A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR INSTALLING REACT AND THE NECESSARY DEPENDENCIES
Tags: webdev, javascript, beginners, react
Published: 2023-07-03 18:09:11

## INTRODUCTION 
Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of building web applications with React? Get ready to unleash your creativity and bring your ideas to life! 

In this guide, I will take you through the step-by-step process of installing React, a powerful JavaScript library used by developers all around the world. Whether you are an intermediate developer or a curious beginner, this guide is designed to be your trusty companion to kickstart your React journey. By following these simple instructions, you will have React up and running in no time, ready to create stunning user interfaces and interactive web experiences. So, grab your coding cape and let us embark on this thrilling adventure into the realm of React.

Before diving into installing React and its dependencies, it is helpful to have a basic understanding of some prerequisite knowledge to make your journey easier. They include:

* **Command Line Basics**: Knowing how to navigate and run commands in a command-line interface (such as Terminal or Command Prompt) is important as you will be using it to install and manage React. 
* **Package Manager Basics**: Familiarity with a package manager like npm (Node Package Manager) will be beneficial. You will be using npm to install React and its dependencies.  

While these prerequisites are relevant, don’t worry if you are new to any of them – this guide will provide step-by-step instructions and explanations to help you along the way. So, let’s get started on your React journey!

## Step 1: Install Node.js
* Go to the official Node.js website [https://nodejs.org](https://nodejs.org) using a web browser.
* Click on the “Downloads” button on the homepage. 

![A screenshot of the Node.js official website with an emphasis on the "Download" button to click on](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/9k5ygs7q0za62dkp41ax.jpg)

* Choose the appropriate installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux)

![A screenshot of the various installer for each operating system](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/1waeh8451we87h6hk3f9.png)

* Once the installer is downloaded, double-click it to begin the installation. 
* Follow the installation wizard’s instructions, accepting the default settings. 
* After installation, close the installer and restart your system to ensure that the software works optimally.

## Step 2: Open a Terminal or Command Prompt 
* On Windows, press the “Windows” key, search for “Command Prompt”, and open it.  
* On macOS, press “Command + Space”, search for ‘Terminal”, and open it. 
* On Linux, press “Ctrl + Alt + T” to open a Terminal. 

## Step 3: Install Create React App  
* In the Terminal or Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:

```
npx create-react-app my-app
```
* The installation process may take a few minutes, depending on your internet connection. 

## Step 4: Navigate to Your React App Folder 
* In the Terminal or Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:

```
cd my-app
```
* This command changes the current directory to the “my-app” folder, which was created by Create React App. 

## Step 5: Start the Development Server  
* In the Terminal or Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:

```
npm start 
```
* This command will start the development server. It may take a moment to compile the files. 
* Once the compilation is complete, a new browser window or tab will automatically open, showing your new React app. 

### Congratulations! You have successfully installed React and created your first React app.

## Step 6: Install Dependencies 
* In the Terminal or Command Prompt, while in your React app folder, run the following command to install the necessary dependencies:

```
npm install
```
* This command will read the dependencies saved in the “package.json” file and install them in a folder named “node_modules”. 

## Step 7: Wait for Installation: 
* The installation process may take a few minutes depending on your internet connection speed and the number of dependencies.  
* The Terminal or Command Prompt will display the progress of installation, showing the packages being fetched and installed. Wait for the process to complete. 

## Step 8: Verify Installation:  
* Once the installation is finished, you can verify if the dependencies were installed successfully by checking the “node_modules” folder in your React app directory. It should contain folders corresponding to the installed dependencies.

### Congratulations! You have successfully installed the necessary dependencies for your React app.

These dependencies are crucial for various features and functionalities provided by React and its ecosystem. Now you can start building your app using React and explore the capabilities offered by these dependencies.