6 essential skills for React web developers
Business processes are no longer carried out the traditional way. Organizations across the board prefer using software platforms and web applications for managing their databases and carrying out specific processes. This has increased the demand for web developers in the IT industry.
One of the most sought-after technologies in front-end development today is React.js. The open-source front-end JavaScript library allows users to build robust user interfaces and UI components. React web developers help their clients in building single-page and mobile applications based on their needs and preferences.
If you are willing to hire React developers for your firm, here are six of the most important skills you should look for in the ideal candidates:
1. JSX Skills
When it comes to React web development, one doesn’t really make use of HTML properly. Instead, the developer is required to work with a syntax extension called JSX, which is one of the most parts of the React ecosystem. It is important for an ideal React web developer to be well-versed with JSX. In fact, if a developer is well-versed with CSS and HTML, they are bound to be comfortable working with JSX.
2. HTML + CSS Skills
It is natural for a company to expect their React front-end developers to be experts in HTML + CSS. The knowledge and experience in these technologies allow a developer to create personalized user interfaces.
Here are some of the HTML + CSS activities a React developer is expected to perform:
Implementing a CSS reset
Working with and writing CSS selectors
Working with and writing HTML tags
Understanding flexbox
Working with and implementing responsive web principles with appropriate use of media queries
Understanding the box model and knowing how to reset to border-box
3. Knowledge Of JavaScript Fundamentals And ES6
Along with a thorough knowledge of the basics of JavaScript, an ideal React web developer should be well-versed with the following ES6 skills:
Variables and scoping
Array methods
Array and objects
Functions and arrow functions
DOM manipulation and event handlers
Using the “this” keyword
Prototypical inheritance and object creation
Higher-order functions and callback functions
Using the “class” keyword
4. Node And npm skills
This might come as a surprise to some as one wouldn’t expect a client-side React developer to be well versed with Node. However, as you can pull React into any HTML file, you will often find many packages that would allow you to extend your React library.
In such cases, a React web developer needs to be well-versed with the npm registry. npm is essentially cloud storage for packages where developers can find all essential tools for developing a software platform.
5. Git Skills
it is important for a React developer to be well-versed and experienced in using Git as it helps them in storing their projects on solutions such as GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket. Some of the key Git skills you should look for in a developer include:
Handling of merge conflicts
Tracking necessary changes with “add”, “commit”, “push”, and “pull”
Branching and merging strategies as per the requirements
6. Redux Skills
Finally, an ideal React developer should be well-versed with Redux, a state management library, and an opinionated way of working with data. The principles that form the basis of Redux deal with functional programming and immutability. Although it is not a “one size fits all” solution, it is important for a React developer to champion the concepts of fundamental React programming before getting into Redux.
- May 21, 2021