Interact with smart contracts via React and a Node.js API

Building a decentralized application (DApp) typically requires users to install browser-specific extensions to interact with smart contracts, but this article outlines a method to bypass that need by creating a Node.js API using Web3.js. This API will interact with the blockchain network and communicate data back to a React frontend application. The process involves setting up a development environment with tools like Ganache and Truffle, and creating a smart contract using Solidity. The article explains the fundamentals of blockchain technology, including its decentralized nature, and provides a step-by-step guide to establishing the backend API and linking it to a React frontend. This approach allows users to engage with smart contracts directly through a web application, enhancing accessibility and user experience without additional browser plugins.