A few months ago, I was exactly where most beginners are today.
I had finally learned HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Feeling confident, I searched on YouTube, "What should I learn next?"
And that's where the confusion started.
Half the creators were saying, "Learn React first."
The other half were like, "Don't waste time. Start directly with Next.js because that's what companies use."
At one point, I genuinely thought I was already behind.
If you've been in the same situation, trust me, you're not the only one.
I Almost Started with Next.js...
I remember opening a Next.js tutorial and within the first hour, I was hearing terms like Server Components, Routing, SSR, Hydration, App Router...
Meanwhile, I was still trying to understand why my React component wasn't re rendering.
It felt like trying to drive a Formula 1 car before learning how to ride a bicycle.
That's when I closed the tutorial and went back to React.
And honestly?
That was one of the best decisions I made.
React Taught Me How Things Actually Work
When you're learning React, you're not just learning another framework.
You're learning how modern websites are built.
I finally understood things like:
How components work.
Why state exists.
Why props matter.
How hooks actually make your life easier.
Instead of memorizing code, I started understanding the logic behind it.
And once that clicked...
Everything became easier.
Then I Switched to Next.js
A few weeks later, I gave Next.js another try.
This time something surprising happened.
Instead of feeling scared, I actually enjoyed it.
Routing made sense.
Fetching data felt easier.
Creating pages became faster.
The concepts that once looked complicated suddenly felt natural because I already knew React.
It wasn't magic.
It was just a strong foundation.
So... Should You Skip React?
In my opinion?
No.
Could you technically start with Next.js?
Yes.
Should you?
Probably not.
It's like learning Photoshop before understanding basic design principles.
You'll know which buttons to press, but you won't know why you're pressing them.
Here's What I'd Do If I Were Starting Again
If someone erased all my knowledge today and asked me to start from scratch, I'd follow this order without thinking twice:
HTML
CSS
JavaScript
React
Build 3 or 4 projects
Then Next.js
Simple.
No shortcuts.
The Truth Nobody Talks About
I think a lot of beginners feel pressured because social media makes it seem like everyone is building AI apps, SaaS products, and billion dollar startups overnight.
The reality is much simpler.
Companies don't hire you because you know ten frameworks.
They hire you because you can solve problems.
And React teaches you exactly that.
Final Thoughts
If you're confused between React and Next.js, don't overthink it.
Learn React first.
Build projects.
Break things.
Fix them.
Get comfortable.
Then move to Next.js.
You'll enjoy the journey much more, and you'll understand what's happening under the hood instead of just copying tutorials.
That's exactly how I approached it, and looking back, I wouldn't change a thing.
What about you? Are you currently learning React, or are you thinking about jumping straight into Next.js? I'd love to hear your experience in the comments.
Abhavya :)
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