Are you a beginner in web development and want to learn React? Look no further! In this article, we will show you how to get started with React in just 20 minutes. Plus, we’ll provide you with three simple projects to practice your skills. So let’s dive in!

What is React?
React is an open-source JavaScript library for building user interfaces. It was developed by Facebook and gained popularity for its simplicity and performance. React uses a component-based architecture, which allows you to break down your UI into reusable pieces, making your code more modular and maintainable.

Getting Started with React

Step 1: Set Up Your Environment
To get started with React, you need to set up your development environment. The easiest way is to use CodeSandbox, a web-based code editor that requires no setup. Alternatively, you can install Node.js and use Create React App (CRA) for local development.

Step 2: Create a New React Project
Once your environment is set up, you can create a new React project. With CodeSandbox, you can simply choose “React” from the template list and you’re good to go. If you’re using CRA, open your terminal and run the following command:
“`
npx create-react-app my-app
“`
Replace “my-app” with your desired project name.

Step 3: Understand React Basics
React revolves around components. A component is a reusable piece of code that represents part of the user interface. It can be a button, a form, or even a whole page. Components can be functional or class-based.

To start, open the `src/App.js` file in your project and modify the function to return some JSX (JavaScript XML) code. JSX allows you to write HTML-like syntax inside your JavaScript code. For example:
“`jsx
import React from ‘react’;

function App() {
return (

);
}

export default App;
“`

Step 4: Render Your React Component
In order to see your component, you need to render it into the DOM. Open the `src/index.js` file and modify it as follows:
“`javascript
import React from ‘react’;
import ReactDOM from ‘react-dom’;
import App from ‘./App’;

ReactDOM.render(


,
document.getElementById(‘root’)
);
“`

Step 5: Run the Project
If you’re using CodeSandbox, you can see your app running in real-time. If you’re using CRA, open your terminal, navigate to your project’s directory, and run:
“`
npm start
“`
Your app will be available at `http://localhost:3000`.

Three Beginner Projects to Practice React

1. To-Do List App
Create a simple to-do list app where users can add, delete, and mark tasks as completed. This project will help you understand component state and how to handle user interactions.

2. Weather App
Build a weather app that displays the current weather details for a given location. You can use an API like OpenWeatherMap to retrieve weather data. This project will enhance your knowledge of fetching data from APIs and conditional rendering.

3. Movie Search App
Develop a movie search app that allows users to search for movies and view their details. You can use the OMDb API to fetch movie data based on user searches. This project will teach you how to handle user input and data filtering.

Conclusion
In just 20 minutes, you’ve learned the basics of React and gained three project ideas to practice your skills. Remember to break down larger projects into smaller components for better maintainability. Happy coding and enjoy your React journey!