Using Hooks in React
React Hooks have fundamentally changed how teams build components—and if you’re still writing class components or managing state inefficiently, you’re leaving performance and maintainability on the table. This course cuts straight to what matters: useState, useEffect, custom hooks, and the patterns that separate junior from senior React developers. You’ll spend 4.5 hours with Peter Kellner (one of Pluralsight’s top 5.5% of instructors) building real muscle memory through hands-on labs.
AIU.ac Verdict: Essential for any React developer who wants to write cleaner, more reusable code and understand the mental model behind modern React. The course assumes solid JavaScript and basic React knowledge—if you’re still learning component basics, start there first. Ideal for mid-level developers stepping into production codebases or teams migrating from class components.
What This Course Covers
You’ll start with the fundamentals: why Hooks exist, how useState and useEffect work under the hood, and the rules that govern them. Then you’ll move into custom Hooks—the real power play—learning how to extract logic, compose Hooks, and build patterns that scale across large applications. The course covers useContext, useReducer, and performance optimisation with useMemo and useCallback, with practical examples showing when to use each.
Throughout the 4.5 hours, you’ll work through Pluralsight’s sandboxed labs, building real components and debugging common pitfalls (closure issues, dependency arrays, infinite loops). By the end, you’ll understand not just how to use Hooks, but why they’re superior to older patterns and how to architect React applications around them.
Who Is This Course For?
Ideal for:
- Mid-level React developers: You know components and JSX but want to master state management and write reusable logic without prop drilling or render props.
- Teams modernising legacy codebases: You’re migrating from class components and need your team aligned on Hook patterns, custom Hook design, and performance best practices.
- Full-stack engineers entering React roles: You have solid JavaScript but need to understand React’s modern paradigm quickly—Hooks are the entry point to thinking in React.
May not suit:
- Complete React beginners: This assumes you’re comfortable with functional components, JSX syntax, and basic state concepts. Start with React fundamentals first.
- Backend-only developers with no JavaScript experience: You’ll struggle without solid JavaScript closures, asynchronous patterns, and DOM concepts. Build those foundations before tackling Hooks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Using Hooks in React take?
4 hours 30 minutes of video content. Most developers complete it in 1–2 weeks, depending on how much time you spend in the hands-on labs.
Do I need to know class components to understand Hooks?
Not required, but helpful context. Peter explains why Hooks were introduced and how they compare to older patterns, so you’ll understand the ‘why’ even if you’ve never written a class component.
Are there coding exercises or just videos?
Both. Pluralsight includes sandboxed labs where you’ll write actual code, debug issues, and build components. Video alone won’t stick—the labs are where the learning happens.
Will this help me in job interviews?
Absolutely. Hooks are standard in modern React interviews. You’ll be able to explain custom Hooks, dependency arrays, and performance optimisation—topics that separate candidates who’ve built real applications from those who’ve only read tutorials.
Course by Peter Kellner on Pluralsight. Duration: 4h 30m. Last verified by AIU.ac: March 2026.
