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If you are among those individuals looking to master the skills of web development, then the understanding of JavaScript libraries is a must. React is a JavaScript library that is one of the most popular libraries among the developer community.
React enables you to develop user interfaces with the use of separate components which simplifies the developmental process. The familiarity with the concepts of React and deepening the coding skills of web development is of utmost importance in this field, hence you must acquire your skill set in the React environment.
An online platform for learning various technical courses has been the trend in recent times. However, there are numerous offerings on online platforms and it is often confusing as to which course to choose from. Therefore, it is crucial to select the right course that is not overwhelming to begin learning a new concept.
Many introductory courses focus on providing too much content at once which makes the course lengthy and confusing to understand the basic concepts precisely. It is a known fact that without the basics, you can’t master the advanced concepts especially in the field of technology.
A short introductory course called React Fundamentals is offered on Udemy. The course is beneficial for individuals looking to learn React from the scratch. There is a prerequisite for the course that requires a fair understanding of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. You will learn how to set up the React environment and be familiar with concepts on React elements, JSX, components, props, state, lifecycle methods, containers, form and input managing, conditional rendering, and React-router V4.
What is React?
React is a JavaScript library that was released by Facebook in 2013. The main objective was to simplify the development of user interfaces. React is widely used for building single-page web applications.
The user interface is simplified by dividing it into a group of components. The official website defines React as a declarative, efficient, and flexible JavaScript library for building user interfaces. It lets you compose complex UIs from small and isolated pieces of code called components.
React JavaScript Popularity
React has been widely used and gained popularity due to various reasons that are listed below.
- React is not complex and it can be easily integrated into existing products.
- Google’s Angular 2.x version was considered difficult as opposed to its previous version. On the other hand, React was released at the same time which proved to be more promising with improved execution speed that caught the attention of the developers in the technical industry.
- React is developed by a reputed company in the field of technology thus gaining an upper hand among the developers.
What to expect from the course?
The course is designed for beginners and introduces all the important concepts from the ground up. The course follows a practical approach in which each of the concepts is demonstrated with the help of an example.
After the course, you are expected to understand the fundamentals of React, the usage of some of ES6/ES7 JavaScript features, the use of de-facto standard routing solutions for React applications that falls under React Router concepts, and learn to maintain and organize the React codebase.
Section 1: React Elements
Setting React Environment
The first section introduces important information while setting up the React environment. The tutor demonstrates every step that needs to be followed while setting up the environment. All the information on installation and get help page has been explored along with additional information on settings have been provided.
The creation of the app, first arguments, project directory, and the developmental server has been demonstrated well for easy understanding of the installation part.
React Elements
The React elements section contains the explanation on the Folles index and the options available under it. The first one is the library itself without which the creation of React elements is not possible. There is an explanation about importing the CSSA file.
The instructor also focuses upon the app components and briefly introduces a service worker that allows for an app to load faster. There is also an explanation about the object element and DOM container. A description and an example are provided on how to create your own React element and render it to DOM.
JSX
This part explains the reactive element and the coding for it. The syntax extension to JavaScript for the reactive element is called the JSX. The usage of Babel is explained as well. JSX fully supports JavaScript and the concepts are demonstrated with the help of a follow-along example to understand the concepts more clearly.
Components
The tutor focuses on the React components with the help of an example. To create your custom component, the syntax that is required is described in detail. The use of lowercase and capitalized names in different scenarios have been explored in this section. The components are considered to be independent and reusable bits of code.
The purpose is similar to that of the JavaScript function but differentiates by working in isolation that returns HTML with the use of a render function. Ideally, there are two types of components, namely class components, and function components. The functional components have been demonstrated with the help of an example.
Props
The section explores the topic of props. The import and export from the React library while creating React elements have been discussed in detail. Props are arguments that are passed into React components.
The usage of props and their significance has been explained as well. React props are similar to a function argument in JavaScript and attributes in HTML. The tutor also explains shorthand for syntax that is important for using React props.
State
React components comprises a built-in state object which lets you store property values belonging to the component. In a situation, when the state object changes then the component re-renders as well.
To extend the react component, the usage of state functionalities is being explained in detail with an example. The change of directories that may be required are specified and a note on the same page rendering.
Lifecycle
The components in React have a lifecycle and it can be monitored and manipulated during the phases of mounting, updating, and unmounting.
