I recently completed a React Portfolio project and thought it would be fantastic to share my journey with the rest of the world.
Basic JavaScript Concepts
My initial project was JavaScript(JS)-based, and it should be considered garbage in the world of web developers. At the time, I thought I had mastered the frontend web development by creating a simple JS app. Friends, that's an example of "a little knowledge is dangerous" and please do not be this guy :).
Anyway, what are some of the fundamental JavaScript concepts that every programmer should understand? The next stage of web development would be incredibly difficult without a thorough knowledge of these fundeamentals. So, the followings are the basics of JS:
- Variables
- Comparisons
- Logical Operators
- Functions(callback function)
- Data Structures & Types
Note 1: I cannot emphasize enough the importance of networking and participating in various web development communities in order to enhance one's coding skills - a lesson I learnt the hard way.
Note 2: Understanding GIT and GITHUB as well as learning programming languages, go hand in hand.
Basic React Concepts
I didn't appreciate the significance of JS core concepts until I began working with React, the next stage of frontend web development. At a high level, I picture JS being the backbone of React just as HTML is for JS.
Similarly, in order to have a solid understanding of React's essential notions, one must be familiar with the following core concepts:
- JSX(JavaScript XML)
- React Elements
- Components & Props
- State & Lifecycle
- Handling Events
- Conditional endering
- Lists & Keys
- Forms
- React-router
Finally, if you feel you have completed React, you should be able to explain:
- The difference between React and plain JS
- Types of React hooks
- How to modify React State hooks
- The three ways to use React useEffects
- The difference between Props and States
- The difference between HTML DOM(Document Object Model) & Virtual DOM
Conclusion
If I could start over my programming journey, I'd start with HTML(HyperText Markup Language) and CSS(Cascading Style Sheets), then go on to JavaScript. Before diving into React, I'd make sure I understand the connection and interdependencies between HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. More importantly, I won't start React if I'm not comfortable with JavaScript.
Top comments (2)
In my opinion, the two most important JS fundamentals in a React hooks era is
Otherwise great article!
Great points! My article is meant for beginners, and I believe your observation goes beyond that.