RIP Create React App (CRA) ??

Since 2022, Create React App (CRA) has not received any significant updates. The React team now officially recommends Vite and Next.js as the primary alternatives.

What is CRA?

Create React App (CRA) is a tool for initializing a React project without manual configuration. With CRA, developers can start building React applications without setting up Webpack, Babel, or ESLint manually. All configurations are pre-defined, making it easier for beginners.

However, CRA is not an official tool from the React team or Meta. It was created by the community and maintained by independent contributors. The same applies to Vite, Next.js, and Remix, which are developed by different companies or communities. Therefore, CRA being abandoned is not surprising, and in the future, other tools might face the same fate if they become obsolete.

Why is CRA Being Abandoned?

Here are the key reasons why CRA is no longer the preferred choice for React projects:

? 1. No Longer Maintained by the Community

• No significant updates since 2022.
• Many outdated dependencies that haven’t been updated.
• React officially no longer recommends CRA.

?? 2. Slow Webpack Performance

• Long build times, while Vite can run applications instantly without pre-bundling.
• Webpack requires extensive configuration for performance optimization.

?? 3. Incompatibility with Modern React Features

• No support for React Server Components (RSC).
• Less optimized for Suspense and Concurrent Mode.
• Only supports SPA (Single Page Applications) and lacks SSR (Server-Side Rendering) or SSG (Static Site Generation) support.

?? 4. Stronger Collaboration Between React & Next.js

• Meta (Facebook) uses Next.js for some of their internal projects.
• Vercel and the React team work closely together, enabling faster adoption of modern React features in Next.js.

?? 5. Better Alternatives Like Vite & Next.js

• Vite offers faster performance with superior Hot Module Replacement (HMR).
• Next.js provides SSR and SSG for improved performance and SEO.
• Both are easier to update and maintain compared to CRA.

Can CRA Still Be Used in the Future?

The answer: Yes, but it’s not recommended.

Why?

• You’ll need to manually update dependencies.
• You may need to stick with older Node.js versions for compatibility.
• You won’t be able to keep up with the latest React features smoothly.
• The risk of compatibility issues will only grow over time.

If your existing projects still use CRA, a gradual migration to other tools is the best option. However, if the project is stable and doesn’t require new features, there’s no rush to migrate—just ensure proper maintenance.

Is Vite the Best Replacement for CRA?

If you only need an SPA (Single Page Application) without SSR or SSG, Vite is the best alternative: ? Faster builds compared to CRA. ? Quicker startup & hot reload. ? Seamless React 18+ support without extra configuration.

That said, just like CRA, Vite could eventually be replaced by newer tools in the future. This is natural in tech evolution, and as developers, we should stay adaptable and embrace new advancements.

How Many Projects Have You Started with CRA?

If you still have projects using CRA, set aside time for maintenance or start planning a migration to modern tools. Migration doesn’t have to be immediate, but investing in better performance and maintainability will enhance your application and user experience.

?? Conclusion: CRA is outdated and no longer recommended. If you’re still using it, consider moving to Vite or Next.js to keep your project modern and optimized for the future.

Image source : Thank you for Dev Community https://dev.to/dev-to-rater-org/the-end-create-react-app-2016-2025-3cdf