# Hire a React developer for your web app > A React developer builds the screens of a web app: buttons, forms, lists, charts and everything that reacts when someone clicks. Hire one when your product needs a lively interface that runs in the browser. Canonical: https://erdibuilds.app/hire/react Last updated: 2026-11-06 (November 6, 2026) ## Where React fits React is a JavaScript library (A collection of ready-made code that developers reuse, here for building user interfaces.) for building interfaces out of small parts. A button, a table row or a whole settings page is a part that can be reused and changed in one place. This keeps big interfaces tidy. It is a strong match for interfaces with a lot of interaction. Think of an [admin panel](https://erdibuilds.app/build/internal-tool) with filters and tables, a booking tool, a design editor or a [web app](https://erdibuilds.app/build/web-app) where data changes live on screen. It also powers the web side of many [SaaS products](https://erdibuilds.app/build/saas). React on its own only covers the screen. Data, logins and payments come from a backend. Many React projects therefore also list [Supabase](https://erdibuilds.app/hire/supabase), [Node.js](https://erdibuilds.app/hire/nodejs) or [Next.js](https://erdibuilds.app/hire/nextjs), which adds server features on top of React. ## Questions for a React developer - How do you organise state, the data the screen remembers, in a larger app? - How will you keep the app fast when a list has thousands of rows? - Do you use TypeScript, and why or why not? - How do you make the interface usable with a keyboard and a screen reader? - Which parts will you test automatically? - Can you show a React app you built that is live today? Listen for concrete examples. A developer with real experience will tell you about a slow screen they fixed or a bug that taught them something. ## Typical milestones For an interface-heavy web app, a plan often follows the order in which you can see progress. Every milestone is funded before work starts. The weeks in this example are for illustration, and developers set the length of each milestone in their proposal. Milestones are from 50 to 2,000 each in your project currency. Lengths are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8 weeks. 1. Clickable design in code (for example, weeks 1 to 2): the main screens with fake data, so you can judge layout and flow early. 2. Real data and logins (for example, weeks 3 to 4): the screens talk to the backend and show real content. 3. Core features (for example, weeks 5 to 7): the actions that make your product useful, with error messages and empty states. 4. Polish and launch (for example, week 8): small-screen layout, speed, accessibility checks and going live. Ask the developer to show a working preview after each phase. You approve the delivery, then funds are released after a short holding period. If something is off, you can request changes. ## Matching for React projects On ErdiBuilds a developer lists up to 6 technologies as Expert in (The technologies a developer knows best.) and others as Also works with (Technologies a developer can use but is not specialised in.). A project that names React is scored against both lists, together with project type, portfolio, budget fit and availability. The 0 to 100 score comes with plain reasons. A developer needs at least 40 to apply, and 80 or more shows a Top match badge. You read the proposals in order of score. There is no public list of developers to search through. ## Frequently asked questions ### Should I ask for React or Next.js? If your app sits behind a login, React is fine. If public pages must rank in search, ask for [Next.js](https://erdibuilds.app/hire/nextjs), which is built on React. ### Can the same developer build a phone app? Many React developers also know [React Native and Expo](https://erdibuilds.app/hire/react-native-expo), which reuses ideas from React. Check the developer's portfolio for a mobile app. ### Do I need a designer first? Not always. Simple projects can start from a rough sketch. For brand-heavy interfaces, a [design only](https://erdibuilds.app/help/design-only) step first can save rework. ### Can a React developer continue my existing code? Yes, if the code is readable. Start with a short review. See [take over an existing codebase](https://erdibuilds.app/help/take-over-an-existing-codebase). ## Related - [Hire a Next.js developer for your project](https://erdibuilds.app/hire/nextjs): What a Next.js developer does, which projects it suits, what to ask before you hire and how milestones and matching work on ErdiBuilds. - [Hire a Node.js developer for your server](https://erdibuilds.app/hire/nodejs): Node.js runs the server side of apps and APIs. Learn what a Node.js developer builds, what to ask and how milestones and matching work. - [Build a web app with an independent developer](https://erdibuilds.app/build/web-app): How to plan a browser-based web app: common technologies, an example milestone plan, what to write in the brief and how to judge a developer. - [Build an internal tool with a developer](https://erdibuilds.app/build/internal-tool): Turn spreadsheets and manual steps into one tool for your team: technologies, a milestone plan, what to put in the brief and how to pick a developer. - [What Is an MVP? A Plain Guide for Founders](https://erdibuilds.app/guides/what-is-an-mvp): An MVP is the smallest version of a product that real users can try. Learn what it includes, what it leaves out and how to plan one.