How to Learn React JS

React JS is a JavaScript library that helps developers build websites. It can be difficult to learn, so enrolling in a bootcamp can be helpful.

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Updated April 20, 2023

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Developed by Facebook (Meta), React JS is vital to many sites you probably use daily, including Facebook, Instagram, Netflix, WhatsApp, and Dropbox. React JS makes front-end development more efficient by providing the scaffolding of the webpage, so developers do not need to start from scratch every time.

As with many coding tools and languages, there are several ways to learn React JS, including coding bootcamps and online courses. Learners can choose from various learning options from quick overviews to in-depth courses that tackle many front-end tools. Some bootcamps are free or cost very little, while others can cost thousands of dollars. Learning React JS is valuable if you want to work in front-end development, but how you learn is up to you.

Coding Bootcamps

If you want to understand a concept, especially a complex one, one of the best options is enrolling in a bootcamp. These programs are often more in-depth and more similar to a formal educational setting than other options.

In addition, coding bootcamps often tackle larger concepts, like front-end development or a bunch of different tools rather than just one particular skill. Since React JS is used in tandem with other frameworks, libraries, and languages, it makes sense to learn it in the context of its real-world use.

Find the Right Coding Bootcamp For You

Online Courses

With so many students eager to learn various skills and tools in computer science, learning options are abundant. While bootcamps are an excellent option for many, they do not work for everyone. Another popular option to learn React JS or any other computer science skill is to take an online class.

Online classes are often shorter and not as in-depth. But they offer more flexibility and often cost less. Many online courses are also self-paced, which is great for those with busy schedules. You can even take some classes for free in a couple of hours.

Of course, watching a few lectures will not make you an expert. But if you are self-motivated, they can be a valuable learning resource in addition to practice. Check out a few online courses below:

Full-Stack Web Development with React Specialization: This three-month specialization program covers multiple tools to prepare students with the skills they will need to become full-stack developers. This option is great for those with some but not extensive experience.
React Basic in Just One Hour [2021] by Udemy: This is a good refresher course that covers a lot of information quickly but without the degree of hands-on learning provided by other courses. No prior experience is required for this course.
Advanced React and Redux Tutorial: 2019 Edition by Udemy: For those wanting more information than what can be explained in an hour, this 21-hour lesson includes components on React, Redux, and authentication. It also covers testing, middlewares, HOCs, and Deployment.
React.js Training Course: This course allows students to learn at their own pace and return to old modules whenever they want to refresh concepts. It also offers a 100% money back guarantee.
Learn React by Codecademy: This 20-hour course teaches students about JSX, class, and function components. Learners can earn a certificate after course completion.

Online Courses vs. Bootcamps

Online Courses
Pros	Cons
Online courses are often less expensive or free. Classes are often self-paced. There is a large diversity of available classes.	They are usually quicker and not as in-depth. Not all classes are high quality or kept up to date. Often, students do not receive personal attention from instructors.

Bootcamps
Pros	Cons
The material is often more in-depth. Bootcamps offer more personalized attention and smaller class size. Some bootcamps offer job placement or career services.	Bootcamps often require a more significant time commitment. They usually cost significantly more than online courses. It may be difficult to work and complete a bootcamp at the same time.

Coding Bootcamps to Learn React JS

General Assembly

Locations: Remote
Program Cost: $3,950
Learning Formats: Online
Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time

Accepts GI Bill®
Career Services
Income Share Agreement

With the General Assembly course, students can study part time in the evenings over ten weeks or in an accelerated one-week course. Currently, the program is only available online, but the Los Angeles campus will reopen, giving students more learning options.

While it is the most expensive of the three bootcamp providers, General Assembly works with employers to provide 45% of students either full or partial tuition reimbursement. If reimbursement is not possible, it also offers student loans with 0% interest and no fees.

Noble Desktop

Locations: Remote, New York City
Program Cost: $2,995
Learning Formats: In Person, Online
Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time

Career Services
Evening and Weekend Options

This 72-hour class can either be taken online or in a NYC classroom over either two or six weeks. Students need a working knowledge of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. If not, students can take a prerequisite course through Noble Desktop.

If you find the course difficult or want a refresher later on, Noble Desktop allows students to go back and retake the course for free for an entire year after completion. Payment plans are available, though full tuition is due by the end of the course.

Udemy

Locations: Remote
Program Cost: $84.99
Learning Formats: Online
Time Commitment: Self-Paced

Evening and Weekend Options
Money-Back Guarantee

This 13-hour course allows students to learn React JS and Redux at their own pace on any device. Despite being one of the least expensive courses, Udemy also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee in case the class is not a good match for you.

If you decide to stick with the course, Udemy offers lifetime access to the material. While it is great that students can go back and refresh a concept, some students have already reported a few course elements are no longer accurate or relevant. The course was last updated in 2019.

