I've got a bit of experience with JavaScript, mainly using jQuery, but I realize that I need to start picking up React skills. I'm not too interested in getting involved with package managers or assemblers.
Here's a resource I found: https://maxfarseer.gitbooks.io/react-course-ru/con...
I also have a question about needing a server.
1) Can I simply throw these files onto a hosting platform and be done with it? Or perhaps I'm not understanding what is meant by "server" in this context?
2) Can you recommend any other helpful learning materials, or is this guide sufficient enough for someone like me who's just starting out?
To render the DOM, React requires data in JSON format that is usually generated by the server from database information. However, during initial training, it's possible to store static JSON files on any web server for this purpose.
Having a reliable server is crucial in delivering the necessary JSON data for React to draw the DOM. Typically, this JSON is generated from database data. However, during the training phase, it's possible to utilize static files containing JSON and store them on an available web server.
I completed courses on React, but before that, I was already familiar with developing a frontend using Gulp. It's important to master the basics first, including collecting styles and scripts. After that, I taught myself to use Webpack by referring to the official dоcumentation. Once I became proficient, I was able to configure a web server (Webpack-dev-server) and connect Babel too. Whenever I ran into any issues, I would simply search for solutions online. Prior to working with JSX, I made sure to learn about ES6 since it can be challenging to understand React without it.
To improve your skills further, TheMoth recommended an excellent book which I also agree with. Reading it will help you learn how to configure both Gulp and Webpack. Though, if you only want to focus on one, mastering both won't hurt for general development purposes.
You can easily find a useful source for learning React by searching "React manual" on Google. One of the top results is a well-organized and comprehensive guide on Metanit. The information is presented in chapters, making it easy to understand and navigate.
If self-paced learning is not your preferred method, there are also various online courses available from GeekBrains, MCS, Loftscool, and other schools. These courses offer structured training programs and interactive learning experiences to help you master React development.
The resource you found seems like a good starting point for learning React. As for your questions:
1) In the context of React, when we talk about needing a server, it usually refers to having a server to handle API requests or to serve the React application itself. If your React application only consists of client-side code (HTML, JavaScript, and CSS), you can indeed host it on a static hosting platform like Netlify, Vercel, or GitHub Pages without the need for a traditional server. However, if your application needs to interact with a database or external APIs, you would need a server to handle those requests.
2) The resource you found seems to be a comprehensive guide to learning React, so it should be a good starting point. However, if you're looking for additional learning materials, you may consider checking out the official React dоcumentation and tutorials on the React website. Additionally, there are many free and paid online courses available on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Codecademy that can provide structured learning paths for beginners in React.
As you mentioned not being interested in package managers or assemblers, it's worth noting that while it's possible to use React without them, they are commonly used tools in modern web development and can greatly simplify the development and deployment process. It might be beneficial to at least have a basic understanding of tools like npm (Node Package Manager) and bundlers like Webpack, as they are commonly used in React development environments.
Here are some additional tips and resources to help you on your learning journey:
1) Practice Projects: Once you've gone through the initial learning material, it's essential to practice what you've learned by working on small projects. Building simple applications or components will solidify your understanding of React concepts. You could start by building a to-do list app, a weather widget, or a simple game to apply your new skills.
2) Community and Forums: Engaging with the developer community can provide valuable support and insights. Websites like Stack Overflow, Reddit's r/reactjs, and Discord channels dedicated to React are excellent places to ask questions and learn from others' experiences.
3) YouTube Tutorials: There are many video tutorials available on platforms like YouTube that cover React from beginner to advanced levels. Follow along with coding tutorials and watch developers build projects to gain a deeper understanding of React in action.
4) Understanding Build Tools: While you mentioned not being interested in package managers and assemblers, having a basic understanding of tools like npm, yarn, and bundlers like Webpack can be beneficial in the long run. They help manage dependencies, optimize code, and streamline the development process.
There are numerous resources available to learn React, catering to various learning styles and preferences. Here are some popular sources to get started with learning React:
1. Official React dоcumentation: The official React dоcumentation provided by Facebook is an excellent resource for learning React from the ground up. It covers the core concepts, API references, and provides practical examples.
2. React Tutorial on reactjs.org: The official React website (https://reactjs.org) offers a comprehensive tutorial that walks you through the fundamental concepts of React, making it an ideal starting point for beginners.
3. Online Learning Platforms: Websites like Udemy, Coursera, and Codecademy offer React courses taught by industry professionals, covering everything from beginner-level introductions to advanced topics.
4. FreeCodeCamp: FreeCodeCamp offers a free, self-paced React curriculum with interactive lessons and projects, providing hands-on experience while learning.
5. YouTube Tutorials: Many content creators and instructors share high-quality tutorials on YouTube, offering in-depth explanations of React concepts, along with practical examples and real-world projects.
6. Books: Several books, such as "Learning React: A Hands-On Guide to Building Web Applications Using React and Redux" by Kirupa Chinnathambi and "React: Up & Running: Building Web Applications" by Stoyan Stefanov, provide comprehensive insights into React development.
7. Community Forums and Blogs: Participating in React communities on platforms like Stack Overflow, Reddit's r/reactjs subreddit, and Medium can provide valuable insights, tips, and best practices shared by experienced React developers.
React apps are basically front-end bundles-HTML, CSS, and JS - that can be served statically. So yes, you can just upload the build output to any static hosting (Netlify, Vercel, GitHub Pages) without needing a backend server. When folks say "server" in React context, they often mean a Node.js environment for SSR or API backend, but for pure client-side React, a simple static host suffices.
The guide you linked looks solid for fundamentals, but React's ecosystem is vast and fast-moving. I'd recommend complementing it with official React docs and maybe a hands-on tutorial on hooks and functional components.