When starting with frontend development, a common question arises: Should I learn React as a standalone library first, or jump straight into using React within Next.js? React is a powerful JavaScript library for building user interfaces, primarily focused on component-based architecture and state management. On the other hand, Next.js is a framework built on top of React that adds features like server-side rendering (SSR), static site generation (SSG), API routes, and improved SEO.

For beginners, learning React first can provide a solid understanding of core concepts like components, props, hooks, and state management before adding the complexities of Next.js. However, some developers argue that learning React within Next.js allows for a more structured approach with built-in optimizations and best practices. Which path is more efficient for learning, and what are the pros and cons of each approach?