react-web

Overview of react-web skill

What react-web is for

The react-web skill is a React frontend workflow guide for building components and pages with hooks, React Query, and Zustand. It is most useful when you want a stricter implementation process than a casual prompt: test-first component work, clearer file order, and fewer “guess and patch later” cycles. If you are doing React web development and care about correctness before styling, this skill is a good fit.

Who should install it

Use the react-web skill if you work on component-heavy frontends, page-level UI, or app code under src/components, src/pages, or src/app. It is especially useful for agents that need to produce code with less ambiguity from a rough task like “build a settings panel” or “add a data table with loading and error states.”

What makes it different

The biggest differentiator is the enforced Test-First Development workflow. This react-web guide does not just describe React patterns; it pushes a concrete order: write tests first, verify failure, implement minimally, then refactor. That makes the skill more decision-useful for teams that want predictable frontend output and fewer hidden assumptions.

How to Use react-web skill

Install and scope the skill

For react-web install, add it in the environment where your coding agent reads skills, then confirm the active task actually matches the skill’s scope. The skill is aimed at *.tsx, *.jsx, and common React app folders, so it is not a general web app catch-all. Use it when the task is a React UI change, not when you are editing backend logic or unrelated infrastructure.

Start from the right files

Read SKILL.md first, then inspect any repository-level guidance that affects execution style. In this repo, the useful source of truth is concentrated in one file, so the main job is understanding the workflow sections rather than hunting across many references. Focus on the test-first rules, the component development order, and the test file structure before writing code.

Give the skill a complete task brief

The best react-web usage starts with a prompt that includes the UI goal, the target component or page, expected behavior, edge cases, and any state or data dependencies. Strong input: “Create a React settings card with save/cancel actions, disabled state while saving, validation for empty name, and tests for both success and error states.” Weak input: “Make a settings card.” The first gives the skill enough detail to write tests before implementation.

Follow the test-first workflow

Use the skill as a sequence, not a one-shot prompt. Ask for tests first, then implementation, then refactor if needed. For example: 1) define behaviors and test cases, 2) create the test file, 3) implement the component, 4) run and fix failures, 5) style after behavior is stable. This is the core operating model behind react-web for Frontend Development.

react-web skill FAQ

Is react-web better than a normal prompt?

Usually yes when the task needs reliable UI behavior, test coverage, or consistent component structure. A normal prompt may produce code, but the react-web skill gives the agent a stronger process for proving behavior first. If you only need a quick one-off markup tweak, the overhead may not be worth it.

When should I not use it?

Do not use react-web for backend services, pure CSS refactors, or tasks that do not involve React components or pages. It is also a weaker fit if your repository cannot support tests or if the work is purely exploratory design rather than implementation.

Is it beginner friendly?

Yes, if the user can describe the UI clearly. The skill is actually helpful for beginners because it forces a cleaner order of work and reduces “where do I start?” confusion. The main requirement is being able to state the component’s behavior well enough to write tests first.

How does it fit common React stacks?

It fits standard React app patterns, especially hook-based UI, React Query for server state, and Zustand for local/global client state. If your stack uses different conventions, the react-web guide still helps as a process layer, but you should adapt naming, testing tools, and state boundaries to your app.

How to Improve react-web skill

Give behavior, not just visuals

The fastest way to improve react-web usage is to describe user behavior in concrete terms. Include what should render, what should happen on click or submit, what loading and error states look like, and what data source or store the component depends on. “Render a profile form” is vague; “render name/email fields, disable submit until valid, show inline errors, and call updateProfile on submit” is actionable.

Write constraints that affect tests

Because this skill is test-first, constraints matter. Mention the test runner, preferred testing library patterns, accessibility expectations, and whether the component should be controlled or uncontrolled. If a component must preserve existing props or integrate with React Query/Zustand, say so up front; otherwise the first draft may make avoidable architectural guesses.

Review the first pass for gaps

After the initial output, check whether the tests actually define the behavior you care about, not just the happy path. Common failure modes are missing error cases, weak loading-state coverage, overbroad mocks, and UI code that works but is hard to maintain. Ask for a second pass that tightens the test file before asking for polish.

Use the skill iteratively

The best react-web skill results come from small, scoped increments: one component, one page section, one behavior set. If the first answer is close but incomplete, refine by adding edge cases, state transitions, or integration details rather than asking for a full rewrite. That keeps the test-first discipline intact and improves output quality without losing the original structure.