History

React is a JavaScript framework developed and maintained by Meta (formerly Facebook). It was among the first JavaScript frameworks to gain widespread popularity. React combines HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, allowing developers to test, manage, and develop code more easily. It has grown rapidly across the world, and many major applications are built using this framework.

One of its main advantages is a declarative UI and component-based structure. React was a major improvement over previous approaches, especially in how it handled software updates and user interfaces.

Step 1: Install Node.js

Before starting, we need to quickly check if Node.js is installed. To do this, run the following command in your terminal:

• node -v

If you see a version number, Node.js is installed.

Step 2: Run the Create React App Command

The create-react-app command helps you start a new React project. Run it in the terminal as shown below:

• npx create-react-app my-app

Step 3: Follow the Prompts

After running the command, you’ll be prompted with a few setup questions. Choose the options that best fit your needs:

• Where should we create your new project?
  Enter the name of your project directory (e.g., my-app).

• Would you like to install the recommended dependencies?
  Type y and press Enter.

• How would you like to set up your new project?
  For this tutorial, select Empty for a basic setup.

• Would you like to use TypeScript?
  If you're a beginner, choose No. If you're familiar with TypeScript, feel free to choose Yes.

Would you like to initialize a new Git repository?
Type y if you plan to use Git for version control (recommended).

Step 4: Navigate Into Your Project Directory

Once the setup is complete, move into your new project folder:

• cd my-astro-blog

Step 5: Start the Development Server

Run the following command to start the development server:

• npm run dev

Step 6: View Your Project in the Browser

After running npm run dev, you’ll see a message in your terminal with the local development URL, usually:

http://localhost:4321/

Open this in your browser to see your project.

Conclusion

React is fast and efficient, largely because it can render static HTML directly to the DOM. It utilizes a component-based infrastructure, which allows for reusable and maintainable code. The React ecosystem also includes a large library of ready-made components that you can integrate into your projects.