HTML and CSS are still the foundation of a web page; React does not replace them. React adds a JavaScript way to split an interface into reusable components and update what appears when data or user input changes. If you can build a basic page, the next step is to strengthen practical JavaScript, learn JSX, then add components, props, events and state—one concept at a time.
Do you need React for your website?
No. A static page or a site with little changing content may work perfectly well with HTML and CSS. React is useful when an interface needs to be composed from reusable pieces or updated in response to changing data and interactions. It is a JavaScript library, not a requirement for every web page, and it can be added incrementally to an existing site. See React’s learning documentation and guidance for starting a new project.
Think of the transition as adding a new way to describe and update the interface, not abandoning the skills you already have. You will still use HTML concepts to structure content and CSS to style it; in JSX, React uses the attribute className where HTML uses class.
What JavaScript should you know first?
JavaScript is the bridge between writing static markup and building a React interface. Before you begin, aim to be comfortable with the following:
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- Functions, including passing values to a function.
- Arrays and objects, and reading values from them.
- JavaScript modules and importing or exporting code.
- Basic browser developer tools and the terminal or command line.
- Semantic HTML, CSS selectors, and common layout techniques.
MDN’s React introduction lists familiarity with HTML, CSS, JavaScript and terminal use as prerequisites. If functions, arrays or objects are still unfamiliar, spend time on those before adding React; otherwise, JSX and component examples can feel like several new ideas at once.
Where should you start learning?
If you are asking “where to start,” begin with a tiny interface rather than a large app. React’s learning material includes an in-browser sandbox, so you can experiment without first setting up a local project. If you already have a small website, you can also explore adding React to it instead of rebuilding everything. The official options and incremental-adoption guidance are on React Learn.
Use a local setup when you have a reason to work with project files, run a development server or make a deployable app. For a new app intended to grow, React currently recommends starting with a framework. Its new-project guide lists Next.js and React Router for web apps, and Expo for universal Android, iOS and web apps with native UIs.
There is still a from-scratch option when you are learning fundamentals or have constraints that justify choosing the pieces yourself. That gives you flexibility, but you must make decisions about common needs such as routing and data fetching. Choose based on what you are building, rather than assuming one setup fits every learner or project.
How do HTML pages become React components?
A React component is a JavaScript function that returns the markup for part of an interface. Start by looking at a small page and identifying meaningful or repeated pieces: perhaps a header, a card, a list item and a button. Give each piece a component when that makes the interface easier to understand or reuse, then compose those components into the page.
For example, a page could have a Header component and several ItemCard components. Component names begin with a capital letter, which distinguishes them from ordinary HTML tags. React’s first component tutorial explains defining and nesting components.
What changes when you write JSX?
JSX resembles HTML, but it is syntax used inside JavaScript to describe UI. A few rules catch many beginners:
- Close tags, including tags that do not wrap content, such as
<img />. - Wrap sibling elements in one parent element or a fragment when a component returns them together.
- Use capitalized names for your own components, such as
<ItemCard />. - Use
classNamefor CSS classes. - Put JavaScript values or expressions inside curly braces, as in
<p>{item.name}</p>.
Props are the values a parent passes to a component. For instance, a parent can pass an item object to ItemCard, and the card can display its name. Props let you use the same component with different data instead of copying and changing its markup for each item. React’s Quick Start covers JSX, displaying data and passing props.
You can keep styles in CSS files if that is the approach you already know. React supports CSS classes, but it does not require one particular styling method; learn the component and data model before worrying about changing your CSS workflow.
When do events and state enter the picture?
Start with a user action, such as clicking a button, and connect it to an event handler. When an interaction changes a value that should change what the interface renders, use state to represent that changing UI data. For example, a button might show or hide a detail panel, or a filter might change which items appear in a list.
A useful learning order is components and nesting, then props and displaying data, followed by events and state. Do not begin by trying to learn every React API. React’s Quick Start introduces events, state and sharing data between components.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should your first React project be?
A filterable list or a small to-do interface is a manageable practice project. The aim is not to build a full product; it is to connect markup, JavaScript and changing UI data in one small example.
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- Sketch a simple page and identify its pieces, such as a heading, input, list and list item.
- Turn the meaningful pieces into components and nest them to form the page.
- Choose which values each component needs, and pass those values as props.
- Add an event handler for one action, such as submitting an item or choosing a filter.
- Use state for the data that changes and should alter what the page renders.
- Use your existing CSS skills to style the result, then inspect it in the browser.
This sequence gives you practice with components, props, events and state without requiring a router, a data-fetching system or a large project structure.
Which setup route fits your goal?
| Goal | Good starting route | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Try React concepts with minimal setup | React’s in-browser sandbox | Useful for learning; it is not the same as choosing a full application setup. |
| Add a component to an existing site | Incremental React adoption | You do not have to replace the whole site to introduce React. |
| Build a new web app meant to grow | A framework recommended by React, such as Next.js or React Router | Frameworks provide conventions for common app needs. |
| Learn fundamentals or meet a project constraint that calls for selecting tools yourself | Build from scratch | You retain control but must choose and configure needs such as routing and data fetching. |
| Build a universal app with native interfaces | Expo | React’s guidance lists it for Android, iOS and web apps with native UIs. |
React’s current installation guidance says to start new apps with a framework, while preserving from-scratch setup as an option for learning or special constraints. It also marks Create React App as deprecated. Avoid tutorials that present Create React App as the default current way to begin; check React’s project-start guidance for the current choices.
MDN’s beginner walkthrough demonstrates a Vite-based learning setup and includes the command npm create vite@latest ... -- --template react. Its version-specific Vite and Node notes refer to Vite 5 and include an October 2023 date, so do not treat them as current minimum requirements. Check the current Vite and Node documentation before choosing versions or troubleshooting setup.
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