React applications have plenty of moving parts. It utilizes many dependencies and configurations. Hence, setting up all the necessary tools, like Babel and webpack, can be a complex and time-consuming process. Is there any easier approach? By using Create React App, you can effortlessly set up all the essential tools.
You just need to enter a few commands. It can significantly boost your development workflow. In this post, you will find 5 things that you should know before creating any React apps. Let’s dive in.
What is create react app?
Create React App is a tool built by Facebook developers. It enables you to quickly create and run React projects. Hence, you can get rid of tedious setup and configuration. All you need to do is run a single command. The Create React App will set up all the necessary tools for you. As a result, you can instantly start working on your project.
What are the advantages of Create React App?
- Instant Reloads:
With instant reloads, your bundles get automatically optimized during deployment. It can be very useful while actively developing React apps. It doesn’t require you to stop and restart the application. As a result, you can avoid extra hassles and save time.
Also, with instant reloads, you don’t need to learn and build up several tools. Hence, you can focus more on development.
- Quick Launch:
Create React App enables you to launch your application in seconds. Therefore, you never have to wait for minutes to get into your app.
- Single Dependency:
Your React app needs just a single build dependency. Because using the create-react-app tool automatically configures essential libraries, including babel and webpack. You don’t have to manually install them. It makes the development setup significantly faster. As a result, you can quickly start creating your app.
- Easy Configuration
Create React App supports a variety of pre-configured libraries, such as Babel, webpack, ESLint, etc. You can easily change the configuration based on your project requirements. All you need to do is simply eject from Create React App. Now, you can go to their config files and make the necessary adjustment to the configuration.
- Easy Installation of the Newest Version:
Creating a project using Create React App automatically installs the latest version of React-DOM, React, and react-scripts. Hence, you don’t have to go through the manual process. Also, the development dependency efficiently handles every other dev dependency. As a result, you will have no issue with launching and testing your application.
- Easy Update:
Updating all the essential tools can be a difficult and time-consuming process. Is there any easier approach? With Create React Apps, you can effortlessly perform the upgrade. You just need to run this command:
npm install react-scripts@latest
How can I create a React app?
You can create a React app following these steps:
Step 1: Set up a React Environment
Have you installed npx and Node.js on your PC? If the answer is yes, you can start creating a React project by using create-react-app.
Run this command in the terminal to create an app called my-react-app:
npx create-react-app my-react-app
The create-react-app will set up everything required for running the React application.
Step 2: Run the React Application
Now, you can run the React application. First, you have to move to the my-react-app directory:
cd my-react-app
Next, you can run the app by using this command:
npm start
A new browser window will show up. It will look like this:
If you see this window, your React application has been successfully installed. Also, it means that your app is running without any issue.
Step 3: Modify React application
Now, you can change the content with your preferred elements. Go to the my-react-app directory. You will see a folder, called src. Go inside it. You will find a file, called App.js. Open it and replace the code with these lines:
function App() {
return (
<div className=”App”>
<h1>Hello World!</h1>
</div>
);
}
export default App;
Now, save the App.js file. Then run your React application.
npm start
You will see this output:
What are the things that I should know before creating React app?
Is it essential to have a strong understanding of HTML?
React uses JSX, which stands for JavaScript XML. It has a syntax similar to HTML. With JSX, you can easily embed the HTML inside the JavaScript code. As a result, you can quickly stylize the UI elements.
You can create a React app without using JSX. However, it is recommended to write JSX. Because it adds structure and clarity to your React code. Also, it can significantly enhance the power of JavaScript. However, you need to have a strong understanding of HTML. Otherwise, you can’t leverage the real power of JSX.
Do I need to have a strong knowledge of JavaScript?
Before creating React apps, you need to have a solid foundation in JavaScript. Because the framework is written in the specific language. Without understanding features and concepts, you cannot unlock the true power of React.
Before creating React apps, you need to get yourself familiar with these features.
- ES6 classes
- Arrow functions
- Destructuring assignment
- Map and filter
Have you already learned these concepts? You are good to go with React. But if you haven’t heard these terms, you should immediately start learning them. Initially, you don’t need to have in-depth knowledge. But once you start working on complex projects, you will begin to understand the importance of those features.
Should I focus on utilizing React debugging tools?
React JS has a set of debugging tools. They can help you to easily understand the code. For instance, React Developer Tools is a popular browser extension for Chrome. It provides several widgets to easily inspect and debug your React code. Also, you can use them to interpret the output.
Also, you can consider using the compile-time debugging tool. It enables you to detect errors at an early stage. Therefore, you won’t find any silent errors during runtime.
Should I consider switching from NPM to Yarn Package Manager?
NPM stands for Node Package Manager. It is widely used by developers worldwide. However, you should consider switching to Yarn. It is a wrapper for NPM. It provides several key advantages. For example, Yarn can install packages faster than NPM.
To install yarn, you have to run this command into your terminal:
npm -g install yarn
Once the installation is done, you can run the server with this command:
yarn start
Now, you can start using Yarn. You can use almost the same commands as NPM. However, you have to replace npm with yarn. Here is an example:
yarn install redux
Should I reach out to other React developers?
React has tons of learning resources. However, if you are a beginner, they might be a bit difficult to comprehend. But if you reach experienced React developers, your learning journey will be a lot smoother. That’s why it’s always better to stay in touch with the React community.
You can consider joining the Reactiflux community on Discord. The members are very helpful. Also, you can join the fullstackreact community.
Should I use Create React App?
Create React App tool enables you to effortlessly create and run React projects. You can use it to set up all the essential development tools with just a few commands. Also, it allows you to easily perform the upgrade. Hence, you will face no issues with maintenance. Overall, Create React App is an amazing tool. Therefore, you should seriously consider using it.