Get the Qualities You Want in a Bootcamp

We use icons to make browsing bootcamps easy for you. Use this breakdown to quickly identify program qualities you are looking for.

Accepts GI Bill®

Accepts the GI Bill® as funding for tuition.

Also Available In Person

This online bootcamp also offers in-person options.

Career Services

Offers career services to help you land your dream job after graduation.

CIRR Member

This bootcamp is a current member of the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting. Learn more at cirr.org.

Evening & Weekend Options

Bootcamps are offered during convenient evening and weekend hours.

Job Guarantee

Employment is guaranteed as soon as you finish your bootcamp.

Money-Back Guarantee

Tuition is refunded if you don't land a job within a given time frame after graduation. Visit the bootcamp website for terms and conditions.

Start for Free

No deposit is required to get started. Begin your bootcamp for $0.

Methodology

Bootcamp Ranking Guidelines

At BestColleges, we believe the best bootcamp is the one that fits your schedule, your learning needs, and your career aspirations. That's why we often present our recommendations in alphabetical order -- because the real best bootcamp is the bootcamp that's best for you.

Our Methodology

The Bootcamp Team at BestColleges has collected data for over 150 bootcamps to help you find the best bootcamp.

At BestColleges, we believe the best bootcamp is the one that fits your schedule, your learning needs, and your career aspirations. That's why we often present our recommendations in alphabetical order -- because the real best bootcamp is the bootcamp that's best for you.

At this time, our recommendation round-ups feature only immersive bootcamps designed to prepare students for job placement upon graduation.

To be included on our lists, bootcamps must meet the following criteria:

Must offer at least one bootcamp in the United States.
Must offer at least one bootcamp that is a minimum of 4 weeks long.
Must require at least 15 hours of work per week if the bootcamp is part time.
Must encourage at least 10 hours of work per week if the bootcamp is self-paced.

Pricing disclosure: The prices listed were collected from product websites in 2022. However, given the dynamic, fast-paced nature of the tech space, prices are subject to change throughout the year. To get the most up-to-date information about pricing, contact providers directly.

Methodology for Recommending Cheap Bootcamps:

The bootcamp must meet all of the general criteria listed above.
The bootcamp must cost less than $8,000 if it is offered full time, and less than $5,000 if it is offered part time. These numbers were chosen based on data collected by BestColleges in 2020 that determined the average cost of a coding bootcamp is $13,580.

React JS Jobs

Front-End Developer

Front-end developers use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build the user-facing side of websites and apps. React JS is one of the most commonly used libraries in front-end development, so it is important for users to know how to use it as well.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $77,220, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Full-Stack Developer

Full-stack developers can work with both front-end and back-end code to develop websites, games, and apps. Since React JS is only used in front-end development, full-stack developers might not use React JS every day, but it is still a very important skill to have.

Average Annual Salary (August 2022): $80,040, according to Payscale data

Software Engineer

Software engineers are responsible for designing, developing, testing, and improving software. Because there are various types of software development, some developers may use React JS frequently, while others may not.

Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $120,730, according to the BLS

What Are the Benefits of a React JS Certification?

Adding React JS to your list of skills can help you develop a career as a React developer, mobile app developer, or a front-end or full-stack developer. Earning a certification might not be required in many cases, but demonstrating an understanding of some of these tools may help advance your career and salary potential.

According to the BLS, software developers and related professions where React is a crucial skill to have is projected to grow faster than the average for all other U.S. jobs. The BLS projects these jobs to grow by 22% from 2020-2030, higher than the 8% average growth rate for all jobs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Learning React JS

Is React JS easy to learn?

React JS can be complicated and requires users to have strong background knowledge of computer science, functional programming, and front-end frameworks. Beginners should expect to spend a few months learning the language, while more experienced developers may develop a decent understanding in a month.

React JS is complicated because it is a modular language and requires an understanding of curried, immutable, and higher-order functions. The best way to learn React JS is to take a course and start building websites.

Where can I learn React JS for free?

While there are a few places to learn React JS for free, remember that free does not always mean better. React JS can be difficult to understand, so make sure you choose a program based on the value it can add to your career, rather than what is the cheapest.

There are many languages or tools that you can learn on your own fairly easily, but this is not one of them. Even if they cost more, the more expensive classes and bootcamps often provide better instruction and better prepare students to use React JS more effectively.

What is the best way to learn React JS?

There is no best way to learn, but your availability, finances, and learning style can determine what option is best for you. Bootcamps can offer more in-depth instruction and a personalized learning environment. Online classes can be more flexible and affordable.

The best way to find your best fit is to explore a few options and find the one that fits best with your objectives, learning style, and life situation. Some classes offer a free trial or a money-back guarantee, so you can test a few different programs.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://benefits.va.gov/gibill/index.asp.

Feature Image: Maskot / Maskot / Getty Images

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