31 Steps to Become a Professional React Developer

React.js has exploded in popularity in recent years to become arguably the most widely-used JavaScript library for building user interfaces. According to the State of JS 2019 survey, a staggering 80% of front-end developers report using React.

What makes React so popular? For one, its component-based architecture allows you to break down complex UIs into reusable pieces of code. React‘s virtual DOM also enables efficient rendering and reconciliation compared to updating the DOM directly. Add in a strong ecosystem of tools, libraries and passionate developers, and you have a powerful skill set that is highly sought after by employers.

So you want to become a professional React developer. While the learning curve may seem steep, by following these 31 steps you can go from beginner to hired:

Step 1: Learn HTML & CSS

As React is a library for building UIs, you‘ll need a strong foundation in HTML and CSS before diving into React. Make sure you can build layouts with CSS grid and flexbox, create responsive designs, and style elements without relying on frameworks. Resources:
– FreeCodeCamp‘s Responsive Web Design Certification
– Interneting is Hard
– MDN‘s Learn web development

Step 2: Learn JavaScript Fundamentals

React components are written using JavaScript, so a solid understanding of the language is essential. Focus on mastering concepts like variables, data types, functions, conditions, loops, objects, arrays, and ES6+ syntax. Resources:
– JavaScript.info
– Eloquent JavaScript
– You Don‘t Know JS series

Step 3: Understand the DOM

Familiarize yourself with the Document Object Model (DOM) and how you can interact with it using JS. Practice selecting elements, modifying content and attributes, and handling events. Resources:
– Traversy Media‘s DOM Crash Course
– DOM Enlightenment

Step 4: Learn Node.js & npm basics

Node.js lets you run JavaScript outside of a browser and is needed for most React development. Understand how to use npm to install and manage packages. Resources:
– NodeSchool‘s workshoppers
– The Node.js Handbook

Step 5: Set up a React development environment

Use Create React App to quickly spin up a project with minimal configuration. Install the React DevTools for debugging. Resources:
– Create React App docs
– React Developer Tools

Step 6: Understand React‘s component-based architecture

Components are the building blocks of React. Understand how to split up a UI into components, the distinction between class and functional components, and how data flows between them. Resources:
– React docs on Components and Props
– React Enlightenment

Step 7: Learn JSX

JSX is HTML-like syntax that gets compiled to JavaScript. Understand its basic syntax, how to embed expressions, and use built-in elements. Resources:
– React docs on Introducing JSX
– Codecademy‘s Learn React

Step 8: Master props and state

Props and state are how data gets passed around and updated in a React app. Learn the difference between the two and how to manipulate state properly. Resources:
– React docs on State and Lifecycle
– Egghead.io‘s The Beginner‘s Guide to React

Step 9: Understand the component lifecycle

Class components have lifecycle methods that allow you to hook into different stages of a component‘s existence. Understand the common methods like componentDidMount, componentDidUpdate, and componentWillUnmount. Resources:
– React docs on State and Lifecycle
– React Lifecycle Methods Diagram

Step 10: Make use of hooks

React 16.8 introduced hooks, which let you add state and lifecycle functionality to functional components. Understand the basic hooks like useState, useEffect, and useContext. Resources:
– React docs on Hooks
– React Hooks in Action by John Larsen

Step 11: Practice event handling

React has its own system for handling events like clicks and form submissions. Learn how to assign event handlers, pass event data, and modify state in response to events. Resources:
– React docs on Handling Events
– React Events Cheatsheet by Flavio Copes

Step 12: Learn how to fetch data

Most non-trivial apps need to interact with an API to fetch data. Understand how to use tools like fetch or axios to make HTTP requests, and how to update your UI with the returned data. Resources:
– React docs on AJAX and APIs
– How to make API requests with React by Robin Wieruch

Step 13: Get familiar with React Router

React Router lets you create a multi-page React app with navigation. Understand concepts like routes, links, URL parameters, redirects, and hooks. Resources:
– React Router docs
– React Router Tutorial by TechMagic

Step 14: Use a form library

Forms in React can be complex to manage. Learn how libraries like Formik or React Hook Form can simplify creating, validating, and handling form submissions. Resources:
– Formik docs
– React Hook Form docs

Step 15: Try out a UI framework

UI frameworks like Material UI, React Bootstrap, or Blueprint provide pre-built, customizable components that can speed up development. Experiment with a few to see if they fit your needs. Resources:
– Material UI
– React Bootstrap
– Blueprint

Step 16: Learn CSS-in-JS

CSS-in-JS lets you write component-scoped CSS using JavaScript. Try libraries like styled-components or Emotion to see how they compare to plain CSS or preprocessors. Resources:
– styled-components docs
– Emotion docs

