Getting Started with React
What is React?
React is a declarative, efficient, and flexible JavaScript library for building user interfaces. It lets you compose complex UIs from small and isolated pieces of code called "components".
Setting Up a React Project
To get started, you'll need Node.js installed. Use Create React App for a quick setup:
npx create-react-app my-app
cd my-app
npm start
Understanding Components
Components are the building blocks of React applications. They can be functional or class-based. Here's a simple example:
function Welcome(props) {
return Hello, {props.name}!
;
}
Props and State
Props allow you to pass data to components, while state manages data that can change over time. This separation makes your code more predictable and easier to debug.
In this guide, we've covered the fundamentals of React. As you build more complex applications, you'll appreciate React's component-based architecture and virtual DOM for efficient rendering.
About the Author

Alex Johnson
Full-stack developer passionate about modern web technologies and open-source contributions.