Do I need Node.js to learn React?
Yes. Node.js and npm are required for modern React development. You will use npm to install packages and run your dev server and build tools. Install the LTS version of Node.js before starting.
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More FAQs in Tools and Editor Setup You Need Before Your First React App
VS Code is the most popular and practical choice. It is free, fast, and has strong React support through extensions like Prettier, ESLint, and React snippets. You do not need a paid IDE.
React Developer Tools is a browser extension that lets you inspect React components, their props, and their state in real time. It is one of the most useful debugging tools you will use as a React developer.
You can learn React without Git, but you should not. Version control is essential for real development, and starting the habit early means you build a portfolio on GitHub as you learn. Install Git and create a GitHub account.
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