React is Deprecating Create React App: What’s Next for React Developers?
For years, Create React App (CRA) has been the default starting point for many React projects. I started using it almost 10 years ago when it was first released, and it was the only way to build React apps during that time. It simplified bootstrapping new applications and gave developers a solid foundation.
Years have passed by and React has evolved over time. Today, I use Next.js or Vite as a framework to build React Apps for my clients. This is because CRA had its own limitations. Interestingly, React has finally decided to deprecate the Create React App. You can read this blog post to learn more about the details:
Create React App is deprecated for new apps, and older apps are encouraged to migrate to a React framework!
So, what does this mean for React developers, and what should you use instead? Let’s dive in.
Why is Create React App Being Deprecated?
So let’s talk about why Create React App is being deprecated.
CRA made it easy to spin up a React app without worrying about Webpack configurations, but over time, it struggled to keep up with modern frontend needs. Some of its major shortcomings included:
Routing
CRA did not have a routing solution in-built. If you were using CRA, you would have to bring in a routing library like React Router, or use useState to switch between routes (which is not practical for large apps). Bringing in a third party routing library adds complexity to the app but there was really no other choice with CRA apps.
Performance Issues
CRA’s Webpack-based setup led to slower builds and runtime performance compared to modern frameworks like Vite, Next.js, and Remix. You would have to fetch data from the useEffect hook, which meant the user had to wait longer to see the content being loaded.
To overcome these performance issues, typically you would use a third party data fetching library like React Query, TanStack Query or SWR. This meant adding additional complexity to the app, because CRA had limitations.
Lack of Server-Side Features
It was strictly client-side, while most modern apps leverage Server-side Rendering (SSR), Static site Generation (SSG), React Server Components (RSC), etc.for performance.
Modern React features that provide significant boost to the performance of the app are not available with CRA.
CRA had many more limitations and developers often had to resort to adding third party libraries to resolve the problems.
With Next.js, Vite, and other frameworks now offering faster, more flexible setups, React’s decision to retire CRA makes sense.
What Should You Use Instead?
If you have been using CRA, don’t panic!
There are better alternatives today depending on your use case:
Next.js (Best for Full-Stack & Production Apps)
🚀 Why?
- First-class support for React Server Components, SSR, and Static Generation.
- Optimized performance with built-in bundling, routing, and data fetching.
- Great DX with hot reloading, built-in API routes, image, font and script optimization.
My Take: If you’re building a serious app that needs performance optimizations, SEO, or server-side features, Next.js is the best choice today.
Vite (Best for Client-Side SPAs & Lightweight Apps)
🚀 Why?
- Insanely fast dev environment powered by ESBuild.
- Optimized for modern JS with better HMR (Hot Module Replacement).
- Works with React, Vue, Svelte, and more.
My Take: If you’re building a client-side React app (without SSR) or a Single Page Application (SPA) and want a blazing-fast dev experience, Vite is the best choice.
Remix (For Data-Intensive Apps with Server-Driven UI)
🚀 Why?
- Uses the web platform natively (leveraging standard HTTP requests).
- Built-in server-side rendering for better performance.
- Works well with loaders, forms, and mutations.
My Take: If you love the idea of progressive enhancement and using the web natively, Remix is a strong alternative.
What About Existing CRA Projects?
If you already have a CRA project, you don’t need to migrate immediately. However, since CRA will no longer be maintained, it’s best to start considering an alternative.
It is best to weigh pros and cons of the different frameworks that are available in the market today for React, and pick on based on your use case. You can refer to migration guides to add the framework to your existing projects. Although it maybe daunting at first, it maybe well worth the effort in the long run!
Final Thoughts: This is the Right Move for React
As someone who has worked with React for years across startups, enterprises, and teaching thousands of developers, I think this is the right move.
- CRA was great for its time, but modern tooling like Vite, Next.js, and Remix have pushed React development forward.
- Performance, flexibility, and scalability are key in today’s web landscape, and CRA just wasn’t keeping up.
- The React ecosystem is in good hands — we now have faster, better tools to choose from.
What’s next for you? If you’re still using CRA, now is the perfect time to explore Next.js, Vite, or Remix for your next React project!
Alright folks, that’s a wrap! Hope you enjoyed this article!
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