ReactJS and NodeJS are the most popular technologies used to build web application. It is a JavaScript library for building user interfaces. And NodeJS is a runtime environment for executing JavaScript code on the server side. Therefore, both frameworks are widely used in developing web applications.
If you also want to build a full-fledged web application. Then, here we will take you through the process of creating a web application using ReactJS and NodeJS. This guide will help you gain a quick understanding of how to build web applications with ReactJS and NodeJS.
So let’s get started
Overview of ReactJs
ReactJS is a JavaScript library for building user interfaces. It was developed and maintained by Facebook, and is used for building single-page applications, mobile applications, and progressive web applications. As a result, React allows developers to build reusable UI components that can be easily combined to create complex user interfaces.
React is popular because of its performance, simplicity, and flexibility. It is also easy to learn, especially for developers who are familiar with JavaScript. From startups to enterprises, all business sizes look for React Native app development services. With its growing community, there is a vast array of tools, libraries, and resources available to help developers get started with ReactJS.
Overview of NodeJs
Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform, server-side JavaScript runtime environment. It is built on Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine and allows developers to create fast and scalable network applications. Thus, Node.js is used to develop server-side applications, command-line tools, and desktop applications. A Node.js development company even provides dedicated backend solutions for web development.
It is especially popular for building real-time, data-intensive applications, such as chat applications, online games, and data streaming applications. Node.js is a versatile and powerful runtime environment that provides a fast, efficient, and scalable platform for building modern applications.
Why ReactJs and NodeJs are helpful for developing web applications?
ReactJS and NodeJS are both helpful in developing web applications because they offer a range of benefits that make the development process faster, easier, and more efficient. App development company widely prefers these technologies in web development solutions. And this is due to the following features that make ReactJS and NodeJs highly suitable for creating full-fledged web applications.
ReactJS:
Component-based architecture: ReactJS follows a component-based architecture, which makes it easier to develop complex web applications by breaking down the application into smaller components. Each component can be developed and tested independently. As a result, it makes it easier to manage and debug the application.
Virtual DOM: ReactJS uses a virtual DOM, which is a lightweight in-memory representation of the actual DOM. This makes updates to the DOM faster as the virtual DOM only updates the parts of the DOM that have changed.
Reusable components: ReactJS allows the creation of reusable components, which can be used throughout the application. Consequently, this makes the development process faster and more efficient.
Easy to learn: ReactJS has a simple and easy-to-learn syntax. Thus, it makes it easier for developers to get started with the framework.
Popularity: ReactJS is one of the most popular front-end frameworks. It has a large community of developers who are able to provide support and resources.
NodeJS:
Cross-platform compatibility: NodeJS is written in JavaScript, which is a cross-platform language. This means that NodeJS can be used to develop applications for Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms.
Fast and efficient: NodeJS uses an event-driven, non-blocking I/O model. Therefore, this makes it faster and more efficient than other server-side technologies.
Large library of modules: NodeJS has a large library of modules, which can be used to add functionality to applications. Hence, it is widely used to develop applications as developers don’t need to write all the code themselves.
Scalable: NodeJS is a highly scalable framework. It comes with several dynamic features for creating enterprise applications. And therefore, it stands out suitable for developing large web applications.
Popularity: NodeJS is one of the most popular server-side technologies. It means that there is a large community of developers who are able to provide support and resources.
Steps to build web application with ReactJs and NodeJS
In order to start developing a full-fledged web application, you need to have two systems to install ReactJs library and NodeJs framework. Once your systems are ready with these frameworks, follow the below steps.
Step 1: Set up the development environment
You need to have Node.js, npm, and a code editor installed on your system.
Step 2: Create a new Node.js project
In the terminal or command prompt, navigate to the folder where you want to create your project and run the following command:
npx create-react-app my-app
Step 3: Install the required packages
Navigate to the project folder and install the necessary packages:
npm install express body-parser
Step 4: Create a server-side file
Create a new file named server.js in the root directory and then add the following code:
const express = require(‘express’);
const bodyParser = require(‘body-parser’);
app.use(bodyParser.json());
app.use(bodyParser.urlencoded({ extended: false }));
app.get(‘/api’, (req, res) => {
res.send({ express: ‘Hello From Express’ });
});
const port = process.env.PORT || 5000;
app.listen(port, () => {
console.log(`Server running on port ${port}`);
});
Step 5: Create React components
Create a new folder named src in the root directory and create a file named App.js in it. Add the following code:
import React, { useState, useEffect } from ‘react’;
import axios from ‘axios’;
function App() {
const [data, setData] = useState({ express: ” });
useEffect(() => {
axios.get(‘/api’)
.then(res => setData(res.data))
}, []);
return (
<div className=”App”>
<header className=”App-header”>
<p>
{data.express}
</p>
</header>
</div>
);
}
export default App;
Step 6: Update the package.json file
Add the following scripts to the scripts section of your package.json file:
“scripts”: {
“start”: “node server.js”,
“server”: “nodemon server.js”,
“client”: “npm start –prefix client”,
“dev”: “concurrently \”npm run server\” \”npm run client\””
},
Step 7: Run the application
To run the application, execute the following command in the terminal or command prompt:
npm run dev
Final Words
creating a web application using ReactJS and NodeJS is a powerful and efficient way to build dynamic, interactive, and responsive applications. By following the steps outlined in this article, developers can create their own web applications and bring their ideas to life.
However, since ReactJs and NodeJs both are high-end technologies. Therefore, the best way to build a fully-functional web application is to take assistance from a React Native app development company since they hold expertise in developing full-stack web applications with ReactJs and NodeJs.
About the Author
The author is a Web Developer at MobileCoderz-a top-notch web and mobile app development company that builds custom and business-oriented software, web, and mobile app solutions for multiple industry verticals. He has expertise in ReactJs along with Java and JavaScript programming for creating websites and web applications. Besides this, He is a pet lover and adventure seeker.