How to start a React project from scratch

Many beginners don't start their projects from scratch: they use a starter project.

The idea of a starter project is so tantalizing...

Really? All that annoying setup done for me? I can just jump right into coding?

Excitement builds as you pick your starter project, download it, and crack open your favorite text editor. But that's where the fun ends:

I had no idea where to start, what to do, how anything worked. I wanted to update the WebPack config and I was f@%#ed - cause I didn't properly understand it. Then I wanted to manipulate my redux data store and I was confused, and so on, and so on.

In other words: Starter projects are difficult to work with if you aren't already familiar with all the pieces involved.

Overwhelm is not a productive feeling.

But what's the solution? Can I get that quick, easy, start that starter projects promised? Is it possible without a starter project?

Starting from Scratch

Ahhh... the feeling of a clean, crisp, white, sheet of paper. Everyone understands that right? Nothing overwhelming here.

When you start your project from scratch, you get to start with a clean slate. You can add pieces at your own pace, clearly understanding each piece as you go.

And it won't take you long to become productive. After you add the first few tools you'll be able to start on the first few features of your app.

So How Do I Begin?

Just follow the 7-step walkthrough: Build Your Own Starter.

In this tutorial I'll show you exactly how to start your project.

And since YOU are adding every piece to your project on your own, YOU will understand your project and will be able to easily add more pieces to it in the future.

Go try Build Your Own Starter now!