What Is a React Developer? (And How to Become One)

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Web developers use React to create interactive user interfaces. Explore the career path of a React developer and how you can get started in this guide.

[Featured Image] A react developer sketches ideas for the user interface of a web application.

React is a popular library amongst web developers due to its open-source, elementary design. If you’re unfamiliar with its use cases, consider the look and feel of the applications you use daily. Industry leaders like Netflix, Instagram, and Facebook used React to create iconic user interfaces (UIs). Explore the career of a React developer and how you can become one in just three steps to assess if it’s the right path for your career. 

What is a React developer?

React is an open-source JavaScript library. Some users refer to it as React.js or ReactJS. In programming, libraries serve as toolkits for developers. Their contents may include configuration data, prewritten code, and message templates. As a React developer, you can expect to use programming skills to create JavaScript-based applications for web or mobile environments. You will typically specialise in front-end development, such as building user interfaces (UIs).

What does a React developer do?

React developers are heavily involved in all stages of the interface development process. The list below outlines a few core responsibilities for React developers.

  • Develop front-end features: As a React developer, you may be responsible for UI elements such as icons, images, and gesture-driven features. Examples of gesture-driven features include swiping, long-pressing, and drag-and-drop.

  • Write code: You will likely translate wireframes (screen blueprints) into code. You also frequently work with and write CSS selectors and HTML tags.

  • Optimise application functionality: In addition to designing and creating new features, React developers are responsible for cross-platform functionality. In this job, you will ensure the application can run efficiently on different browsers and devices.

  • Software testing: Being involved with all stages of interface development requires you to test the applications you work on.

Are React developers in demand?

As of 2023 [1], React is the second most commonly used web framework worldwide. In India, the demand for software developers will likely increase by 22 percent in 2025 across several sectors, including finance, healthcare, and automotive [2]. If you’re interested in front-end development and web design, learning to use React can be an excellent entry point into this exciting industry.

How to become a React developer

React is a free and open-source library, meaning anyone can use it. If you want to become a React developer to work on an independent project or bring an idea to life, you might consider learning independently. A few resources include YouTube videos and interacting with the React developer community.

However, if you want to pursue a career as a React developer, you may benefit more from online courses or certifications. These can provide structured learning with industry experts and career credentials. The sections below describe how to become a React developer step-by-step.

1. Choose your focus.

The React library is a front-end development toolkit. Developers use it to handle the view layer of an application, which only deals with the elements of a page that are visible to users. However, the React library is JavaScript-based, and JavaScript is a full-stack technology. You can use full-stack technologies to develop an application's front-end and back-end. 

Although React works solely with an application's view layer, you can also use it with back-end frameworks for server-side development. For this reason, aspiring React developers can choose to focus on front-end development or acquire full-stack development expertise. 

Front-end web development

Most React developers focus on front-end development, which includes content structuration, visual style, and interactive user experiences (UX). Earning a Professional Certificate in front-end development is an excellent way to gain the skills you need to prepare for an entry-level role.

Full-stack web development

In addition to developing the UI, full-stack developers work with server-side frameworks and languages like Node.js, Django, and Python. If you want to learn more about full-stack development with React, consider obtaining a relevant Professional Certificate such as the University of Hong Kong’s Full Stack Web Development with React Specialisation

2. Gain the essential skills.

Although jobs in the software development field are growing at an above-average rate, a competitive skill set is crucial for React.js candidates. Use the following list to begin planning the essential skills you want to focus on.

  • Programming, stylesheet, and markup languages. React is a JavaScript library. Knowledge of the programming language and its applications is crucial. Other areas of focus for React developers to study include HTML and CSS. Someone new to the web development field may consider an introductory course like Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development and Coding Specialisation from the University of Michigan.

  • React developer tools. With proficiency in React developer tools, you can manage your application throughout development. For example, Redux is an open-source state management library. React developers frequently use Redux for state management and centralisation of applications. 

Relevant degrees

Many software developers begin their careers with a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science or a degree in a related field. You can also learn software developer skills like programming languages through certificate programs.  

3. Enhance your resume.

Entering or transitioning into a new role can be intimidating when you don’t yet have on-the-job experience. In place of experience, software developers can build portfolios of their work. These portfolios provide an opportunity to showcase specific skills and expertise. Open-source tools like React enable developers of all backgrounds to create and manage projects independently. If you’re unsure where to begin, consider using a Guided Project to help you get started. 

Professional Certificates

Another way to highlight your skill set without prior experience is to earn a relevant Professional Certificate. As mentioned above, React developers work primarily with user interfaces and experiences. A specialisation in UI or UX can help demonstrate your abilities. Google offers a Professional Certification in UX design that future React developers can use to build three different end-to-end applications.

Build your react developer skill set on Coursera

As a React developer, you’ll work as part of a team of web developers to create responsive, interactive websites. Ready to advance your career as a React developer? Discover programming fundamentals and skills for developing mobile apps from the experts at Meta with the Meta React Native Specialisation.

Article sources

1

Statista. "Most used web frameworks among developers worldwide, as of 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1124699/worldwide-developer-survey-most-used-frameworks-web/." Accessed 5 September 2024.

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