For years, Create React App (CRA) has been the go-to tool for bootstrapping React projects. It provided an easy way to set up a React application with zero configuration. But now, CRA is deprecated. What does this mean for React developers? Is React itself dying, or is it evolving into something better?
Let’s explore what happened to CRA, why it became obsolete, and the best alternatives to use in 2025.
Why Was Create React App (CRA) Deprecated?
Create React App was widely used because it simplified the setup process by providing a pre-configured Webpack environment. However, over time, developers faced several issues with CRA:
1. Slow Performance
CRA applications often suffered from slow build times and poor performance, especially in larger projects. The default Webpack configuration was not optimized for modern development needs.
2. Lack of Features
Modern frontend tools have introduced features like SSR (Server-Side Rendering), Static Site Generation (SSG), and better bundling strategies. CRA, being solely client-side, couldn’t keep up.
3. No Major Updates
The React team stopped actively maintaining CRA, leading to outdated dependencies and security vulnerabilities. Developers had to manually configure Webpack or switch to other tools.
4. Vite Took Over
Vite, a lightning-fast build tool, gained popularity due to its instant hot module replacement (HMR), fast startup times, and better DX (Developer Experience). Most React developers have already moved to Vite for new projects.
What Should You Use Instead of CRA?
With CRA being deprecated, here are some modern alternatives:
1. Vite – The Best Alternative
Why use Vite?
✅ Super-fast development server
✅ Built-in support for ES modules
✅ Better DX with instant HMR
✅ Lightweight and optimized for modern apps
Getting Started with Vite:
npm create vite@latest my-app --template react
cd my-app
npm install
npm run dev
2. Next.js – The Future of React
Next.js has become the default choice for React developers who need SSR, SSG, and API routes. It's heavily used for production-ready applications.
Why use Next.js?
✅ Server-Side Rendering (SSR)
✅ Static Site Generation (SSG)
✅ API routes and middleware support
✅ Optimized performance with automatic code splitting
Getting Started with Next.js:
npx create-next-app@latest my-next-app
cd my-next-app
npm run dev
3. Remix – The New Age of React Frameworks
Remix focuses on progressive enhancement and server-side rendering, making it a great choice for dynamic applications.
Why use Remix?
✅ Faster load times with SSR
✅ Nested routing and better caching
✅ Works with traditional server architectures
Getting Started with Remix:
npx create-remix@latest
Is React Itself Dying?
No, React is not dead—it’s evolving. The deprecation of CRA is a sign that the ecosystem is moving towards faster, more optimized, and feature-rich frameworks. Instead of being stuck with outdated tools, React developers now have better choices like Vite, Next.js, and Remix.
What Should You Do Now?
- If you're still using CRA, migrate to Vite or Next.js for better performance.
- Learn server-side rendering (SSR) and static site generation (SSG) to build modern web apps.
- Stay updated with React’s latest innovations, like React Server Components and the React Compiler.
Conclusion
The deprecation of CRA is not the death of React—it’s the birth of a better frontend development experience. Whether you choose Vite, Next.js, or Remix, you’re in for faster builds, better performance, and a smoother developer experience.
So, instead of mourning CRA, let’s celebrate the new era of React development!
What do you think? Have you already switched to a CRA alternative? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Top comments (2)
With Next you also have Streaming Server Rendering (probably the most important for UX) and, if that's what you need, standalone builds which you can serve through amy statics server. 😁
You're absolutely right! Streaming Server Rendering (SSR) in Next.js is a game-changer for UX since it allows users to see and interact with content faster instead of waiting for the entire page to load. Standalone builds are also super useful for deploying Next.js apps anywhere, without being locked into a specific hosting provider. Next.js keeps proving why it's the future of React development! 🚀