React remains one of the most in-demand tools in modern frontend development. The State of JS 2024 survey shows that 82% of responders have used React in their development journey. If you’re thinking about starting with React, you can be overwhelmed with the number of different courses, videos and tutorials available.
That’s why we’ve collected the most helpful learning tips and up-to-date resources that help you to start with React in 2025, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned developer. If you’re already working with React, you might also find some useful resources to level up your expertise.
Here are the most important things you should pay attention to while learning React. These tips will help you keep focus on the right things and succeed in your learning path:
Start from Foundations: JS, HTML, CSS
If you’re just entering the field, make sure you have a solid grasp of the core web stack: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. React is just a JavaScript library — it won’t make sense if you don’t understand the language it’s built on. Build small interactive features in JS like dropdowns, modals, or multi-step forms. This will give you the intuition you need before touching a single React component.
Don’t Lose Your Focus
When you’re ready for React, focus on React itself. Don’t rush into using tools like Zustand, Tailwind, or other trendy libraries. First, learn how to structure components, manage state with hooks, and pass props — even if it means writing some messy prop-drilling code.
Learn TypeScript
And while you’re at it, consider learning TypeScript early on. It might feel strict at first, but it helps catch simple bugs and makes your code easier to reason about — especially as your projects grow. You don’t have to go all in right away, but getting comfortable with TypeScript will make you a stronger developer and ease your transition into other typed languages down the line.
Read Official React Docs
React’s official docs are one of the best learning resources out there, especially after their latest update. They provide interactive examples and clear guidance, so don’t skip reading through the docs and get acquainted with the React core. It’s important for both new and experienced React developers, as it’s the primary knowledge source.
There are a few standout instructors and courses recommended frequently by the React community. You can either follow free Youtube videos or buy a course on Udemy, which is usually affordable thanks to frequent discounts, and as a plus - you’ll get a certificate when you finish the course.
Udemy Courses:
The Ultimate React Course by Jonas Schmedtmann - this course is well-structured and easy to follow, making it a great fit for both beginners and those with some React experience. Jonas shares helpful resources like blog posts, docs, and videos, along with coding challenges to keep you hands-on and engaged.
Modern React with Redux by Stephen Grider - a solid, practical course focused on core React and Redux fundamentals. It’s great for understanding how modern apps are structured and how to manage complex state using Redux.
React – The Complete Guide by Maximilian Schwarzmüller - gives you a solid base to start creating your own projects and grow your skills along the way. Max covers both beginner and intermediate topics with a clear teaching style.
Youtube Channels:
Programming with Mosh - Mosh’s React playlist is concise and beginner-friendly, offering a fast and focused introduction to building real-world apps with React.
Codevolution - praised for its clarity and pace, this channel covers not just React basics, but also deeper topics like hooks, context, and testing, making it a great ongoing resource as you grow.
NetNinja - offers comprehensive tutorials covering React fundamentals and advanced concepts, along with broader web development topics like JavaScript, HTML, and modern frameworks.
These are praised for their structure, clarity, and up-to-date practices.
If you prefer guided paths and hands-on exercises, these platforms offer great React tracks:
Scrimba - offers an interactive learning experience that combines video lessons with live coding right in your browser. Their React course is great for beginners who learn best by doing.
The Odin Project - a free, open-source curriculum that includes React as part of its full-stack JavaScript path. Great for learners who want a comprehensive roadmap with strong community support on Discord.
FreeCodeCamp - completely free and beginner-friendly, their React track walks you through the basics of components, props, state, and building single-page applications using hands-on coding exercises.
Frontend Masters - a premium platform with in-depth, expert-led courses on React and related topics like TypeScript, Next.js, and state management. Ideal for devs who want to go deeper into the ecosystem. The price for individuals is $39/month or $390/year.
If you’re already a seasoned web or fullstack developer and want to level up your React skills, these in-depth courses from well-known React educators are worth a look:
The Joy of React by Josh W. Comeau ($599 for the full course, discounts for some regions available) - An interactive, beginner-friendly course designed to help you truly understand React from the ground up. It’s packed with exercises, real-world projects, and creative challenges. You’ll work on hands-on projects like a word game, a custom toast component, and an interactive blog.
Epic React by Kent C. Dodds ($695 for individuals) - A comprehensive, hands-on course redesigned for React 19 and fully written in TypeScript. Epic React includes 7 workshops with over 240 bite-sized lessons covering everything from the basics to advanced patterns and React Server Components. You’ll build real projects as you go — like a blog search, a calculator, and even your own React framework — all using plain React with no extras.
These are advanced-level courses focused on architecture, patterns, and real-world scenarios.
The best way to get good at React (or any other technology) is trying to build things. Start with simple apps like a to-do list to learn CRUD and localStorage, then move on to storing the list in a database like MySQL, Postgres, or mongoDB. Continue with real-life projects like registration forms or admin dashboards with full CRUD operations for managing user data.
But the most powerful learning happens when you build something you will actually use and care about. Whether it’s a recipe manager, a workout tracker, or a shared grocery list — if it solves a real problem for you or someone you know, you’ll stay motivated to keep improving it. Don’t get stuck in tutorial hell, watching content endlessly without applying it. Learning by doing is what makes the knowledge stick, and also makes your portfolio shine.
It’s always tempting to let AI do the work for you, but don’t fall into that trap, especially when you just begin to learn the basics. Tools like GPT or Claude can be incredibly helpful, but think of them as learning assistants or powerful search engines, not code-writing machines.
Use them to find answers to your questions, explain things you don’t understand, review your code, or give quick examples when you’re stuck. But when it comes to writing code, rely on your own brain.
There are a couple more resources that might help you in your learning journey:
React Developer Roadmap - A structured map of all the topics necessary to get deep React understanding and knowledge, including basic and advanced hooks, component libraries, state management, writing CSS, and more. You can track your progress on the map to check what you already know and what’s left to learn.
7 Mistakes Holding You Back on FrontendJoy - This article breaks down the 7 most common mistakes new developers make when trying to learn React and shows you how to overcome them with practical, no-fluff strategies that actually work.
Learning React in 2025 is less about memorizing syntax and more about building real things, understanding how the library works, and growing your programming mindset. With strong fundamentals in JavaScript, consistent practice, and a willingness to get your hands dirty, you can become confident with React faster than you think.
Follow the official docs, pick learning resources that match your style, and most importantly — build actual projects that matter to you. Don’t let tutorials become a crutch. Struggle, debug, and build things you care about. That’s where real learning happens.
And when you’re ready to create something serious, or just want to save time on the frontend, don’t forget that tools like SVAR React components are here to help you scale faster.