Should you REALLY learn JavaScript before React, Angular etc?

I explain why I think that you might not need to master JS before diving into React, Angular or other frameworks.

Want to become a web developer or expand your web development knowledge?
I have multiple bestselling online courses on React, Angular, NodeJS, Docker & much more!

[adambickford]

It's like learning music. You can memorize scales and chords first or you can just play songs and figure out which scales and chords are actually useful for what you're building. Either way, if you're passionate, you'll end up with a similar body of knowledge.

[saiphaneeshk.h.]

I learnt Dart for fluttet development, Once had the basics down like syntaxes, conditional operations, list and map operations i directly jumped into watch while learning js in the flow when i didn't understand them

[krutikadave]

When I had to start soon on angular due to a project requirement, I skipped going deep in Javascript. But when I had to start on React, I felt it’s very important to understand Javascript. 😖😣

[zeeshan.safdar]

Hi Max. What is behind in your background? I am curious to know, everyday new color :)

[traversethedom]

Mastering the fundamentals of the JavaScript language is essential before even considering a framework. I strongly advise building one or two complex projects in vanilla JavaScript to significantly improve your application structuring skills. Furthermore, companies prioritize knowledge of frameworks in their job postings, leading to people rushing through JavaScript and jumping straight into frameworks. Don't make that mistake. You can invest the time to develop a solid foundation in JavaScript, and you'll be much better equipped to tackle any project in the future.

[Vhc]

This only applies if you plan on staying in the front-end. Many times, you will get hired for a job that is in a language you do not know. Learning JS fundamentals will prepare you for a job in any language.

[incarnateTheGreat]

I wish this were true. I enjoy React because of its simplicity and closeness to vanilla JavaScript, but every time you go and do a tech assessment for a company, they expect you to know deeper vanilla JavaScript.

[ramisultana]

thats so true . just some basics java script.

[AshrafTarek]

TLDR: Yes, you have to. Learn to walk properly before you start to run.

There are shokingly huge knowledge gaps when it comes to the browser API in general.

[vincentjacquet]

I think I agree with what you say but I find confusing that you interchangeably use JavaScript and Vanilla JS when they are not the same thing.

JavaScript is the language, and you cannot use any JavaScript framework if you do not know the language. Learning it through the lenses of a framework is somewhat opinionated.

Vanilla JS is the idea that you can directly build web application using the fundations layed out by the W3C, such as the DOM and the events, without needing a framework built upon those such as React or Angular. So instead of defining a new framework, Vanilla JS shows you how to use what is already available. Vanilla JS is the absence of another framework.

So, should you learn JavaScript before learning React? I would answer is yes.
Should you learn Vanilla JS before learning React? I would say no.
Should you learn Vanilla JS? Probably.

[WatashiwaWatashi-zwhy]

just need Flutter and forget Javascript and React. your life will be easier

[Simple_OG]

imagine learning frameworks without know what is dom and how it works