To use React in production, you need npm which is included with Node.js .
Also, you need to set up a React Environment, and choose a build tool.
Setting up a React Environment
First, make sure you have Node.js installed. You can check by running this in your terminal:
node -vIf Node.js is installed, you will get a result with the version number:
v22.15.0If not, you will need to install Node.js.
Install a Build Tool (Vite)
When you have Node.js installed, you can start creating a React application by choosing a build tool.
We will use the Vite build tool in this tutorial.
Run this command to install Vite
npm install -g create-viteIf the installation was a success, you will get a result like this:
added 1 package in 649msCreate a React Application
Run this command to create a React application named my-react-app :
npm create vite@latest my-react-app -- --template reactIf you get this message, just press y and press Enter to continue:
Need to install the following packages:
create-vite@6.5.0
Ok to proceed? (y)If the creation was a success, you will get a result like this:
> npx
> create-vite my-react-app --template react
|
o
Scaffolding project in C:\Users\stale\my-react-app...
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- Done. Now run:
cd my-react-app
npm install
npm run devInstall Dependencies
As the result above suggests, navigate to your new react application directory:
cd my-react-appAnd run this command to install dependencies:
npm installWhich will result in this
added 154 packages, and audited 155 packages in 8s
33 packages are looking for funding
run `npm fund` for details
found
vulnerabilitiesRun the React Application
Now you are ready to run your first real React application!
Run this command to run the React application my-react-app :
npm run devWhich will result in this
VITE v6.3.5
ready in
217 ms
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Local: http://localhost:5173/
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Network: use --host to expose
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press h + enter to show helpA new browser window will pop up with your newly created React App! If not, open your browser and type localhost:5173 in the address bar.