Day 2: Do I need to learn Vanilla JavaScript before React?

Here’s the honest answer:

Yes, 100% (at least the basics). React, Vue, Angular, or Svelte are all built on JavaScript. If you don’t understand Vanilla JS (plain JavaScript), frameworks can feel like magic...until something breaks, and you’re completely stuck.

Why Vanilla JS comes first:

1️⃣ JavaScript powers frameworks: Components, events, props, state, all of it is JavaScript under the hood. If you understand JS, you’ll understand the framework instead of just memorising syntax.

2️⃣ Debugging becomes possible: Without JS, when something breaks in React, you won’t know if the problem is in your code logic or the framework. With JavaScript knowledge, you can confidently trace and fix issues.

3️⃣ Learning frameworks are faster: You spend less time memorising syntax and more time understanding how things work, because React, Vue, or Angular are just tools built on top of the JavaScript you already know.

4️⃣ Foundations unlock every framework. Once you know JavaScript, switching between React, Vue, Angular, or even future frameworks becomes much easier. You’re not tied to one tool.

Think of it like this: Learning React without JavaScript is like jumping straight into driving a Tesla without ever learning the basics of driving. Sure, you can press the accelerator and it moves, but the moment you need to take manual control, you’re lost.

Vanilla JavaScript is learning how the steering wheel, brakes, and gears work. Frameworks are the advanced vehicles built on top of those basics.

🔑 Key JavaScript fundamentals to know before React (or any framework):

• Variables & Data Types (strings, numbers, booleans, arrays, objects)
• Functions (parameters, return values, arrow functions)
• Control Flow (if/else, loops)
• Arrays & Objects (methods like .map(), .filter(), object manipulation)
• ES6+ Features (let/const, template literals, imports/exports)
• Asynchronous JS Basics (callbacks, Promises, async/await)

You don’t need to master every advanced detail before touching frameworks. But a solid grasp of these fundamentals makes learning React 10x smoother and far less frustrating.

❤ My advice: Learn the core of Vanilla JS first. It’s not about delaying your React journey; it’s about making sure that when you finally dive into React, you won’t just “follow tutorials.” You will actually understand why the code works, and you’ll have the confidence to build and debug on your own.