Getting Started with React: A Step-by-Step Guide

React is a popular JavaScript library for building user interfaces, particularly single-page applications. Created by Facebook, React enables developers to build web applications that can update and render efficiently in response to data changes. This guide will walk you through setting up your first React project and understanding the basics of how React works.

Step 1: Set Up Your Development Environment

Before you start building with React, you need to set up your development environment. This involves installing Node.js and npm (Node Package Manager).

1. Install Node.js and npm:

• Go to the Node.js website and download the latest stable version.
• Run the installer and follow the instructions.
• Verify the installation by opening a terminal and typing:

node -v
npm -v

2. Install a Code Editor:

• You can use any code editor you prefer, but Visual Studio Code is highly recommended due to its rich ecosystem of extensions for JavaScript and React development.

Step 2: Create a New React Application