How long does it take to learn React?

With JavaScript knowledge, you can learn React basics in 2-4 weeks. Becoming job-ready with hooks, state management, and routing takes 2-3 months. Mastering advanced patterns, testing, and Next.js takes 4-6 months. Continuous practice through projects is essential.

Do I need to learn JavaScript before React?

Yes, absolutely. React is a JavaScript library, and strong JS fundamentals are essential. Focus on ES6+ features: arrow functions, destructuring, spread operator, array methods, async/await, and modules. Trying to learn React without JS leads to confusion and gaps.

Should I learn React or Vue or Angular?

React has the largest market share (65%+ of job postings) and ecosystem. It's the safest career choice. Vue is simpler for beginners but has fewer jobs. Angular is mainly used in enterprises. Start with React - the component concepts transfer to other frameworks.

Is class components still relevant?

No, focus on functional components with hooks. Class components are legacy code - you might encounter them in older projects, but all new React code uses functional components. Hooks provide better patterns for state and lifecycle management.

Do I need to learn Redux?

Not necessarily. Start with useState and useContext - they handle most use cases. If you need external state management, consider Zustand (simpler) or Jotai. Redux Toolkit is still valuable for complex apps, but it's no longer required for every React project.

Should I learn Next.js after React?

Yes, Next.js is highly recommended. It's the most popular React framework, used by many companies. It provides SSR, routing, API routes, and excellent developer experience. Many job postings specifically ask for Next.js. Learn React basics first, then move to Next.js.

Is TypeScript necessary for React?

TypeScript has become an industry standard for React projects. Most professional React codebases use TypeScript. It catches bugs early and improves developer experience. Learn React basics with JavaScript first, then add TypeScript - it's worth the investment.

How do I get my first React job?

Build 3-5 polished projects showcasing different skills. Include at least one full-stack Next.js project. Use TypeScript. Write tests. Deploy everything. Contribute to open source React projects. Prepare for technical interviews covering React concepts and coding challenges.

2026 Roadmap

React Developer Roadmap

Master React components, hooks, state management, routing, and Next.js. Your complete guide to becoming a professional React developer in 2026.

3-5 Months•Beginner Friendly•High Demand

What is a React Developer?

React developers build modern, interactive user interfaces using React, the most popular JavaScript library for UI development. They create reusable components, manage application state, and deliver fast, responsive web applications.

As a React developer, you will write component-based code, implement hooks and state management, integrate APIs, optimize performance, and collaborate with designers and backend developers.

Key Responsibilities

Build reusable UI components with React
Manage application state with hooks and state libraries
Implement client-side routing
Integrate REST and GraphQL APIs
Write unit and integration tests
Optimize performance and accessibility
Work with design systems and component libraries

Learning Roadmap

Click on any topic to mark it as complete

Your Progress0/21 completed

Prerequisites

You have the prerequisites!

React Fundamentals

React Hooks

You understand React hooks!

State Management

Routing

Styling

You can build styled React apps!

Data Fetching

Forms & Validation

TypeScript

Testing

Frameworks & Advanced

You are a professional React Developer!

Not Started

Completed

Milestone

React Developer Salaries 2026

United States (USD/Year)

Entry (0-2 yrs)

$65K - $90K

$78K

Mid (2-5 yrs)

$90K - $140K

$115K

Senior (5-8 yrs)

$140K - $185K

$160K

Lead (8+ yrs)

$185K - $260K+

$215K

India (INR/Year)

Fresher (0-1 yr)

₹4L - ₹8L

₹6L

Junior (1-3 yrs)

₹7L - ₹14L

₹10L

Mid (3-5 yrs)

₹14L - ₹26L

₹18L

Senior (5+ yrs)

₹26L - ₹50L+

₹35L

React + TypeScript + Next.js is the most in-demand combination. Full-stack React developers (with Node.js or Next.js backend skills) command higher salaries. Remote positions at US companies offer premium pay.

Project Ideas

Build these to strengthen your portfolio

Todo App

Beginner

Classic todo with CRUD operations

useStatePropsListsForms

Weather Dashboard

Beginner

Fetch and display weather data

useEffectAPI CallsLoading States

E-Commerce Store

Intermediate

Product listing with cart

ContextRoutingState Management

Social Media Dashboard

Intermediate

Dashboard with data visualization

TanStack QueryChartsTailwind

Full-Stack Blog

Advanced

Blog with auth and CMS

Next.jsTypeScriptPrismaAuth

Real-time Chat App

Advanced

Chat with WebSockets

WebSocketsZustandOptimistic UI

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Roadmaps

JavaScript Developer

Master JavaScript first

View Roadmap

Frontend Developer

Complete frontend path

View Roadmap

Full Stack Developer

Add backend skills

View Roadmap

Ready to Start Your React Journey?

Get personalized guidance from experienced React developers who have built production applications.