Web Design Tutorials

How to Install React JS in Visual Studio Code

If you’re new to React and want to set up your first project in Visual Studio Code, this guide will walk you through the entire process. Follow these steps to get started

Step 1: Install Node.js

React requires Node.js, so the first step is to install it.

  1. Download Node.js:
    • Visit the Node.js download page.
    • Choose the LTS (Long-Term Support) version, as it is more stable for development.
    • For Windows users, select the Windows installer to download.
  2. Install Node.js:
    • Once downloaded, open the installer.
    • Click Next and agree to the terms and conditions.
    • Continue clicking Next through the installation process.
    • Finally, click Install and then Finish once completed.

Step 2: Verify Node.js Installation

After installation, confirm that Node.js was installed correctly:

  1. Check Node.js Version:
    • Open the Command Prompt (search for “cmd”).
    • Type node -v to check the Node.js version. You should see the version number displayed.
  2. Check npm Version:
    • In the Command Prompt, type npm -v to verify the version of npm (Node Package Manager), which is crucial for managing project dependencies.

Step 3: Set Up a React Project in Visual Studio Code

Now, let’s create your first React project using Visual Studio Code (VS Code).

  1. Create a Project Folder:
    • First, create a folder for your project, for example, “First Project.”
    • Open this folder in VS Code.
  2. Install React:
    • Open a new terminal in VS Code by navigating to the Terminal menu and selecting New Terminal.
    • In the terminal, type the following command to create a React app:npx create-react-app first-project
    • This will create a new React app inside the “First Project” folder. The installation may take a few minutes.
  3. Navigate to Your Project Folder:
    • After the installation completes, navigate to your project folder using:cd first-project
  4. Start the Development Server:
    • Start your React app by typing:npm start
    • This will launch a local development server, and your React project will automatically open in a web browser.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you’ve successfully set up your first React JS project in Visual Studio Code! You can now start building and experimenting with React. If you found this tutorial helpful, don’t forget to give it a thumbs up. Happy coding!