A react developer is a software professional who builds interactive UI components for your website or web applications using react development concepts. From conception to testing, they work with React to create a top-notch product. JavaScript is the world’s most famous programming language and React is its popular framework. And, by association, react developers are front-end developers and JavaScript developers as well.
Alternatively spelled as React.js or ReactJS, Facebook engineer Jordan Wilke first created FaxJS (React prototype) in 2011. Before that, developers were limited to creating UIs with raw JavaScript or jQuery (a React predecessor that focused less on UI). As a result, the development process took longer with more room for errors.
Besides, React makes it much easier to build websites/apps, write UI test cases, repurpose existing website code for mobile counterparts, and optimize the UI and performance of web applications. ReactJS is now used by an increasing number of businesses, demonstrating its growing popularity in software development. Instagram, Uber, and Reddit are among the popular websites that use React.
In this post, we’ll explore the world of React. What do react programmers do, their skills, cost, how to hire the best one, and a lot more!
What Does a React Developer Do?
Along with the increase in React usage comes an increase in demand for React.js developers. Besides, it’s completely natural for a layman in the software development world to ask, what does a React developer do?
Simply put, react developers are involved in all aspects of the UI development and maintenance stages. Using React.js, they design and implement UI features for websites and applications. They are front-end developers who are in charge of everything that users see in their web browsers or applications. Moreover, they focus on the look and feel of your website for a smooth user experience.
For example, creating menu buttons, graphic icons/images, voice recognition, online forms, gesture-driven interface (pinching screen to zoom in/out)—a react developer can do it all. They handle the react software development process by putting their expertise in JavaScript, CSS, HTML, and other coding languages to use.
Besides that, react developers work with software testing specialists to test the codes used before the final product goes live.
6 Essential Skills Necessary for React Developers
Today, React is a must-learn skill for an entry-level react developer and senior react developer to get better at development. In short, it’s a powerful tool for front-end development and many organizations also value a solid background in React to dominate this tech-driven industry.
Thus, react developers should be eager to improve or audit the skills required by Facebook’s well-known JavaScript Library. So, to survive the competition, a React.js developer should have the below essential skills.
1. HTML + CSS
Extensive knowledge of HTML and CSS is necessary for every React front-end developer. They are the building blocks for any website and individual page. Therefore, it’s natural for every organization to expect React developers to be able to work with and craft personalized user interfaces. React developers should stack up with HTML + CSS and be able to:
- Use and create semantic HTML tags
- Use and write CSS selectors
- Apply a CSS reset
- Learn the box model and how to reset border-box
- Understand the flexbox
- Implement responsive web principles
2. JavaScript Fundamentals + ES6
An ideal react developer along with a thorough knowledge of the basics of JavaScript should also have the following ES6 skills:
- Variables and scoping
- Array methods
- Array and objects
- Functions and arrow functions
- DOM manipulation and event handlers
- Using the ‘this’ keyword
- Using the ‘class’ keyword
- Prototypical inheritance and object creation
- High-order/call-back functions
3. JSX
JSX, like HTML and CSS, is an extension of the ReactJS environment and is regarded as an essential component of React. If you are a React JS developer, you do not need to delve into HTML. Instead, JSX, ReactJS’s syntactic extension, is used for much of the interaction.
JSX is the abstraction layer for React.createElement() API. What makes JSX a crucial component of the development is that it allows developers to create applications using the above API, which would otherwise be a difficult task. It is a layer of abstraction over React.createElement() API.
4. Git
A React developer must be well-versed in using Git because it allows them to store their projects on solutions such as GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket. Some of the key Git skills to look for in a developer are:
- Merge conflict resolution
- Following changes with add, comment, push and pull
- Branching and merging strategies
5. Node + npm
This may come as a surprise, but why does one need a sound knowledge of Node to be a React developer? That is because React is utilized in both client-side and server-side scripting. As you can pull React into any HTML file, you will often find many packages that will let you enhance the React framework. Therefore, it’s a necessary skill that React.js developers must learn.
