React Foundations: A Beginner’s Journey from Basics to Real-World Apps

Learning Path

Module 1: Setting Up Your Environment & JavaScript Essentials

Install and configure the tools you need to start React development, and get a quick refresher on modern JavaScript features. This step ensures your machine is ready and you’re comfortable with the language fundamentals React relies on.

Topics covered:

• Install Node.js, npm, and a code editor (VS Code)
• Create your first React app using Create React App
• ES6 syntax: let/const, arrow functions, template literals
• Modules and imports/exports in JavaScript
• Debugging JavaScript in the browser console

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Module 2: React Core Concepts: JSX, Elements & Components

Learn how React represents UI with JSX and converts it to real DOM elements. Begin crafting your own functional components and understand how React renders and updates the view.

Topics covered:

• Write JSX and embed JavaScript expressions
• Render React elements to the DOM with ReactDOM
• Create and use functional components
• Understand component vs HTML attributes
• Use Babel for transpiling JSX

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Module 3: Passing Data: Props & Component Composition

Discover how data flows through your app by passing props into components. Practice composing simple components into complex UIs and learn patterns for organizing reusable pieces.

Topics covered:

• Pass and access props in child components
• Set defaultProps and validate with propTypes
• Compose components using children and nesting
• Extract common UI elements into reusable components
• Pass callback functions as props for interactivity

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Module 4: Managing State & Effects

Handle dynamic data by adding state to your components and responding to lifecycle events. Transition from class-based state/lifecycle methods to modern Hooks for a cleaner approach.

Topics covered:

• Use the useState Hook for local component state
• Perform side effects with useEffect and cleanup
• Understand class component lifecycle: componentDidMount, componentDidUpdate
• Update state immutably and batch updates
• Manage multiple state variables in a single component

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Module 5: Events, Forms & User Input

Make your UI interactive by handling events and building forms. Learn controlled vs uncontrolled components and implement form validation for real-world data entry.

Topics covered:

• Attach event handlers for clicks, keyboard, and more
• Build controlled form components using state
• Validate input with custom validation logic
• Handle form submission and prevent default behavior
• Use refs for uncontrolled form inputs

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Module 6: Client-Side Routing with React Router

Turn your single-page React app into a multi-page experience with client-side routing. Learn to define routes, navigate between views, and handle dynamic URL parameters.

Topics covered:

• Install and set up React Router
• Define Routes and render components by path
• Use Link and NavLink for navigation
• Create dynamic routes with URL parameters
• Implement redirects and 404 NotFound pages

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Module 7: Global State & Context API

Move beyond local component state by introducing global state management. Start with React’s Context API to share data across your app without prop drilling.

Topics covered:

• Create and provide a Context for global data
• Consume Context values in nested components
• Update Context state from consumer components
• Organize Context logic into custom Hooks
• Compare Context API with Redux basics

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Module 8: Building, Testing & Deploying a Real-World App

Consolidate all your React skills by building a complete application from scratch. Learn how to test components, optimize performance, and deploy your app to a hosting platform.

Topics covered:

• Plan project structure and component hierarchy
• Write unit tests with Jest and React Testing Library
• Optimize build output for production
• Deploy to Netlify or Vercel with continuous deployment
• Set up basic CI/CD workflows