After a brief hiatus from working with React, I decided to dive back into it. Originally, I planned to start with Next.js, as it's the modern framework everyone’s talking about. However, I realized that jumping straight into it might be overwhelming since I hadn’t worked with React in a while. Instead, I opted for a refresher by building a project in vanilla React—and what better way to do that than to solve a real-world problem?
The Project: A Website for Down to Earth Contractors
A local construction company was in need of a modern website to showcase their services, highlight past projects, and provide a way for potential clients to get in touch. This seemed like the perfect opportunity to brush up on my React skills while creating something meaningful.
Key Features of the Website
Responsive Design
The website is fully responsive, ensuring an optimal user experience on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.
Dynamic Content
Each service—excavation, grading, demolition, and more—has its own dedicated page with descriptive content and imagery.
Contact Form with EmailJS
This was my first time integrating EmailJS into a project. The contact form allows users to submit inquiries, which are sent directly to the company’s email. Setting this up was a learning curve, but it was satisfying to see it work seamlessly.
A React Refresher
Working on this website was a great way to revisit fundamental React concepts. I extensively used the useState hook for managing form data and displaying dynamic status messages. Structuring the components, managing props, and styling with CSS were all valuable exercises that reminded me why I enjoy working with React.
The Process of Building
Planning and Structure
I started by outlining the site’s structure: a homepage, a services section with individual pages, a gallery, and a contact page. Breaking the project into smaller components helped me stay organized and focus on one feature at a time.
Challenges and Solutions
EmailJS Integration
Setting up EmailJS was new territory for me. Understanding how to configure the service with my project required some trial and error, but the result was worth the effort. It’s exciting to see how easy it is to integrate third-party tools into a React application.
Styling the Navbar
Ensuring the navbar was responsive and intuitive across devices took some tweaking. I learned more about CSS and how to use conditional class names effectively in React.
Enjoying the Journey
The process of building this website reminded me how much I love learning by doing. There’s something addictive about solving problems, seeing the results of your work, and knowing that you’re creating something valuable.
Looking Ahead
This project has rekindled my passion for React. Moving forward, I’m excited to:
Rebuild My Portfolio Website
My current portfolio is outdated, and I’m eager to create something that better reflects my skills and projects.Learn More React Fundamentals
While this project was a great refresher, there’s always more to learn. I’m planning to dive deeper into state management, performance optimization, and testing.Experiment with Next.js
Once I’m more comfortable with React again, I’ll tackle Next.js to explore server-side rendering and other advanced features.
Conclusion
Building the Down to Earth Contractors website has been a rewarding experience. It’s a reminder that practical projects are the best way to learn and grow as a developer. If you’d like to check out the code for this project, feel free to visit the repository:
- GitHub Repository: Down to Earth Contractors Website
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