And, speaking of NPM, React developers must also be well-versed with the NPM registry. It is a cloud storage service known as dependencies that enable developers to download and install software packages including all the essential tools to develop software.
6. Redux
Other than that, a react developer must have a solid grasp of Redux, a state management library. Previously, developers had a hard time dealing with the asynchronous nature of React updates. Redux was created mainly for this reason as it helps manage the scalability of React. In fact, it does much more than manage React.
However, it’s not a framework. But rather an opinionated way of working with data. The principles of Redux are much similar to functional programming and immutability. It’s not an all-in-one solution yet understanding the fundamental concepts of React programming before getting into Redux is necessary.
Apart from these six essential skills, here’s a complete guide to choosing the right modern tech stack for your next project.
Key Factors to Consider Before Hiring the Right React Developer
Websites and apps have become a critical part of every business. To put it better, it’s your virtual identity. This is one of the main reasons business owners are becoming more cautious when choosing the right technology and developers.
So, if you’ve already decided to employ React.js and hire a react developer for your upcoming project, here are some things to keep in mind.
- Required technical skills including sound knowledge of React core concepts, testing tools, programming languages, etc.
- Strong command over all JavaScript features, operations, and syntax
- Competent in working with multiple technologies that are compatible with React
- Basic understanding of testing tools and frameworks
- Industry knowledge and prior work experience
- Ability to plan tasks and sprints effectively and deliver the product on time
- Maintain privacy and confidentiality
In short, hire experienced software developers to ensure your project’s success from start to end.
How Much Does Hiring a React Developer Cost?
Once you have a clearly defined project at hand, it’s time to estimate the most important question: the cost. A react developer’s salary is the highest among JavaScript developers. So, how much does it cost to hire React.js developers?
Technically, the overall cost depends on several factors. It includes the expertise, duration/scope of work, and knowledge of the react community. Other than that, the years of experience, geographical location, training, and certifications also matter.
Besides, a React.js developer can cost roughly between $15 to $150 an hour. However, the fixed price depends on the factors discussed above.
Where to Find the Best React Developer?
Now when you know the cost as well as other things to keep an eye on when hiring a react developer, the next thing that might cross your mind is, where can you find one?
To answer that, we’ve gathered a few ways via which you can find and hire top-tier React talents.
Social Media: the smartest and easiest way to reach out React developers is through social media. For example, search through profiles on LinkedIn or join a Facebook community of React users/developers to pick the best one out there.
Job Sites: another way to spot talent is through online job sites. The list is never complete without them. You can head over to Freelancer, Upwork, Fiverr, and other similar platforms.
Offshore Outsourcing: want to save yourself from the hassle of recruiting new employees? In such a case, outsourcing your project is the best move. Hire an expert reactjs web development company that can cater to all your project needs.
Summing Up – Hire React Developers Right Away!
Hopefully, by now, you’ve got a good idea about who a React developer is, what they do, how much they cost, as well as things to keep in mind when hiring the best one. To put it simply, they are well-equipped with the necessary skills that make it painless to create top-quality websites/apps with interactive UIs using the React framework.
Start assembling your react development project by hiring expert react developers today!
FAQ’s
Q: What is the role of React developer?
A: React developers are front-end developers who create modern UI solutions to enhance application performance. They use their knowledge of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS and collaborate closely with testers, designers, web designers, and project managers to create a robust and interactive application.
Q: Is ReactJS good for your career?
A: Yes, it is currently one of the most rapidly growing and in-demand technologies. Even if you don’t end up using React for your work, learning front-end concepts and knowing JavaScript at a high level can open doors to many other opportunities.
Q: How long does it take to learn React?
A: To learn React, it can take anywhere between a few months or more. For example, those with little knowledge of web development languages might take longer (between 1-2 months). Whereas, those with no prior experience in working with programming languages could take up to a few months or even more.
Q: Can I learn React JS in 1 month?
A: The ability to learn React JS or any other coding language depends from person to person. So yes, you can make use of videos, books, or tutorials teaching React. Together with step-by-step guidance and practice, you may learn React.js in a month.