The concepts are described with the help of an example that focused on creating a TV app for explanation purposes. The explanation of data loading and manipulation and the use of containers are provided.
Asynchronous Calls
In this section, the instructor explains the use of a server for requesting to install a library. The use of Flash with no package manager has been mentioned briefly. The fetching of data from an API has been covered with an example for better understanding.
Containers
The need for creating separate components is covered in this section. The necessity of presentational components and container components are differentiated well. The availability of the functionalities inside a container and explored in detail.
It is also mentioned that most of the time a container is likely to be stateful. All of the concepts in terms of containers are demonstrated with a follow-along example.
Section 2: React Forms and Lists
Lists and Keys
The section delves into the list folder. The use of map function and the primary use of lists and keys are covered thoroughly with practical examples for clarity.
The process of adding a key to the list system and the use of index as a key as a last resort. The instructor explains the need to use Id that is always unique for your list item.
Refactoring List Component
The tutor emphasizes how additional components can be created. The need for making them more readable and more semantic and why it is a good practice to do so. Furthermore, the new variable within the time series was demonstrated with the example.
Forms (Input)
This section focuses on getting an event object from the on-change handler as well as obtaining the value of the input and getting the event along with it.
Conditional Rendering
The concept of conditional rendering has been explained while describing how a friendly message can be sent from the API from a given input. The possibility of adding a fetching property has been explained as well. This concept is covered in detail as it is considered very important.
Images (Loader Component)
This section explains how to add images with the help of React. The process of creating a folder and the use of a loader component has been covered. The possibility of doing so on an element level has also been described well. It is important to note that the pixel has to be set appropriately while adding the images to React.
Section 3: React Router
Setting Up React Router
This section mainly focuses on NPM install and the overall installation procedures of React Router. The creation of additional components that includes all the routes is demonstrated with the example.
The main components, props, and switches are important during this procedure. It is essential to provide the exact route path. The use of a rock crawler to run the series container is also mentioned in this process.
Setting Routes
The section explains the use of a single series for example dealing with TV series while creating the container. The importance of having an additional route while creating a single series container has been shown in the example. The process of importing single series has been demonstrated as well.
Using Route Params
This section delves into the functions that are needed to make the results linkable. The instructor demonstrates the options of how to add the link. The need for making the link dynamic is important that will display the correct ID.
About the Instructor
The course is designed and taught by an expert tutor, Edvinas Daugridas. He is a software engineer by profession and working with a leading company in customer support for mobile carriers in the US. The tutor prefers to be involved with writing and promoting clean and well-organized code that is easily maintainable.
He believes that learning new concepts and models is the nature of individuals working in the technical industry, therefore one must keep updating themselves. The course on React fundamentals is a beginner level course. However, there is a prerequisite that requires the student to have some basic understanding of HTML and CSS, and JavaScript.
Key Features of React
JSX: JSX stands for JavaScript XML. It is an HTML or XML kind of syntax that is used by React that is processed into the framework. The ES6 is extended to have HTML like text within the React code. It is highly recommendable to use JSX when working with React.
Components of React: ReactJS applications consist of multiple components. Each component has its controls which can be reused. The reusability of the codes is beneficial for large scale projects.
Data binding: ReactJs has a unidirectional data flow structure which gives better control in the application leading to increased efficiency.
Simplicity and Performance: React codes are easy to understand and implement, thus making the application simpler. The use of a virtual DOM helps to perform better as compared to other frameworks.
Due to the DOM residing in the memory, the components that are created are not written directly to the DOM. Therefore, you are dealing with virtual components that will act as the DOM leading to faster performance.
Virtual DOM: Virtual DOM represents the DOM object. In case of modifications that may take place in the web application, the complete user interface is displayed in virtual DOM representation. This is followed by performing a check between the previous DOM representation and the current one.
On completion, the actual DOM updates the things which had actual changes. This helps in a lesser wastage of memory.
Advantages of React
- ReactJS has numerous tutorials and documentation along with training resources which makes it easier to learn.
- Due to the use of lesser coding, the applications are faster and have more functionalities.
- There are various components of React with logic and controls. These components allow for the reusability of HTML codes. The reusability feature helps to develop applications easily with lesser time.
