How to create a Text-to-Speech App with React using react-speech-kit

 

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore how to create a Text-to-Speech (TTS) app using React and the react-speech-kit library. TTS technology allows users to convert text into spoken words, providing an interactive and inclusive experience for various applications. With react-speech-kit, we can easily integrate TTS functionality into our React projects.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, make sure you have a basic understanding of React and have a development environment set up. You should have Node.js and npm (Node Package Manager) installed on your machine.

Step 1: Setting Up a New React Project

• Create a new React project using Create React App by running the following command in your terminal:

• Navigate into the project directory:

Step 2:  Installing react-speech-kit

• Install the react-speech-kit library by running the following command:

• Wait for the installation process to complete.

Step 3: Building the Text-to-Speech Component

• Create a new file named TextToSpeech.js in the src directory.

• Import the necessary components and hooks from the react-speech-kit library:

• Define a functional component called TextToSpeech and initialize the text state variable using the useState hook:

• Add an input field and a button to enter the text and trigger the TTS functionality:

• Implement the TTS functionality using the speak function provided by the useSpeechSynthesis hook:

• Finalize the component by exporting it:

Step 4: Integrating the Text-to-Speech Component

• Open the src/App.js file.
• Import the TextToSpeech component:

• Replace the existing content within the return statement of the App component with the TextToSpeech comonent:

Step 5: Running the App

• Start the development server by running the following command:

• Open your browser and navigate to `http://localhost:3000`. You should see the Text-to-Speech app.

Conclusion:

Congratulations! You have successfully created a Text-to-Speech app using React and the react-speech-kit library. With this app, users can enter text and have it converted into spoken words. Feel free to explore further enhancements such as adjusting speech rate or integrating other features to make the app even more versatile. Happy coding!