How Difficult is it to Learn React? (2024)

You might want to learn React but worry that it could be too hard. Thankfully, React is easy to learn, but only once you have foundational knowledge in JavaScript. Of course, the difficulty that comes with learning anything new is somewhat subjective. Regardless of your prior experience, plenty of resources are available to help make React easier to learn.

What is React?

React is a JavaScript library that allows new user interface (UI) components to appear on websites and apps without needing to reload the page. Jordan Walke, a Software Engineer at Meta, created it to make Facebook’s News Feed load faster. It was later added to Instagram and became open-source for the benefit of the public. Now it’s one of the go-to Javascript libraries for most websites and apps.

Most people use React in web and mobile development because of its flexibility and versatility. A website or app would typically need to pull information from its server to generate new information or images. React enables websites and apps to skip that step by creating reusable components that can be added to the page as the user scrolls. That saves time and computer power for the website—and the user.

Read more about what React is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with React?

React is known for its uses with social media news feeds, such as Facebook and Instagram. That’s not the only use for it, though—you can use it for any online page constantly loading new components on-screen. React libraries are meant to save time by creating reusable interactive elements. They act as templates where the website or app can pull information instead of needing to access the server constantly.

This skill is helpful for websites and apps such as Netflix, Amazon, and Uber Eats that generate new information without reloading the page. If you have aspirations to build websites or apps or work for a company that relies on them, React is an essential skill. With React in your professional toolkit, you’ll be an asset to any web or mobile development team you join.

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning React?

You might feel eager to learn React and want to get started immediately. Ironically, excitement about learning a new subject can cause people to skip ahead before they have the proper experience. Make sure you know everything that you need before you start. Check the prerequisites for learning React, and then you’ll have a solid foundation to carry you through your studies.

The most significant obstacle for new React learners is JavaScript. If you don’t have foundational knowledge in JavaScript, all of the concepts for React will likely confuse you. Thankfully, JavaScript is one of the easiest programming languages to learn, and multiple JavaScript resources are available to make it even easier.

How Does Learning React Compare to Other Fields?

React is related to JavaScript, user interface (UI) design, web development, and mobile development. JavaScript is the programming language used to create React libraries, and React creates templates for user interface elements to help them load without needing to refresh the page. Meanwhile, web and mobile development are important because React is commonly used for websites and mobile apps.

You’ll have an easy time learning React if you’re already well-versed in JavaScript, but it can be challenging if you don’t have little or no experience in JavaScript beforehand. That’s why it’s recommended to learn JavaScript first. Most JavaScript bootcamps and certificate programs also cover React because it’s one of the most popular libraries currently on the market. Once you feel comfortable with JavaScript, try out a React Development Bootcamp to take a deep dive into the subject.

The Best Ways to Learn React

While there’s no solid answer on the best way to learn React, it’s worth looking through some resources and guides, such as Noble Desktop’s React Learn Hub, to help. If you’re beginning your React journey and aren’t sure how to get started, you can look into how to learn React.

Many benefit from taking online classes, which have increased in popularity in recent years. While looking over how to learn React online, check out some prerequisites, such as JavaScript. See where your strengths already are and what you can do to improve. Once you’re ready, you can dive into everything that is React.

Learn React with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop has plenty of resources to help you through your React learning journey, including courses and bootcamps that will help you land that job you’ve been eager to apply for. Most of these programs feature many benefits, including expert instructors leading each course, small class sizes for individualized instruction, and free retake options if you want to review some of the topics discussed.

One of the first options worth checking out is the React Development Bootcamp, which will teach you everything you need to know about React for your career. JavaScript is the foundation of React, so it’s worth looking into the JavaScript Development Certificate to give you an overview of the programming language. If you plan to use React for websites, try the Full Stack Web Development Certificate instead.

These programs will give you a certificate upon completion, which you can display on your LinkedIn for everyone, including future employers. Noble’s certificate programs also come with the opportunity to retake the course for free, an ideal scenario for those wanting extra practice and support. If you’re not ready to commit to a bootcamp or certificate program, you can look through all of the React courses and choose the one that works best for you.

You can also learn more about React through Noble Desktop’s React Learn Hub guides.