Hey there!
When I first heard about React, I thought, “Okay… another JavaScript thing?”
But once I started using it, I realized it wasn’t just another tool — it was something that made building websites actually enjoyable (and organized).
So here’s how I personally understand what React is — explained in simple terms, the way I wish someone had explained it to me.
🔹So… what even is React?
React is a JavaScript library — not a full “framework” like Angular. It’s mainly focused on building UI (user interfaces).
Think of React as:
🧱 LEGO blocks for your website.
You build small, reusable pieces called components, and plug them together to form your entire web page.
Example:
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A button is a component
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A navbar is a component
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A user profile card is a component
You can make a button component and reuse it 10 times, without repeating code.
That’s the power of React.
🔹My moment of “Aha!”
Before React, I was writing the same HTML + JS again and again on every page.
When I learned React, I made my first button component — and reused it across the whole site with just one line:
That blew my mind. I didn’t have to copy and paste anything.
I was building like a developer, not a copy-paster.
🔹What’s happening behind the scenes?
React uses something called the virtual DOM — which basically means:
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It watches changes in your app
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Updates only what needs to be changed on screen
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Keeps your app fast and smooth
You don’t have to tell React what to update — you just change the data, and React takes care of the rest.
🔹 Final Thoughts
React isn’t scary. In fact, once you build your first app — even just a To-Do List — it starts making sense.
If you’re just starting out:
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Focus on learning components
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Don’t worry about Redux or advanced stuff yet
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Practice by building small things like a card, button, or form
That’s how I did it, and honestly — it works.
And if you’re confused, good. That means you’re learning.
✍️ Written by someone still learning, for those who just started learning.