How to Create an Ecommerce Site with React

This tutorial guides you through building a simple e-commerce web application using React. While not a full-fledged Shopify competitor, it effectively demonstrates React's capabilities for creating dynamic user interfaces.

The application features a basic cart system and user authentication. Instead of complex state management libraries like Redux or MobX, it leverages React Context. A mock backend is created using json-server and json-server-auth. The complete code is available on GitHub.

Key Features & Technologies:

• React Context: Simplified state management, avoiding the overhead of Redux or MobX.
• User Authentication: Simulated using json-server-auth and JWTs for a realistic authentication flow.
• React Router: Handles application navigation.
• Axios: Manages AJAX requests for efficient data fetching.
• Bulma CSS: Provides a responsive and visually appealing UI.
• jwt-decode: Parses JWTs for secure authentication.
• Local Storage: Persists user data and cart contents across sessions.

Prerequisites:

This tutorial assumes basic JavaScript and React knowledge. If you're new to React, consider reviewing a beginner's guide.

You'll need Node.js and npm (Node Package Manager) installed. Verify installation using:

node -v
npm -v

Project Setup:

1. Create a new React project using Create React App:

   npx create-react-app e-commerce
   cd e-commerce

2. Install necessary packages:

   npm install react-router-dom axios json-server json-server-auth jwt-decode bulma

3. Add Bulma stylesheet to src/index.js:

   import "bulma/css/bulma.css";

Context and Component Structure:

The tutorial uses React Context for state management. A Context.js file creates the context, and withContext.js provides a higher-order component to easily inject context into components. Basic components (AddProduct, Cart, Login, ProductList) are created to structure the application.

Fake Backend Setup:

A db.json file (located in a backend directory) defines the mock database for users and products. Start the json-server with authentication:

./node_modules/.bin/json-server-auth ./backend/db.json --port 3001

This sets up a REST API at http://localhost:3001.

Authentication Implementation:

The App.js component handles user authentication using axios and jwt-decode. The login method makes a POST request to /login, decodes the JWT, and stores user information in state and local storage. The logout method clears this data. The Login component provides the user interface for login.

Product Views and Cart Management:

The ProductList component fetches and displays products. ProductItem renders individual product cards. The addToCart, removeFromCart, and clearCart methods manage the shopping cart, persisting data in local storage. The Cart component displays the cart contents, using CartItem for individual items. The checkout method simulates checkout by updating product stock in the mock backend. The AddProduct component allows admin users to add new products.

Conclusion:

This tutorial provides a foundational e-commerce application built with React. Further improvements could include a robust backend, server-side authentication, and more sophisticated features. Remember, the complete code is available on GitHub. For more advanced React development, explore React Design Patterns and Best Practices on SitePoint Premium.

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