applications in JavaScript. To effectively use ReactJS, beginners must first know how to code with JavaScript and other front-end languages like HTML and CSS. JSX, a syntax extension to JavaScript, is not required for ReactJS, but is a useful feature and should be easier to learn once familiar with JavaScript.Footnote 4

Individuals interested in getting started with this powerful UI library will find that there are many free online resources available. Library documentation and short tutorials from Facebook provide an introductory and brief overview of ReactJS.

Another option for beginners is to learn ReactJS as part of an immersive web development course, such as a web developer boot camp, or as part of a computer science bachelor’s degree. In addition to building up your knowledge on the fundamentals of front-end languages, these courses cover other vital aspects of front-end development, such as server-side architecture, RESTful API design, and alternative frameworks like Angular and Bootstrap. 

Experienced developers seeking to level up their careers can pursue a master’s degree in fields like computer science, data science, cybersecurity, or IT.

Jobs that use ReactJS

Careers with ReactJS span across industries, from tech and e-commerce to retail and automotive. Whether you’re seeking to work in a startup or join a large corporation as a front-end developer, ReactJS could be a useful skill. 

As with most software development jobs, React developer positions are divided into junior, mid-level, and senior levels. In a team setting, junior and mid-level developers often take care of the actual coding, while senior developers are responsible for tasks such as project management, strategic planning, and stakeholder communications.

Learners aspiring to land a junior React developer role will need to demonstrate thorough knowledge of ReactJS, as well as any other front-end technologies the position requires. A bachelor’s degree or certificate from a coding boot camp may help you acquire the knowledge necessary for these roles, but many potential employers may also ask for a portfolio of projects showcasing your skills. Beginners can build their portfolios with class projects and apprenticeships or internships. Another way you can boost your portfolio is by adding personal coding projects or doing freelance work.

Become a React developer

Employment qualifications for a career as a front-end web developer will vary depending on the industry and job. Some employers may require front-end developers to have at least a bachelor’s degree in fields such as computer science, data science, or IT. However, there are other opportunities for developers who transitioned into the field through React courses such as coding boot camps and online tutorials. 

Qualifications for ReactJS developers will vary across industries, but often include:

  • Proficiency coding in JavaScript, HTML, and CSS

  • Experience working with client-side JavaScript frameworks such as ReactJS, React Native, Bootstrap, Angular, or Vue

  • Knowledge of server-side JavaScript frameworks such as NodeJS and ExpressJS 

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Frequently asked questions

ReactJS is a component-based JavaScript library for building interactive web applications. It features pre-made functional UI components that developers can integrate into their projects, saving them the effort of coding from scratch.

ReactJS has become one of the go-to technologies for front-end development across multiple industries. Because of this, adding ReactJS to your skill set could widen your career options and web-building possibilities.

ReactJS is a JavaScript library that can be used to build either web applications or mobile applications. React Native is a framework that optimizes ReactJS for mobile development. It allows developers to create apps that work across different operating systems by rendering JavaScript into native components.Footnote 5

Web development requires basic math skills, as well as the logical thinking that comes with this knowledge. Although front-end development does not involve a lot of math, you may have to work with variables or formulas in certain projects. The amount of math you’ll encounter as a ReactJS front-end developer will depend on your industry and the specific projects you work on.

ReactJS uses a specific type of syntax called JSX, which combines JavaScript and XML. While ReactJS does not require advanced coding skills, it’s important that you first become familiar with JavaScript, HTML, and CSS so you can effectively work with JSX.Footnote 6 If you have a good grasp of JavaScript and HTML, it may be easy for you to learn ReactJS.

ReactJS is not a framework; it’s a library for building user interfaces. People might confuse it with a framework because it’s used in combination with other libraries, some of which are actual frameworks, such as React Native.