Since it was first launched in 2013, React has become one of the most popular frameworks for web development. Not so sure of this? Just ask Dropbox, Airbnb, Facebook, Uber, and Instagram. Exciting yet challenging, its dynamic features are certainly a perk not to be dismissed. However, what is a react developer job really about? Let’s go through the good, the bad, and the how-tos on filling this position.
Being a react developer: a brief look into the role
What is a react developer? They are front-end developers whose field of expertise centers around the JavaScript library and its features. Think about functionality meeting design with one goal in mind: to enhance the way users interact with a platform.
So is ReactJS knowledge all that it takes? Not quite, as different skills and factors come into play for succeeding in this role. For starters, some of this developer’s responsibilities center around the following:
- Structuring the UI through the required programming languages, libraries, and frameworks.
- Testing for usability by detecting and fixing potential security threats, bugs, and errors.
- Assessing the client’s requirements and customer needs thus translating them into the app’s specifics.
- Enhancing the platform’s overall performance by optimizing and updating already existing features.
- Documenting all important information and codes in handbooks, guidelines, or databases.
- Keeping up to date with the industry’s latest technologies, trends, resources, tools, and standards.
What is the react developer roadmap?
As a visual overview of the workload’s strategy, roadmaps allow developers, designers, and project managers to focus on the project’s main goals.
Noted, this isn’t a to-do list, but an opportunity to assess what to prioritize and the best viable options to achieve it. Moreover, this reference also serves as a guideline for the skills and tools needed to thrive in specific roles.
Some must-knows for react developers include:
- Understanding the basics. Besides JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, a react developer needs to master Bitrise, React Sight, and Redux.
- Diving into the concepts. For instance, visual aids such as JavaScript Syntax Extensions (JSX) and representations like the virtual DOM enhance the development process.
- Ensuring web security. Threats affecting React involve risks like Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) or XML External Entity Attack (XXE). Without adequate features, data and private information become a target for breaches or cyber-attacks.
- Testing the app’s features. To ensure a high-quality and functional product, software testing is an essential skill every developer needs. When it comes to this framework’s components, both Jest and the React Testing Library are a must.
What are the advantages of being a react developer?
1. There’s a high demand for tech professionals
As the need for digitalization keeps increasing, businesses everywhere look to enhance customer experiences through apps and platforms.
For instance, according to TechJury, there were 218 billion app downloads in the world as of 2020. What does this mean for STEM professionals? Well, with a rapid-growth market, companies everywhere are now looking for developers whose skills and expertise can boost their business.
2. It allows for a flexible work environment
Whether it’s through freelancing, outsourcing, or an in-house team, remote work has become part of the tech community. You aren’t limited to working from an office or other locations, so this makes this an opportunity to collaborate with international companies.
Any other benefits? Well, you can experience better life-work-balance, reduce costs as there’s no commute, and work in a less stressful environment.
3. Enjoy yourself with a high-paying salary
It’s no secret that this is a well-paid field as developers boost the company’s value. Moreover, as the demand for STEM experts keeps increasing, businesses cotinue striving to set up differentiators for finding tech talent.
When talking about perks, this includes benefits like healthcare, paid vacations, employee discounts, and extended leave. The idea isn’t to fill in positions but hire top talent by ensuring their personal and professional growth.
Some of the disadvantages of being a react developer
1. Attempting to thrive in a competitive market where others may exceed you in skills or years of experience.
2. Keeping up with constant workload demands while juggling different projects, clients, and tasks at the same time.
3. Bracing yourself for the long schedules during non-business hours and weekends trying to meet deadlines.
How to know if this is the role for me?
As we’ve gone over the pros and cons, professionals may ask themselves if this is the right fit for them. Is technical knowledge everything that’s really needed to be a developer? That’s just for starters. However, no need to worry. While challenging, this is a role that focuses on innovation, creativity, and critical thinking: skills that all professionals can develop.
Along with technical knowledge regarding frameworks, tools, and concepts, react developers need skills relating to:
- Adaptability
- Communication
- Time management
- Collaboration
- Organization
Want to get more info on this topic or connect with developers? Be sure to check out our LinkedIn or visit us at WillDom.com.
