If you’ve been in the React world for a while, you’ve probably used Create React App (CRA) to quickly set up a new project. But as of 2024, Create React App is officially deprecated. So… what now?
Don’t worry! In this blog, we’ll break down why CRA is outdated, what alternatives you should use, and how to future-proof your React projects.
Why is Create React App Deprecated?
CRA was great when it launched in 2016. It provided an easy way to set up a React project without worrying about Webpack, Babel, or other configurations. But over time, it started showing its age. Here’s why it’s being phased out:
- Performance Issues – CRA bundles everything in one file, making it slower for large projects.
- No Native Support for Server-Side Rendering (SSR) – Modern React apps benefit from SSR, but CRA doesn’t support it.
- Bloated Dependencies – CRA installs unnecessary packages, leading to slow build times and large bundle sizes.
- Vite & Next.js are Faster – Newer tools like Vite and Next.js provide a better developer experience, faster performance, and more flexibility.
Best Alternatives to Create React App
Now that CRA is gone, here are the best ways to start a React project in 2024:
1️⃣ Vite – The Fastest Way to Build React Apps
Vite is a modern build tool that’s super fast and easy to use. It offers:
- Instant startup and hot module replacement (HMR)
- Smaller bundle sizes and faster builds
- A simple, lightweight setup
How to create a React app with Vite:
npm create vite@latest my-app --template react
cd my-app
npm install
npm run dev
That’s it! You now have a blazing-fast React setup.
2️⃣ Next.js – The Future of React
Next.js is the best choice for production-level apps. It’s built by Vercel and offers:
- Server-Side Rendering (SSR) & Static Site Generation (SSG)
- Built-in Routing (no need for React Router)
- Automatic Code Splitting for better performance
- API Routes – You can even build backend APIs inside a Next.js project! How to create a React app with Next.js:
npx create-next-app@latest my-next-app
cd my-next-app
npm run dev
3️⃣ Parcel – Zero Configuration Bundler
Parcel is another alternative that requires zero configuration and is super fast. If you want a simple React setup without any hassle, Parcel is a great choice.
How to create a React app with Parcel:
mkdir my-app && cd my-app
npm init -y
npm install react react-dom parcel
echo '<!DOCTYPE html><html><head><script src="./index.js"></script></head><body><div id="root"></div></body></html>' > index.html
echo 'import React from "react"; import { createRoot } from "react-dom/client"; createRoot(document.getElementById("root")).render(<h1>Hello World</h1>);' > index.js
npx parcel index.html
Which One Should You Use?
| Feature | Vite | Next.js | Parcel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Small to medium projects | Production-level apps | Simple, zero-config setups |
| Performance | Ultra-fast | Optimized for performance | Fast & lightweight |
| SSR Support | No | Yes | No |
| Routing | No (Use React Router) | Built-in | No |
| Easy to Learn | Yes | Medium | Yes |
If you’re building a simple React project, go with Vite.
If you want a full-fledged application, use Next.js.
If you just need a quick, no-config setup, try Parcel.
Final Thoughts – The Future of React Without CRA
Create React App served us well, but it’s time to move on. The future of React is faster, more optimized, and better suited for modern web development. Whether you choose Vite, Next.js, or Parcel, you’ll be upgrading to a more powerful and efficient workflow.
So, what are you waiting for? Ditch CRA and start building with modern tools today!
What’s your favorite alternative to CRA? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Next Up? Want to learn how to migrate your old CRA project to Vite or Next.js? Stay tuned for our next guide!
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