I understand that React is frontend, and NodeJS is the backend that allows Javascript code to function outside of a browser. What I don't understand (and this is after following tutorials online on setting up a React project and a NodeJS project) is why I have to create an instance of each.
For example, in my React project, I managed to create a website. But because I needed a backend, I decided to use NodeJS. But I'm doing NodeJS tutorials, and I can create a website using NodeJS too. I'm confused because right now, it's appearing to be that React and NodeJS do the SAME THING.
I have never worked with NodeJS before so I am a bit confused. I was under the impression that I would just use NodeJS to host the backend, but after seeing that I'm literally having to create an entire website with NodeJS, I don't understand how I'm supposed to use React and NodeJS together.
How do the two, React and NodeJS, integrate together to create a fully-functioning web app? I have yet to see something online that clearly breaks down how the two interact.