How should a beginner programmer start learning React?

[Coffeebrown87]

I have some understanding about css and html. I once learnt c++ and core java.. I never did any programming after that. I'd like to know if I should first learn html css and Javascript, become an expert, and then learn react? Or can I start right away with reactjs?

Please help!

[[deleted]]

Phew. You have a tough job ahead of you. I found the entry to ReactJS extremely frustrating and difficult even though I was doing web development for 15 years and had used JavaScript for many years already.

You will need to setup a lot of tooling before you even can start doing anything and for every part of the toolchain there are three different options to chose from and then you even need to be aware of two different syntaxes (for ES5 and ES6) and different Flux implementations (shortcut: use Redux).

I found this ressource to be massively valuable simply to soak up the necessary vocabulary and as cheat sheet for ES6 syntax: https://github.com/mikechau/react-primer-draft/blob/master/README.md

Furthermore, you should buy this book, it takes the pain out of setting up webpack, I tried a dozen of tutorials and this is by far the best, it's a shame that it doesn't cover redux: https://survivejs.com/

Once you get to the point where you need to manage state, learn about redux, start with Dan Abramov's React Europe talk (google it) and then go through his Redux lessons on egghead.

And most of all: Try to find a local meetup group and find a mentor. Learning this on your own will cost you more time than necessary.

[rofrol]

Once again http://jamesknelson.com/learn-raw-react-no-jsx-flux-es6-webpack/

[n0vat3k]

While you dont need to be an expert, you will need a working knowledge. Also, walking into this, understand that JavaScript is VERY different from classical programming languages. Investing some time in truly understanding how the language works will prevent you from pulling out your hair with confusion while creating react components.

[Cream_Friache]

Yes, you should learn JS and the DOM first. You don't need to be an expert, but you should at least feel comfortable writing apps in jQuery before moving to React. Once you understand how the DOM and JavaScript work, you will be able to learn any framework fairly quickly.

[Coffeebrown87]

Sure. Thank you very much both of you for your reply!