As a software development director, I don’t often get the chance to write code as part of my job. I still read a lot about coding because I love to learn new things, but reading is not the same as doing. A few months ago though, my company went through some significant restructuring and I found myself on working notice. With my old role quickly winding down, I suddenly had some time to do a small coding project that would both benefit my company and allow me to experience some great hands on learning. I got the chance to write my first React application.