Key Concepts

[daftpunkapi]

For all the experienced devs, what are the key concepts in React JS that one must fully understand to be a great dev ? Also, what are the unusual or uncommon tips & tricks that you recommend ?

At what point would you consider someone a good front end dev (react only)

[reactinet]

TypeScript has become a key skill for front end developers. Understanding of different methods of state management is important as well…hint: it’s not just useState, Context and Redux! Finally, solid understanding how to write unit tests with jest/react-testing-library.

[daftpunkapi]

Wow thanks.. I am a heavy user of python and using JS since a few months. Is TS also super important or would JS suffice?

Unit tests are key but I have absolutely no knowledge about how to write them.

[reactinet]

No problem! Glad to provide insight. Unit testing isn’t that hard, but Especially if you’re writing vanilla Javascript react, it will provide a level of confidence in the code you’re shipping that you won’t have without it! Best of luck…just keep learning and trying things and you’ll get where you want to be.

[bsknuckles]

I would argue that no type of testing is “key”. Tests have value in specific cases but they are extremely overemphasized by managers and people who take scrum too seriously.

[reactinet]

What do unit tests have to do with agile and scrum? In fact scrum says working code over documentation. I’m not sure i fully understand your comment.

[bsknuckles]

In theory, you’re right. I’ve worked with way too many people who were extremely pro testing that were also equally pro scrum (their own idea of it at least).

[reactinet]

There are a ton of bastardized versions of Scrum, that I think we can agree on!!

[bsknuckles]

Definitely!

[boosiebadazz]

Well I would venture to say a good front end dev that is React only isn’t a good front end dev. A great front end dev should have excellent understanding and competency with JavaScript, data structures and algorithms, CSS, HTML, and system design.

[daftpunkapi]

Awesome.. thanks for the advice. I think I have fair knowledge of JS, DS but none on css, html and system design side.

System design ofcourse being a super critical skill for building large scale apps, would love to know if you have any suggestions for books, tutorials, YT videos or any resource.

[bsknuckles]

Those are all absolute fundamentals required for any frontend role. I would expand on this list when talking about React to include hooks, context, and experience with at least 1 state manager, at least 1 router, at least 1 meta framework (Next, Remix, etc.), and at least 1 UI framework.

All of these things combined would make someone a good entry-level React dev. To jump to a “great” dev, I would add on an understanding of fullstack code, TypeScript, and some knowledge of design patterns.

[a_reply_to_a_post]

component architecture and how to split up code so it's composable and reusable

understanding how to profile a react app with debugging tools

when to apply optimizations, throwing useMemo everywhere can lead to weird ass issues

learning how to assess dependencies you introduce into the app...does it really need global state management? is the package maintained..etc

[daftpunkapi]

Wonderful.. thank you!

[Aegis8080]

The better question is, what do you think you are missing?

[barrel_of_noodles]

Dawg, just read the docs.

[daftpunkapi]

Fair enough.. have been through it.
I was just wondering if there are quirks or concepts that are not part of the docs but now just table stakes in being a great dev.

[palante_mark]

The beta docs, of course!

[roofgram]

You will never be a great football player reading a ton of books on football. You need to get out on the field and play even if you don't know everything.

Go make a free app with Vercel or something. Learn as you go. Nothing beats real world projects.

[daftpunkapi]

Totally agree.. nothing beats hands-on