Yes, it’s recommended that you learn JavaScript before starting to learn React. React is a JavaScript library, so having a solid foundation in JavaScript is essential for success with React. Essentially, JavaScript is the language that React is based on.

In fact, one way to think of React is that it’s a layer built on top of the JavaScript language, with some helpful abstractions that make it easier to build large-scale applications with fewer lines of code. With React, you can create reusable components, which can help you write code more efficiently by not having to rewrite it every time you need to use a similar component.

In order to make the most of React, you should have a good understanding of the fundamentals of JavaScript. This includes learning data types, variables, functions, and loops, as well as the basic principles of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP). Learning these concepts will help you when writing React applications so you can easily break down the components of your application and structure them in an efficient manner.

Moreover, you should also learn about npm and Node, two tools used to help manage project files and dependencies within React. By familiarizing yourself with these tools, you’ll be able to set up projects easily and incorporate third-party libraries into your projects.

To recap, in order to make the most out of React, you should first have a strong grasp of the fundamentals of JavaScript. This includes basic topics such as data types, variables, functions, and loops, as well as more advanced concepts such as Object-Oriented Programming (OOP). Additionally, you should also take the time to learn about tools such as npm and Node to make the most out of React. By having a firm base of JavaScript knowledge, you’ll be equipped to make the most out of React.