Things to Consider While Hiring React Developer

Few technologies manage to achieve the level of popularity among business and admiration of the developer community as much as React has in its very short period of existence. Developed and largely maintained by Facebook, React is a JavaScript library for creating highly dynamic user interfaces. It is especially useful when the application uses a lot of data which needs to be reflected without reloading the page- like Facebook or Instagram feeds that we all love.

But since the technology is relatively new, the developer community is still on the rising curve and often the demand outstrips the supply. Then again, since React is not a standalone technology and works in collaboration with many others, hiring React developers can sometimes get tricky. If you are facing such an issue, here is our complete guide to how you need to proceed:

You may be aware that React is used for both web and mobile app development- each of which uses different variants of React libraries. If you are looking for web development, you need to hire a ReactJS developer while React Native developers will help you create hybrid mobile apps. Also, since both of these technologies are very similar, you can often find developers with expertise in both and can hire then if you want both web and mobile apps for your business.

As mentioned, ReactJS and React Native are used for entirely different purposes and thus the skill set you need to hunt will also differ depending on your needs.

For ReactJS development, ensure that the developers have hands-on experience in at least these basic technologies:

• HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
  
• JavaScript frameworks like AngularJS
  
• JavaScript libraries like jQuery
  
• Front-end frameworks like Bootstrap
  

Overall, ensure that the skill set they possess is diversified including both front-end and back-end technologies.

For React Native development, ensure that the developers have a working knowledge of these technologies along with all of those required for ReactJS:

• Flux design pattern or similar libraries
  
• JavaScript libraries like Gulp or Grunt
  
• Ample expertise in Unit testing with Jest or similar technologies

Once you are clear about what technologies you need for your project, you need to decide how you want it to be delivered. Basically, there two routes- either go for a freelancer nearby or a full-fledged app development agency. While both have their own set of benefits and drawbacks, the bottom line is - if the project is relatively small, like an upgrade or maintenance task, freelancers generally serve better. For large projects though, development agencies with their vast resources and experience are better suited.

No matter how powerful the technology is or how wide a skillset the developers bring to your project unless they are competent enough to deliver on the said time and budget, it’s all waste. The last tip to hiring React developers is that you shouldn’t hire them all at once. If you have a large project to award, ask them to build an MVP first. The way they incorporate various technologies, manage the time and budget, offer support and handle professional communication, you will get the final cue whether they are the perfect match for your project or not.