Introduction to Containerizing React.js Applications with Docker

--- title: React.js language-specific guide linkTitle: React.js description: Containerize and develop React.js apps using Docker keywords: getting started, React.js, react.js, docker, language, Dockerfile summary: | This guide explains how to containerize React.js applications using Docker. toc_min: 1 toc_max: 2 languages: [js] params: time: 20 minutes --- The React.js language-specific guide shows you how to containerize a React.js application using Docker, following best practices for creating efficient, production-ready containers. [React.js](https://react.dev/) is a widely used library for building interactive user interfaces. However, managing dependencies, environments, and deployments efficiently can be complex. Docker simplifies this process by providing a consistent and containerized environment. > > **Acknowledgment** > > Docker extends its sincere gratitude to [Kristiyan Velkov](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristiyan-velkov-763130b3/) for authoring this guide. As a Docker Captain and experienced Front-end engineer, his expertise in Docker, DevOps, and modern web development has made this resource invaluable for the community, helping developers navigate and optimize their Docker workflows. --- ## What will you learn? In this guide, you will learn how to: - Containerize and run a React.js application using Docker. - Set up a local development environment for React.js inside a container. - Run tests for your React.js application within a Docker container. - Configure a CI/CD pipeline using GitHub Actions for your containerized app. - Deploy the containerized React.js application to a local Kubernetes cluster for testing and debugging. To begin, you’ll start by containerizing an existing React.js application. --- ## Prerequisites Before you begin, make sure you're familiar with the following: - Basic understanding of [JavaScript](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript) or [TypeScript](https://www.typescriptlang.org/). - Basic knowledge of [Node.js](https://nodejs.org/en) and [npm](https://docs.npmjs.com/about-npm) for managing dependencies and running scripts. - Familiarity with [React.js](https://react.dev/) fundamentals. - Understanding of Docker concepts such as images, containers, and Dockerfiles. If you're new to Docker, start with the [Docker basics](/get-started/docker-concepts/the-basics/what-is-a-container.md) guide. Once you've completed the React.js getting started modules, you’ll be ready to containerize your own React.js application using the examples and instructions provided in this guide.

This guide introduces how to containerize React.js applications using Docker, emphasizing best practices for efficient, production-ready containers. It outlines what you'll learn, including setting up development environments, running tests, configuring CI/CD pipelines with GitHub Actions, and deploying to Kubernetes. It also lists the prerequisites, such as basic knowledge of JavaScript, Node.js, npm, React.js, and Docker concepts.