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How to Install React – A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Install React: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Install React : A Step-by-Step Guide
React.js
 By admin_tis 72

 

How to Install React: A Step-by-Step Guide

 

React.js (or simply React) is an open-source JavaScript library used for building user interfaces, especially for single-page applications (SPAs) where you need a fast, interactive, and dynamic user experience. It was developed by Facebook and is maintained by Facebook along with a community of developers. In this article, we will learn how to install React with a step-by-step guide.

 

Related topics you may enjoy: What is the best way to learn React.js

 

Why Install React? 

 

React is an open-source JavaScript library for building dynamic user interfaces (UIs). You can use it to build components that represent logically reusable parts of the UI. It allows you to create reusable UI components and manage the state of your application efficiently. As React is open-source, anyone can access its source code, modify it, and enhance it for their specific needs. 
 

 

Step 1:Install Node.js
 

Before installing React, you should have Node.js installed on your computer. If you do not know what Node.js is, it's a JavaScript runtime environment that enables you to run JavaScript code outside of the browser.

You need Node.js because React is a JavaScript library, and this library depends on Node to figure out how dependencies are managed, build your application, and run a development server. Now, even though the full React runs in the browser, tools like npm (Node Package Manager) that come with Node.js will be used to install and manage all the packages upon which your project depends.

In short, Node.js will help React in the development of building, bundling, and serving your project during development. Node.js is thus very important in setting up the system.

There are several versions of Node.js, and it's best to install the most recent stable version. Such a version ensures it comes with some crucial updates: bug fixes, security patches, and enhanced compatibility with new dependencies you may need for your project.

To install Node.js:

  1. Visit the Node.js website.
     
  2. Download the LTS (Long-Term Support) version, as it is the most stable and recommended for production.
     
  3. Follow the installation instructions for your operating system(Windows, macOS, or Linux).
     
  4. Once installed, open your terminal and run the following command to verify the installation:
     
bash
 
node -v
This will display the installed version of Node.js. If the version is shown, then Node.js has been successfully installed.
 

Step 2: Install React

 

Now you're ready to install React! There are two main ways to create a React app: Create React App (CRA) and Vite. We'll cover both methods, but we recommend Vite for a faster and more modern development experience.

 

Option 1: Install React Using Create React App (CRA)
 

While Create React App is still very common, a lot of React developers nowadays have now been migrated to newer and faster tools, such as Vite. Still, one must know how CRA does things.
 

 

  1. Open your command prompt and get into the directory where you wish to create your React app. For instance: For example:

    bash
     
     
    cd Documents/to/your/folder
     

  2. Make a new folder for your project:

    bash
     
    mkdir my-react-app 
    cd my-react-app

  3. In your new folder, type the following command to create a React app using CRA:

    bash
     
    npx create-react-app my-app
  4. Wait until the installation is done. open the project in your code editor (such as VS Code) by typing:

bash

code

5. Now, let's dive deeper into the structure of the project. Important folders are as follows:

  • node_modules: Contains all your project's dependencies.
     
  • src: Contains the React components (e.g., App.js, index.js).
     
  • package.json: Manages dependencies and scripts.

     

Option 2: Install React Using Vite (Recommended)

 

Vite is a modern, fast-build tool that's perfect for new React projects. It provides a better development experience with faster hot module replacement (HMR) and built-in optimizations.

 

  1. Start by creating a new folder for your React project:

    bash
     
    mkdir vite-react-app 
    cd vite-react-app

  2. Run the following command to create a new Vite project with React:

    bash
     
    npm create vite@latest my-react-vite --template react

  3. After selecting the template, navigate to the newly created folder:

    bash
     
    cd my-react-vite

    4. Install the necessary dependencies by running:

    bash

    npm install

    5. Once the installation is complete, start the development server:

    bash
     
    npm run dev
    6. After the server starts, open your browser and navigate to http://localhost:3000 to see your app in action.

 

Step 3: Start Developing Your React App
 

Now that you have successfully installed React, you are all set to begin building your app. You can add components, manage state, and even use React's built-in features such as hooks to create a dynamic user interface.

 

Conclusion: Start Building with React

Now that you have installed React and know how to create a project with either CRA or Vite, you can begin to explore development in React. We use Vite to make modern high-performance React applications. However, for most users, CRA works perfectly fine and will be discussed throughout this chapter.

In such a scenario, React is just an incredibly powerful library for developing dynamic UIs, and building scalable web applications is no fuss at all using these simple steps of installation.

 

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