What is the risk of building the frontend first with mock data?
A shape mismatch when you connect the real backend. Your parsing and rendering may break if the mock shape differs from the real API. If you mock, copy a real backend response shape so they match.
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More FAQs in Backend vs Frontend Setup: What to Build First in a Full Stack React Project
For learning, build the backend first so the frontend consumes real APIs. If you are stronger on the frontend, build it first with mock data, then design the backend's data shape to match. Either works, but match shapes carefully.
Because you design the data model and APIs, then build the frontend against real endpoints. This avoids the disconnect of mock data that does not match the real API, which is a common bug source when you finally connect them.
Build the data model and a few core APIs first, then alternate between frontend and backend, refining each as you learn what the UI needs. This balances real data with iterative UI work.
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