Step 17: Dive deep into React DevTools

React DevTools provide powerful ways to inspect and debug your components. Learn techniques to view component hierarchies, monitor state changes, interact with props/hooks, and optimize performance. Resources:
– Debugging React Like a Champ with React DevTools by Lenny Cunningham
– Advanced React Debugging Techniques by Sara Viera

Step 18: Master Redux for complex state management

While React can handle local component state, a library like Redux helps manage more complex, global state. Study concepts like the store, actions, reducers, middleware, and selectors until you feel comfortable using them in a larger app. Resources:
– Redux docs
– Learn Redux by Wes Bos

Step 19: Study React design patterns

Over time, the React community has developed several common patterns for solving problems. Some examples include higher-order components, render props, compound components, and provider patterns. Explore these and think about situations you might apply them. Resources:
– React Patterns by Michael Chan
– React Component Patterns by Kent C. Dodds

Step 20: Understand React performance optimization

As apps grow, your components can trigger unnecessary re-renders that hurt performance. Learn techniques like memoization, pure components, lazy loading, and windowing to keep your UIs fast. Resources:
– React docs on Optimizing Performance
– Fix Perf Issues in React by Bartosz Szczeciński

Step 21: Try your hand at React testing

Testing your components can help prevent bugs and improve maintainability. Get comfortable with tools like Jest, React Testing Library, and Cypress to write unit, integration, and end-to-end tests. Resources:
– Testing Overview in React docs
– React Testing Tutorial by Robin Wieruch

Step 22: Consider React frameworks

Frameworks like Next.js and Gatsby are built on top of React to handle things like server-side rendering, route pre-fetching, code splitting, and generating static websites. Building an app with one of these can help improve performance and SEO. Resources:
– Next.js docs
– Gatsby docs

Step 23: Learn how to use Firebase with React

Firebase provides a suite of tools that work well with React for building full-stack apps. Study how to use services like Authentication, Cloud Firestore, Cloud Functions, and Hosting in conjunction with your React app. Resources:
– Firebase docs
– Build a CRUD App in React with Firebase by Simon Bloom

Step 24: Get to know GraphQL

GraphQL offers benefits over traditional REST APIs like fewer HTTP requests and flexible queries. Learn its query language, how to set up a GraphQL server, and how to pull data into React components using a client like Apollo. Resources:
– How to GraphQL – The Fullstack Tutorial for GraphQL by Prisma
– GraphQL & React Tutorial by Apollo

Step 25: Explore React Native for mobile

If you‘re interested in app development, React Native lets you write cross-platform mobile apps in JavaScript. Learn how it differs from React on the web and try building some small demo apps. Resources:
– React Native docs
– The Complete React Native Course by Mosh Hamedani

Step 26: Build ambitious React projects for your portfolio

Nothing demonstrates your skills better to employers than a portfolio full of well-crafted apps and websites. Treat these projects as an opportunity to apply and showcase all the concepts you‘ve learned. Some ideas:
– A social media app with profiles, posts, likes, and messaging
– An e-commerce site with products, categories, cart, and payments
– A productivity tool like a project management system or habit tracker
For inspiration and tutorials, check out Scotch.io and FreeCodeCamp‘s YouTube channel

Step 27: Refactor and optimize past React projects

Revisit the apps you previously built and identify areas for improvement. Make your code more modular, split components into presentational and container types, improve performance, follow accessibility guidelines, and ensure your UI/UX is top-notch. Resources:
– React docs on Accessibility
– Refactoring React Components by Rajat S

Step 28: Practice for React coding interviews

Many companies will test your React knowledge in a live coding session. Prepare by reviewing concepts and practicing common interview questions. Be ready to build a small app from scratch and explain your approach. Resources:
– React Interview Questions by Tyler McGinnis
– The MEGA Interview Guide by Andrei Neagoie

Step 29: Update your résumé and online presence

Revamp your résumé to highlight your new React skills and projects. Update your portfolio website (ideally built with React) and make sure your GitHub profile has your best work. Consider writing articles to share your knowledge and boost your online presence.

Step 30: Network and apply for React jobs

Let your network know you‘re on the job hunt. Search for roles that match your skill level on job boards and company sites. Tailor your résumé and cover letter to each position. Line up references and prep for interviews. Resources:
– How to write a developer résumé that will get you hired by Mashable
– ReactJobz

Step 31: Continue learning and improving your craft

The React landscape is always evolving, so commit to continually growing your skills. Some ways to stay sharp:
– Read industry blogs like Overreacted, CSS-Tricks, and official React blog
– Attend conferences (in-person or virtual) like ReactConf and React Summit
– Find a mentor who can help guide your career and introduce you to opportunities
– Contribute to open source projects to gain experience with a larger codebase

Remember that becoming an expert React developer is a journey. Stay focused, keep building, and don‘t be afraid to apply for jobs even if you don‘t feel 100% ready. With your newfound React skills and continued dedication to learning, you‘ll be on your way to a full-time role in no time.