Working as a React Developer, as the name suggests, is based on creating web applications using the React library, also known as React.JS. This is a software library, written in JavaScript, that facilitates the creation of a web interface, regardless of its complexity.
The React library was created in 2013 by Jordan Walke, a developer associated with Facebook. The creation of this library, aimed to make interface building as simple as possible, while improving the user experience for potential users. Importantly, the library, is available under an open licence, which means that anyone can actually try their hand at programming with React.JS, whether for personal or commercial use.
React, as it is a JavaScript library, finds applications in front-end programming. The biggest advantage of React is its speed, and as a result, it is able to change interface elements in real time, without causing harm to the user. The React library is used by web giants such as Facebook, Pinterest and Wikipedia.
First of all, it is important to note that just using React is not enough to create a complete website, so necessarily, a React specialist should be familiar with the basic front-end technologies: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as a few others, that will improve web application development.
In addition to the afore-mentioned hard skills, a React Developer should also have soft skills, such as the ability to work in a team, communication skills, a desire for personal development, and a willingness to solve problems, encountered independently.
Job offers for the position of React Developer or Front-end Developer with knowledge of React, are indeed numerous. The most common requirements, apart from the obvious knowledge of the library itself, include an excellent knowledge of English (at least B2 level, although C1 is the most common), and an orientation towards other front-end technologies.
The most common benefits declared in React job adverts, include a high salary, on-line recruitment, remote or hybrid working, and a fixed contract length. In addition, some offers off involve business travel, re-training budgets, paid holidays on a B2B contract, and the possibility to start, immediately.
Average salaries for React Developers on contract, depending on the position are: PLN 5,400 – PLN 8,000 for a junior; PLN 12,000 – PLN 19,000 for a mid; and PLN 16,000 – PLN 23,000 for a senior. Earnings on a B2B contract range from PLN 90 to 160 per hour.
Anyone wishing to start taking their first steps in IT as a React developer, must remember that React itself is only a library, and not a stand-alone language. Consequently, as we mentioned earlier, in order to find your first job within this specialisation, you need to be well-versed in other front-end technologies, i.e. HTML, CSS, or JavaScript. Therefore, a Junior applying for his or her first job in this technology, must have solid front-end skills. If this fact scares potential React Developers, it can be a consolation that with a good mastery of JavaScript, the React environment will no longer be a challenge.
As for specialists in mid and senior positions, they can look optimistically to their professional future, as React itself is not slowing down and is constantly evolving, not least thanks to the support of Facebook.
At this point, it is also worth mentioning the React Native library, which is a derivative of React itself, and which allows applications written in JavaScript, to be used on Android and iOS, in a way which opens up the prospects for those wishing to develop mobile applications.
