Introduction to React Js, Installation & Plugin Setup: Do you want to learn the ins and outs of React Js? From installation to Build a complete project we will cover everything in this comprehensive guide. Lets get started on your journey to mastering this powerful JavaScript library.

Introduction to React Js, Installation & Plugin Setup

You do not need any skills for this tutorial as we are starting from beginning. Just follow the article A to Z and I can assure you that after finishing this article you will be ready for learning React Js.

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced world of web development, staying ahead of the curve is essential. That’s where React Js comes into play. This article will take you on a journey from the very basics of React Js to the nitty-gritty details of installation and plugin setup. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to leverage React Js effectively.

Getting to Know React Js

React Js, often referred to as React, is a JavaScript library developed by Facebook. It is designed to build user interfaces with a focus on simplicity and reusability of components. Let’s delve into the world of React and understand its core concepts.

The Fundamentals

At its core, React revolves around the concept of components. Components are reusable, self-contained building blocks that make up your user interface. These components are the heart and soul of React development.

Virtual DOM

React utilizes a Virtual DOM (Document Object Model) to efficiently update the user interface. Instead of manipulating the entire DOM, React updates only the parts that have changed, leading to a significant performance boost.

JSX: JavaScript Syntax Extension

React introduces JSX, a syntax extension for JavaScript. It allows you to write HTML-like Code within your JavaScript files, making your code more readable and concise.

Installation

Now that you have a basic understanding of React, let’s move on to the installation process. Setting up React is a crucial step to start building your applications.

Prerequisites

Before installing React, ensure that you have Node.js and npm (Node Package Manager) installed on your system. You can download them from the official website.

Download and Install Node.Js and NPM

For downloading Node.js and NPM you need to search Node.Js installer. Or just simply click on this link below and you will redirect to the Downloading page of Node.js

After you redirect to the page, Just simply download the recommended version for your device. After downloading the installer, Simply run the installer and install the environment. Its not a rocket science so if you can run a computer you will definitely be able to install this. Also if you go through any problem just let me know in the comments I will try to solve them for you.

After you run the installer and complete the installation process NodeJs and NPM both will be installed. You can open your windows power shell and run these commands to check the installed version of Node Js and NPM.

• For Node write this command : Js node --version and this will show you the version installed on your device.
• For NPM write this command : Js npm --version and this will show you the version installed on your device.

After you done all these installation you are ready to install and run react applications in your device. But we are not going to do that now. Before we start creating a react app we will do some other installations and setup so that we can develop and debug our react app easily.

Installing and Setup VS code for React

Here if you follow all the previous instructions then we are already capable of to install and develop our react app. But for making developing easy, we will now install an environment named VS code. And then we will setup it for our react development.

Installing VS Code

For installing VS code in your PC go to the link given below and download the recommended version for your Device. You can also do it by searching manually in google or other search engine or by direct URL.

After you download the VS Code, Now just follow the instructions and Install it.

When you are done with installing, You can now open your VS code and start coding. But we will setup some settings and Plugins for making our coding easy.

Installing Recommended Plugins, Extensions and Settings

You can start coding and debugging your react app already inside VS code. But we will install some Plugins, Extensions and Settings before that. And that’s because of these plugins will help us to do our jobs more easier way. And these Plugins, Extensions and Settings are :

Chrome Extension : React Developer Tools by Facebook

This extension is very important for your debugging. React Developer Tools is a Chrome DevTools extension for the open-source React JavaScript library. It allows you to inspect the React component hierarchies in the Chrome Developer Tools.

You will get two new tabs in your Chrome DevTools: “ Components” and “ Profiler”.

The Components tab shows you the root React components that were rendered on the page, as well as the subcomponents that they ended up rendering.

By selecting one of the components in the tree, you can inspect and edit its current props and state in the panel on the right. In the breadcrumbs you can inspect the selected component, the component that created it, the component that created that one, and so on. Click on the link below or just add it by searching in different search engines.

Enable Brackets Settings : Inside VS code

Open your VS code and go to settings from the bottom left corner. Now search this inside the search bar @id:editor.bracketPairColorization.enabled @id:editor.guides.bracketPairs

You will see two search results. Now enable the Bracket Pair Colorization and set bracket pairs to True.

Install Plugins

Now go to the plugins section from your VS code and Installs these plugins:

Thunder Client

Thunder Client is a lightweight Rest API Client Extension for Visual Studio Code, hand-crafted by Ranga Vadhineni with simple and clean design.

Prettier Formatter for Visual Studio Code

Prettier is an opinionated code formatter. It enforces a consistent style by parsing your code and re-printing it with its own rules that take the maximum line length into account, wrapping code when necessary.

Live Server

It launches a development local Server with live reload feature for static & dynamic pages.

ES7 React/Redux/GraphQL/React-Native snippets

This extension provides you JavaScript and React/Redux snippets in ES7 with Babel plugin features for VS Code

Auto Rename Tag

Automatically rename paired HTML/XML tag, same as Visual Studio IDE does.

So, these was some important and recommended Plugins and settings which we will need when we will start making react app. For now just install them and we will learn their functions later when we will start developing react apps.

This was the setups for VS code. In our Next tutorial we will create our first React App. So, go through all of these and setup your device for React development.

FAQs

Can I use React for building mobile applications?

Yes, you can build mobile applications using React Native, a framework based on React Js. It allows you to write mobile apps for both iOS and Android using a single codebase.

Is React suitable for beginners?

While React offers a lot of power and flexibility, it might have a steeper learning curve for complete beginners. However, with dedication and the right resources, anyone can learn React.

How can I keep my React app’s performance optimal?

Optimizing your React app’s performance involves using tools like the React Profiler, minimizing unnecessary re-renders, and lazy loading components.

Are there any alternatives to React for building user interfaces?

Yes, there are alternatives like Angular and Vue.js. The choice depends on your project requirements and personal preferences.

Is React suitable for SEO?

React is not inherently SEO-friendly since it renders content on the client side. However, you can implement server-side rendering (SSR) or use tools like Next.js to make your React app SEO-friendly.

Where can I find more React resources and tutorials?

You can find a plethora of React tutorials, documentation, and community support on the official React website and platforms like GitHub. But if you want guide then follow this articles and bookmark this website for later.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve embarked on a journey to explore React Js, from its fundamental concepts to installation and plugin setup. Remember that React is a powerful tool in the world of web development, and with practice, you can become a proficient React developer.

Now, it’s time to put your newfound knowledge to use and start building amazing React applications. Whether it’s web development or mobile app creation, React has got you covered. So, dive in, experiment, and watch your projects come to life with the magic of React!

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