JavaScript vs React Fundamentals

I recently completed a React Portfolio project and thought it would be fantastic to share my journey with the rest of the world.

Basic JavaScript Concepts

My initial project was JavaScript(JS)-based, and it should be considered garbage in the world of web developers. At the time, I thought I had mastered the frontend web development by creating a simple JS app. Friends, that's an example of "a little knowledge is dangerous" and please do not be this guy :).

Anyway, what are some of the fundamental JavaScript concepts that every programmer should understand? The next stage of web development would be incredibly difficult without a thorough knowledge of these fundeamentals. So, the followings are the basics of JS:

• Variables
• Comparisons
• Logical Operators
• Functions(callback function)
• Data Structures & Types

Note 1: I cannot emphasize enough the importance of networking and participating in various web development communities in order to enhance one's coding skills - a lesson I learnt the hard way.
Note 2: Understanding GIT and GITHUB as well as learning programming languages, go hand in hand.

Basic React Concepts

I didn't appreciate the significance of JS core concepts until I began working with React, the next stage of frontend web development. At a high level, I picture JS being the backbone of React just as HTML is for JS.

Similarly, in order to have a solid understanding of React's essential notions, one must be familiar with the following core concepts:

• JSX(JavaScript XML)
• React Elements
• Components & Props
• State & Lifecycle
• Handling Events
• Conditional endering
• Lists & Keys
• Forms
• React-router

Finally, if you feel you have completed React, you should be able to explain:

• The difference between React and plain JS
• Types of React hooks
• How to modify React State hooks
• The three ways to use React useEffects
• The difference between Props and States
• The difference between HTML DOM(Document Object Model) & Virtual DOM

Conclusion

If I could start over my programming journey, I'd start with HTML(HyperText Markup Language) and CSS(Cascading Style Sheets), then go on to JavaScript. Before diving into React, I'd make sure I understand the connection and interdependencies between HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. More importantly, I won't start React if I'm not comfortable with JavaScript.