Create a website with React.js: Step-by-step guide for beginners

Hello HaWkers! Today, I will guide you through the process of building a website using the React.js JavaScript library.

What is React.js?

React.js is an open-source JavaScript library for building user interfaces. It is widely used to develop single-page web applications and mobile applications.

Configuring the environment

To start building a website with React.js, you first need to install Node.js and npm (Node.js package manager) on your computer.

Next, install create-react-app, a tool that automatically configures the React development environment. In the terminal, type:

npm install -g create-react-app

Creating the React project

You can now create a new React project. In the terminal, navigate to the directory where you want to create the project and type:

create-react-app my-site

You now have a new React project called "my-site". Navigate to the project directory and start the development server:

cd my-sitenpm start

You will see the React.js home page open in your browser.

Building the Website

For this guide, we're going to build a simple website with a header and welcome text. First, open the src/App.js file and replace its contents with the following:

import React from 'react';function App() {  return (    <div className="App">      <header className="App-header">        <h1>Welcome to My Website!</h1>      </header>      <main>        <p>This is a website built with React.js.</p>      </main>    </div>  );}export default App;

Now, if you go back to your browser, you will see the text "Welcome to My Site!" and "This is a website built with React.js.".

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've just built your first website with React.js. This is just a start; React.js offers many more possibilities to create rich and interactive user interfaces.

To deepen your knowledge of React.js, take a look at the article about Creating PWA with React: Improving the user experience.

Until next time, HaWkers!

Let's go up! 🦅