- The virtual DOM is responsible for faster performance by the applications.
- React developer tools are added to browsers in the form of extensions and it allows the developers to inspect as per the needs.
- A search engine faces a problem to read a heavily coded JavaScript application. ReactJS overcomes such problems as applications based on React can run on the server and the virtual DOM will forward a web page at regular intervals thus making it SEO friendly.
- The native tools are responsible for testing and debugging the codes.
- There is the provision of a large JavaScript library.
The role of React.js Developers
- To discuss with the development team with interface related ideas and applications
- Validating the application requirements and interface design.
- The identification of web-based interaction possibilities.
- The development of a responsive user-interface.
- Development of faster applications.
- The use of JavaScript with React.js workflows related to writing codes needed for application interface development.
- Monitoring and handling troubleshooting interface software.
- Debugging of applications.
- Overall improvement of front-end performance.
- Documenting the newer changes and updates for developing applications.
- Implementation of front-end architecture.
React Developer Requirements
- A technical background is a must, preferably a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science and information technology.
- Knowledge of JavaScript, CSS, and HTML, and other front-end languages.
- In-depth knowledge of React tools such as React.js, Webpack, Redux, Flux, and Enzyme.
- Experience with user interface development.
- Testing of frameworks is essential.
- Browser-related debugging and performance testing of software is necessary.
- Troubleshooting skills are a must.
- Project management skills for leadership roles.
Benefits of this course
- Learning Path
The advantage of this course on React fundamentals is the content that has been provided for a beginner course. The course doesn’t overwhelm the newcomers as certain introductory courses focus on many concepts at once which confuses them. It follows a very simple approach and begins from very scratch with the installation process.
There are provisions for additional resources as well. The course is well-suited for beginners and many important concepts are covered for React that are crucial for the success of a developer with the knowledge of React among his skill set. The core concepts are explained well. A major benefit is that all the concepts are also demonstrated with an example that learners can practice and improve on the coding skills as well.
The hands-on experience is essential for a career as a developer, hence this course builds upon these skills. There are simplified examples and a follow-along approach. Another factor that this course could be preferred is the duration of the content. There are no lengthy explanations and complicated examples. All the content is presented in a simplified manner.
- Certification
The course will provide certification of completion. It is a free tutorial available on Udemy. However, there is access to online content, certification, and direct access to the instructor for Q&A, and direct reply from the instructor. It is important to note that access to online content is available for the free version and the remaining options from the paid version are not being offered.
- Learning Community
You will get access to the learning community on Udemy consisting of students and tutors. The benefits of such access to a learning community are the availability of important resources and tips that are shared in the forum. You can also post your questions on the forum and get explanations from experienced professionals and tutors who are actively communicating on this platform.
- Hands-on Approach
The course provides a hands-on learning experience. This course is designed to provide sufficient exposure to writing the codes and understanding the concepts that are being taught theoretically. A hands-on approach lets you grasp the concept much faster. Additionally, every installation has been demonstrated.
The examples that are being covered are also shown practically, thus enhancing the overall learning process. The tutor has used a single example of creating a TV series app which has been used for each concept being explained. This helps to understand the practical part more clearly as too many examples can lead to confusion over its implementation.
The course is a perfect balance of theory and practical knowledge and provides crucial information along with additional resources.
Who is the course most suited for?
The course is well-suited for absolute beginners. It is designed with a strong focus on building a hands-on experience. If you are looking to begin your career in the web development sector, then set the right foundations is crucial.
There is a tremendous amount of competition in the job market for developers and only the best ones get hired. However, as a developer the employers are on the lookout for individuals with strong hands-on experience and coding experience, therefore it is a must to build them from the very core concepts in the initial phases.
The knowledge of React is highly in demand in the current market due to numerous advantages and faster performance of the achievable applications. The job role of developers is constant and the professionals with exposure to newer technologies are given importance for leadership roles.
It is a valuable investment of your time if you take up the course and get your first exposure to the world of web and application development.
Overall Rating of the Course
- Instructor Expertise: 4
- Additional Resources: 2
- Course Content Quality: 4
- Career Value: 5
- Delivery of the Content: 3.5
- Visuals and Readability: 2.5
- Examples: 5
- Speed of Delivering the Content: 3
- Basic Concepts: 5
- Overall Rating: 3.5
