Should you learn JavaScript before React?

Some developers recommend learning JavaScript fundamentals before React; others say beginners can start with React and learn JavaScript along the way. Lee says both views have merit, but the more useful question is how each person learns best. He suggests that people asking about learning order may really be looking for skills that help them get hired.

Lee describes a cycle in which developers adopted React and brought it to their companies, which then began hiring React developers. Other companies saw that adoption and followed suit. As a result, React became valuable to both developers and employers.

Lee outlines learning by seeing, hearing, doing, and reading or writing, and says these approaches can be combined. He emphasizes hands-on practice: reading React documentation alone may not be enough to understand it. Boot camps offer practice with workplace tools, but he says success also depends on focus, supportive peers or mentors, and determination.

Lee says programming tools change, so a strong foundation matters alongside the ability to keep learning. He describes his own approach as building something, failing, checking documentation, finding the gap, and iterating. He advises beginners to reflect on how they learn instead of treating one person's path as universal.

Lee's personal recommendation is to study JavaScript and React at the same time. He suggests learning fundamentals in both, using them to build projects, and repeating the cycle as gaps appear. His broader advice is to help beginners find a learning approach that works for them.