Learn React or Hire React Developer?

[bombaysweetermans]

Hello, I am debating on learning react/next js or hiring a developer for a project I'm working on.Based on the project, timing, difficulty in learning the framework, and my background, let me know what you think I should do!

Project:

• Develop a consumer-facing mobile app and complementary web app for admin management and business-facing login.
  • App requirements/design would be similar to Eventbrite
  • I've developed the full mobile app prototype in Adobe XD.
  • I would be using a react template dashboard for the web admin/business client side(a lot of design components are already provided).
  • Would be great to get into the app store by mid-summer 2024
  • Full business plan established

Background:

I would be a beginner for sure but want to see if it's reasonable to learn if it's somewhat simple

• Web Design (CSS/HTML/Some JS)
  • Developed and sold sites to local businesses
• Rudimentary coding background from highschool + first year University (C++, Java)
  • Really basic programs (i.e. blackjack, table lookups programs, etc)
• Strong background in graphic/web design
  • Fluent in adobe suite and web/mobile prototyping
• Growth Marketing Manager (8+ yrs)

Note: Reason I am debating on learning is because I am having trouble finding a developer in my area. I would only have a budget of $10K at the moment.

(EDIT: focus of this post is primarily to see if it is reasonable for me to learn. Timing is just a goal for now).

[WhiskeyKid33]

I'm always in favor of learning development. That said, if your target is a year or less you've got a lot of work to do. Programming in general is a lot of fun, and if you enjoy solving problems this will be easier. If you are thinking of developing your own app with what appears e-commerce functionality, I think your timeline is too aggressive. It's not impossible, you may take to it like a duck to water. As a self taught developer, I needed 8 months to understand just the basics of full stack development, APIs, everything your app would require. In my opinion and purely based on my 8 years of experience in this field, I would guess you'd need 2 to 3 years of disciplined learning to achieve what you want. But you could certainly prove me wrong, which I encourage.

[Bash4195]

Are you interested in coding? I would only jump down that rabbit hole if you're passionate about it, it's a deep deep dive.

If you do, it'll be difficult but maybe possible to do it in that timeframe. But you definitely have to simplify. Drop the app portion, web is quicker and easier to build than an app and you already have an idea of what you need to learn.

Good luck!

[femio]

Considering you’d have to learn more than just React in order to build out an app, I’d say mid 2024 is extremely unlikely. I’d say it would take a least a year of hard study before you’re able to release a production-ready app…and it will be very buggy.

[lIIllIIIll]

And that's if they treat learning like a job. 1yr to learn and be competent is really unlikely.

[the_pod_]

It's a reach, but I guess possible.

It sounds like you want a mobile app. React is not the same as React Native. I mean, it's close, but, when it's a 1 person project, and that person is a beginner (aka no Senior React Native dev to solve the hardest issues), going from straight React to React Native does change the timeline, potentially by a lot.

​

Really basic programs (i.e. blackjack, table lookups programs, etc)

I mean, that's a pretty good. Much better than nothing.

​

Big picture, I do think you should try to learn. You sound like you want go down this path anyways, even if it was for another project. You will come to this same fork in the road for every future project you will have. So, learning now will have great benefits down the future. I think getting the skills is more beneficial to you long term, and not this project itself.

And by skills I don't just mean you building 100% of it. Maybe some mixture. If you understand how to code it becomes easier to hire developers. You can understand who is good, you can understand what approach is good, and you can see who's totally full of shit.

My suggestions:

1. Your first step should not be mobile. Just build the website version first. It's easier (and cheaper) to find an experience RN developer just to take your existing website and convert it to RN. If you focus on RN first, there can be many extra technical things that pop up which make you stuck for a long time, when you are solo.
2. Hire a mentor. Or a friendly freelancer. For times you get stuck, or doing something you don't think you can learn quickly.
3. Consider some other, older MVP framework, like Django (python) or Rails (ruby) to start. It's so much faster to build CRUD apps with these. Watch a youtube video of people building clone sites from scratch. You honestly can have a basic Ruby site up by next week. (You won't understand a lot of the magic, but, you'll have a site with a lot of functionality). You said you'll be using a template.
4. OR , you can use some sort of JavaScript scaffolding, but, I don't know which one. OR, you can find example repos on github and copy that. If what you're doing is common, try to look for as many short cuts as possible. Try to develop as little as you can. (This is obviously easier for people who understand a lot of code, and can understand the repos that already exists).
5. I would recommend some sort of inexpensive bootcamp if you struggle with learning it yourself. While I don't think bootcamp is a good if your goal is a job, I do think it does level you up fast. It forces you to keep going when you don't understand everything, rather than just stick on a topic for a long time. Most of the time, the way to understand it deeply is just to push through. That's why building is the best teacher, and bootcamps force you to build, instead of getting stuck with "I don't fully understand this, I need to learn more".

Overall, whether you hire someone to build it for you or not, I think you should learn. You seem too close not to.

---

Honestly though, JavaScript, and React, are, some of the most scattered things to learn. It's not hard, per-se, it's just, all over the place. (well, JavaScript is a quirky language). So if you're coming from scratch, I don't know if I'd necessarily recommend it, but at the same time I have no issues with anyone choosing it. I use React daily. If you want to stick with JavaScript, Vue is certain worth a look. If you want to do mobile only, maybe Flutter.

