Deploy a React App with Vite and Vercel

Jenn learns to deploy her first React app using Vite and Vercel with guidance from Anthony, covering key concepts in modern web development.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Teach Jenn Tech, Anthony Campolo guides Jenn through the process of creating and deploying her first React application using Vite and Vercel. The session covers fundamental concepts in modern web development, including setting up a development environment, understanding React components, using Git for version control, and deploying a web application. Anthony patiently explains various technical terms and processes, such as the difference between JavaScript and JSX, the purpose of build tools like Vite, and the distinction between websites and web applications. The episode also touches on broader topics like the importance of using password managers and the value of learning through practical projects. Throughout the session, Jenn asks insightful questions, demonstrating her eagerness to learn and understand the underlying concepts behind web development.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Setting Up the Development Environment

Anthony introduces himself and outlines the goal of the session: to teach Jenn how to deploy a React application using Vite and Vercel. They begin by setting up the development environment, discussing the importance of tools like VS Code and the terminal. Anthony explains the significance of embracing the terminal for developers and how it can be a powerful tool once understood. They also touch on the concept of using package managers like Yarn and NPM, briefly mentioning Node.js and its role in the JavaScript ecosystem.

02:56 - Creating a React Project with Vite

The chapter focuses on creating a new React project using Vite. Anthony guides Jenn through the process of using the Yarn command line interface to generate a new project. They discuss the structure of the project, including the significance of the node_modules folder and why it’s generally best to ignore its contents. Anthony explains the concept of dependencies in JavaScript projects and how they are managed. They also touch on the differences between JavaScript and JSX, introducing Jenn to the concept of React components.

15:41 - Understanding React Components and Basic Editing

This section delves deeper into React components. Anthony guides Jenn through editing the App.jsx file, explaining the structure of a React component and how it combines JavaScript and HTML-like syntax (JSX). They discuss the concept of state in React applications, though Anthony chooses to simplify things by removing the counter functionality for this introductory lesson. The chapter also covers basic file organization in a React project, including imports, the component itself, and exports.

28:53 - Deploying the React App to GitHub and Vercel

The final chapter covers the process of deploying the React application. Anthony walks Jenn through creating a GitHub repository for the project, explaining basic Git commands along the way. They encounter and troubleshoot a login issue, highlighting the importance of password managers. Once the project is on GitHub, they move on to deploying it using Vercel. Anthony explains how Vercel can automatically detect the project type and configure the build process. They discuss concepts like build commands and output directories, though Anthony emphasizes that beginners don’t need to fully understand these details to successfully deploy their projects.

48:49 - Q&A and Wrap-up

In the closing segment, Jenn asks several insightful questions about web development concepts. They discuss the differences between websites and web applications, touching on interactivity as a key distinguishing factor. Anthony also briefly explains RSS feeds and their role in web content distribution. The chapter concludes with Anthony providing suggestions for further learning and emphasizing the importance of having clear goals when working on projects. They also discuss the value of creating content and blogging as a way to learn and share knowledge in the tech community.