CREATE FRONT END WITH REACT: THE INITIAL STEPS
To create a front-end app with React, follow these basic actions:
STEP 1: INSTALL NODE.JS AND NPM
Ensure Node.js and npm (Node Package Manager) are installed on your PC. You can download them from the official Node website. Npm comes bundled with Node.js.
STEP 2: CREATE A NEW REACT APP
Use 'create-react-app' to quickly set up a new React project. Open your terminal and run the following command: ‘npx create-react-app my-app’
Replace 'my-app' with your project name. This command will assemble a new directory named 'my-app' (or your chosen name) and establish all necessary files and dependencies for the case.
STEP 3: NAVIGATE TO YOUR CASE DIRECTORY
After assembling the case, navigate to the project directory: ‘cd my-app’
STEP 4: SET UP THE SERVER
Open the dev server to see your case on a local computer: 'npm start'
This command will form the dev server and open your case in your default web browser. If you edit the source files, the application will automatically reload.
STEP 5: EXPLORE THE PROJECT STRUCTURE
Open the project directory ('my-app') in your code editor. You'll see a typical React project structure, where:
- 'public/': Contains the HTML template ('index.html') that serves as the entry point to your React application.
- 'src/': Contains the JavaScript files that make up your React components ('index.js', 'App.js', etc.).
- 'package.json': Lists the project dependencies and configuration details.
STEP 6: BEGIN BUILDING YOUR APPLICATION
Start developing your app by modifying 'src/App.js' and creating new elements in the 'src/' directory. React for frontend components can be either JS functions or classes that return JSX to define the user interface.
ADDITIONAL STEPS (OPTIONAL)
- Install Additional Packages: Use npm or yarn to install extra packages (e.g., 'axios' for HTTP requests, 'react-router-dom' for routing).
- Deploy Your Application: Once your application is ready, deploy it to hosting platforms like Netlify, Vercel, or GitHub Pages.
- Learn how to create a front end with React: Dive deeper into React by exploring the official documentation and tutorials.