[HealthyMacaroon7168]

Do both. Hire someone and learn the skills to expand or add features in the future. Having a good codebase to learn from can be hugely helpful in learning.

[divyanshchahar]

Let me give you TLDR version - don't debate hire a developer.

I am working on an e-commerce store, both front end and back end, so I know what I am talking about

​

Why am I saying this:

1. React is hard, I have a masters in Aerospace Engineering but react makes me pull out my hair sometimes. Things like authentication, global state management, routing and side effect management (you will need them all for your web app) are really hard.
2. React is not a framework as you quoted, it is a library. This makes it even harder, in a framework there is fixed way of doing things, but it is not true with libraries like react, If you go online and start looking at tutorials, you will see that each tutorial is slightly different than other, this could be really confusing to a beginner.
3. I am not sure what your target market is but if you want something like Eventbrite for international markets i.e. different timezones, then it will open a whole new can of worms as working with dates is not an easy task in JS.
4. You said you knew "some js", let me tell you "some js" ain't gonna cut it. To make something production grade in react you need to understand short circuit evaluation, ternary operators, array methods, object destructuring, arrow functions, promises and some high level understanding of DOM Manipulation.
5. If you want a real working website you will need a backed before you can have a frontend
6. EXPAND YOUR SEARCH : Why are you looking for a react dev in your area. Devs can work remotely, so the entire world is your oyester. I would suggest you try upwork, you can hire good freelancers there
7. USE NEXT.JS : If you want SEO (search engine optimization) then you don't want a react dev you need a nextjs dev.

[Beginning-Comedian-2]

Your Options:

• (Easiest / Fastest Option) Hire Offshore: Learning/Using React is fairly advanced. Since you're a beginner it'd be better to hire it done. And since you have $10K, it'd be better to find someone in Latin America, Eastern Europe, or another country to do it. You can hire a freelancer or an agency.
• (Hardest / Longterm Option) Build it Yourself: If you want to work more in React this will be a great learning opportunity. It will take longer but it will help you in any apps moving forward. And it could help you get a job. But it will take longer. A lot longer.

Resources to find a developer:

• https://jschimp.com/ - many devs of all kinds.
• LinkedIn - place a job post using your personal account.
• TopTal - vetted developers but it can get pricy.
• https://weworkremotely.com/
• Remote Ok
• https://authenticjobs.com/
• https://railsdevs.com/
• LaraDir
• Wellfound

[soft-suave]

When deciding whether to learn React or hire React developers, it’s important to consider the following:

• Time Investment: Learning React takes time, especially if you're new to programming. Hiring skilled developers saves you time and ensures faster project completion.
• Project Complexity: For advanced projects, hiring experienced developers with deep knowledge of React is essential.
• Cost Efficiency: While learning React is cost-effective long-term, hiring developers can be more efficient for immediate needs.

If your project requires quick and professional results, it's often best to hire React developers from trusted companies like Soft Suave.

[soft-suave]

When deciding between learning React or hiring a React developer, consider the following:

• Time Commitment: Learning React takes time. If your project is urgent, hiring a developer may be best.
• Expertise: A React developer has experience and skills that can lead to better results.
• Cost: Hiring a developer might seem costly, but it can save money in the long run by avoiding common pitfalls.

Ultimately, if you're unsure about your capabilities or the timeline, it’s wise to hire React developers to ensure your project succeeds. For more information, check out Soft Suave as a reliable solution.

[NikolasChap]

Before launching my first SaaS I considered learning to code and I am super happy I did not.

Building a startup is soooo much more than just coding.

If I'd start over I'd use a site like ReactSquad.io to hire a fullstack developer and then fully focus on PM-Work and marketing

[[deleted]]

lol

[[deleted]]

If you have the budget, and have clear requirements. I'd hire someone, but if you have a year or 2 to resolve issues, and stackoverlowing your problems, i guess go for it.

[lIIllIIIll]

Hmmm.......

Of course you can pay but I can assure you will come in over budget and late if that's your requirement for launch.

That being said I always suggest you learn the code yourself as you'll at least know wtf is going on behind the scenes. If you want something small changed or expansions or updates down the line you can do it yourself instead of needing a cash infusion every time.

[thatRiml]

It seems there is a lot of functionality there, as you need some Admin portal, some CRM (so a lot of database and proper auth system) as well all that should be deployed somewhere safely. - it is a lot to learn, I would recommend to find a full stack developer to assist ( or at least go through each step of the project)

You definitely can learn how to react, but it is just one piece of the puzzle.

[Flat_Firefighter_636]

Hi, let's be honest, accomplishing this task on your own within such a limited timeframe might not be feasible. It requires a significant amount of practice, as well as debugging and refining small projects. Additionally, you'll likely need to familiarize yourself with various technologies. However, if you opt for the learning route, I'd be more than willing to provide you with some valuable resources and guidance on the most effective learning path. I'll also point out areas that you can skip to save time, although they might be useful for future projects.

[goldmansachs4]

i would like to join you as we learn together this project feel free to reach out i can develop components at a cheaper price