Introduction
If you're curious about learning React.js but aren't sure if you need JavaScript first, you're not alone.
React is one of the most popular libraries for building user interfaces, and a lot of beginners want to jump right in.
But here’s the big question: Can you learn React without knowing JavaScript?
Short answer? Technically, yes. But realistically, it’s going to be frustrating and confusing.
React is built on JavaScript, so while you can try to learn React first, it’ll be like learning to drive before understanding how a car works.
Let’s break it down step by step.
What Is React.js, and Why Is It So Popular?
React.js is an open-source JavaScript library created by Facebook in 2013. It helps developers build fast and interactive web applications.
Some of the biggest websites—like Facebook, Instagram, and Airbnb—use React because it makes web development easier and more efficient.
Here’s why so many people love React:
- Reusable Components – You build small pieces of UI and reuse them, making development faster.
- Virtual DOM – React updates only the necessary parts of the page, making it super fast.
- Huge Community – There are tons of free resources, tutorials, and job opportunities.
React is great, but it’s also heavily based on JavaScript. And that’s where things get tricky.
Can You Skip JavaScript and Learn React First?
Let’s be real. You can open a React tutorial and start writing code without deep JavaScript knowledge. But you’ll quickly run into problems.
Here’s why:
React Uses JavaScript Everywhere – From writing functions to handling user interactions, React is just JavaScript with some extra features. If you don’t understand JavaScript, you’ll struggle to understand what’s happening in your React code.
Debugging Becomes a Nightmare – If something breaks (which happens a lot in coding), you won’t know whether the issue is in your React code or your JavaScript logic.
Job Market Expectations – Companies hiring React developers expect them to know JavaScript. If you’re serious about getting a job, skipping JavaScript is a bad idea.
Now, let’s look at the JavaScript concepts you need before jumping into React.
JavaScript Basics You Should Know Before React
You don’t need to be a JavaScript expert, but you should be comfortable with:
1. Variables and Data Types
In JavaScript, you use let, const, and var to store data. React uses them a lot to manage UI changes.
const name = "Alice";
let age = 25;
2. Functions (Especially Arrow Functions)
React components often use functions. Arrow functions (=>) are super common in React.
const greet = (name) => {
return `Hello, ${name}!`;
};
3. ES6+ Features (Modern JavaScript)
React heavily relies on modern JavaScript, like:
- Destructuring
const user = { name: "Alice", age: 25 };
const { name, age } = user; // Extracts values from objects
-
Spread Operator (
...)
const numbers = [1, 2, 3];
const newNumbers = [...numbers, 4]; // Adds 4 to the array
4. Promises and Async/Await
React apps often fetch data from APIs. That’s where async/await and Promises come in.
const fetchData = async () => {
const response = await fetch("https://api.example.com/data");
const data = await response.json();
console.log(data);
};
5. DOM Manipulation (Optional, but Helpful)
React handles the UI differently than traditional JavaScript, but understanding how the DOM works is useful.
document.getElementById("myElement").textContent = "Hello!";
If you’re comfortable with these JavaScript concepts, learning React will be way easier.
The Best Way to Learn React (Step by Step)
If you're starting from zero, here’s a roadmap to make things easier:
Step 1: Learn Basic JavaScript (2-4 Weeks)
Focus on the topics listed above. You don’t need to master everything—just get comfortable. Free resources like MDN Web Docs or JavaScript.info are great places to start.
Step 2: Learn React Fundamentals (4-6 Weeks)
Once you’re okay with JavaScript, start with React basics:
- Components – The building blocks of React.
- Props – How components communicate with each other.
- State – How components store and update data.
A great free course is React’s official tutorial.
Step 3: Build Small Projects
Theory is great, but coding is what makes it stick. Try building:
- A to-do list
- A weather app
- A simple blog
Sites like Frontend Mentor provide great project ideas.
Step 4: Learn React Hooks and Advanced Topics (6+ Weeks)
Once you get comfortable, dive into:
- useState and useEffect hooks – Manage state and side effects.
- React Router – Handle navigation in React apps.
- API Calls – Fetch data from external sources.
From here, you can explore Redux, Next.js, and other advanced topics.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to learn JavaScript before React?
For most beginners, 2-4 weeks is enough to learn JavaScript basics before moving to React. If you want to be more confident, 1-2 months is a good goal.
2. Can I learn React if I only know HTML and CSS?
You can try, but it will be very difficult. JavaScript is what makes React work, so learning it first will save you a lot of headaches.
3. What’s the easiest way to practice JavaScript before React?
Solve small coding challenges on CodeWars or LeetCode, and build small projects like a calculator or a quiz app.
4. Is React harder than JavaScript?
React isn’t necessarily harder, but it builds on JavaScript, so if you don’t understand JavaScript, React will seem much harder than it actually is.
Are you new to tech? Check out the article on how to get started in tech as a beginner to gain more insights
Final Thoughts
Can you learn React without JavaScript? Technically, yes. But should you? Probably not.
Learning JavaScript first will make React much easier and save you from frustration.
If you’re serious about learning React, start with JavaScript basics, then move to React step by step.
What do you think? Would you rather learn JavaScript first or dive straight into React? Let me know!
Top comments (1)
The big leap of React development compared the vanila JS web development is the JSX syntax use. Because that stepp give a power to development in one place, do not need to use HTML side by JS code, instead JSX functions works as component which is know how to render a whole HTML part also.
But without Javascript knowledge you cannot write a good React code, because thechnically whole code is a javascript. Just the low level DOM handling is hidden by React.
The core Javascript knowledge is mandatory.