How to Create a React Project and Set Up Axios

Introduction

• What is React?
• Why use Axios with React?
• Benefits of combining React and Axios

Setting Up Your Environment

• Installing Node.js and npm
• Verifying installations
• Installing create-react-app globally

Creating a New React Project

• Using create-react-app
• Navigating into the project directory
• Understanding the folder structure

Running the React App for the First Time

• Starting the development server
• What you see in the browser
• Editing the App component

Installing Axios in Your React Project

• Using npm to install Axios
• Confirming the installation
• Importing Axios into your components

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 How to Create a React Project and Set Up Axios

Introduction

React is like the Swiss Army knife of front-end development. It’s fast, flexible, and backed by one of the biggest names in tech—Facebook. If you’re diving into modern web development, learning React isn’t just a smart move—it’s essential. But building user interfaces isn’t the whole story. At some point, your app will need to “talk” to a backend. That’s where Axios comes in.

Axios is a promise-based HTTP client for the browser and Node.js. It makes sending HTTP requests (like GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) a breeze. You could use JavaScript’s built-in fetch, but Axios simplifies a lot of common headaches, like automatically transforming JSON data and handling errors more gracefully.

So, why combine React with Axios? Simple:

• React handles the UI and state management.
• Axios deals with communication between your app and the server.

Together, they form a dynamic duo for building powerful, data-driven applications. In this guide, we’ll walk through every step: from creating your very first React app to installing and using Axios to fetch real data. No fluff, just the good stuff. Let’s get building.

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Setting Up Your Environment

Before we get to the fun stuff, let’s make sure your system is ready to roll. React and Axios both rely on JavaScript, so you’ll need a working Node.js environment. Don’t worry—it’s a quick setup.

1. Install Node.js and npm

Head over to Node.js official website and download the latest LTS (Long Term Support) version. It comes bundled with npm (Node Package Manager), which is what you'll use to install libraries like React and Axios.

How to install node.js click here

How to install npm click here

2. Verify Your Installation

Open up your terminal (Command Prompt, PowerShell, Terminal, or whatever you prefer) and run:

node -v

You should see a version number like v18.17.1. Then, check npm:

npm -v

This will output the npm version. If both commands give you results, you’re good to go.

3. Install create-react-app (Optional)

Technically, create-react-app is not required globally anymore if you’re using npx, but for convenience:

npm install -g create-react-app

This command installs the React scaffolding tool globally, allowing you to create React projects from anywhere on your machine.

Now that your system is prepped, let’s create our first React project.

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Creating a New React Project

With your environment all set, it’s time to spin up a React app. This is easier than you think, thanks to the create-react-app CLI tool.

1. Use create-react-app

Open a terminal and run:

npx create-react-app my-react-app

Replace my-react-app with whatever you want to name your project. npx ensures you're always using the latest version of the tool without globally installing it.

The setup might take a minute or two depending on your internet speed and machine performance. Once it’s done, you’ll see a success message.

2. Navigate into the Project Directory

After the setup finishes, move into your project directory:

cd my-react-app

Now you’re inside your React project. Try listing the files with ls or dir, and you’ll see a bunch of folders and files.

3. Understand the Folder Structure

Here’s what you’ll find inside:

• node_modules/: All your project’s dependencies.
• public/: Static files (e.g., index.html, favicon).
• src/: Your JavaScript code goes here. This is where the magic happens.
• package.json: Project configuration, scripts, and dependencies.

Understanding this structure helps you keep things organized as your project grows.

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Running the React App for the First Time

Now it’s time to see your app in action!

1. Start the Development Server

Still in your project directory, run:

npm start

This command launches the development server and opens your app in the default browser at http://localhost:3000.

2. What You See in the Browser

By default, you’ll see a spinning React logo, a welcome message, and a few instructions. This means your app is working perfectly!

React has hot-reloading built in. That means every time you change your code, the browser updates automatically. No need to refresh manually.

3. Edit the App Component

Open the src/App.js file in your code editor. Replace the existing JSX with something simple:

function App() {
  return (
    <div className="App">
      <h1>Hello, React World!</h1>
    </div>
  );
}

export default App;

Save the file, and your browser will update instantly with the new message. That’s the beauty of React—it’s reactive and developer-friendly.

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Installing Axios in Your React Project

Now that your React project is alive and well, let’s bring Axios into the mix.

1. Install Axios via npm

Back in the terminal (still inside your project), run:

npm install axios

This will add Axios to your node_modules and update your package.json dependencies.

2. Confirm the Installation

Check your package.json file—you should see "axios" listed under dependencies. You can also check via:

npm list axios

If it shows a version number, you're all set.

3. Import Axios into Your Component

Let’s use Axios to fetch some data. Open src/api/axios.js and import Axios at the top:

import axios from 'axios';

You’re now ready to make HTTP requests using Axios within your React components.

How to install Mockoon and setup mock api click here

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Conclusion

And there you have it—a complete, step-by-step guide to creating a React project and setting up Axios like a seasoned developer. From initializing the project to making GET and POST requests, and even setting up a full-fledged API service layer—you’ve covered it all.

Axios makes HTTP requests elegant and manageable. When combined with React’s powerful component system, you can build dynamic, responsive applications that connect seamlessly to any backend.

Whether you're a beginner just starting out or an experienced dev looking to brush up, mastering this combo will level up your web development game. Keep building, keep experimenting, and don’t be afraid to break things—you’ll learn faster that way.

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FAQs

Q1: Can I use Axios with React Native too?
Yes! Axios works seamlessly with React Native, just like it does in React.js. The syntax and functionality remain almost identical.

Q2: Is Axios better than Fetch API?
Axios is more feature-rich and user-friendly, especially when handling requests with headers, timeouts, and response interceptors. But Fetch is built-in and lighter. Choose based on your project's needs.

Q3: How do I cancel Axios requests in React?
You can use Axios' built-in cancel tokens or the AbortController in newer versions. It helps prevent memory leaks when components unmount.

Q4: Can I use multiple Axios instances in a single app?
Absolutely! Create different instances with different configurations if you’re hitting multiple APIs with distinct requirements.

Q5: Should I store JWT tokens in localStorage or cookies?
For security, cookies (with HttpOnly and Secure flags) are generally safer against XSS attacks. But localStorage is easier to implement. Choose wisely depending on your app’s security needs.