Goodbye Create React App: What It Means for React Developers

February 14, 2025, marks the end of an era - React's official team announced the deprecation of Create React App (CRA), urging developers to migrate to modern frameworks like Next.js, React Router v7, or Expo.

This move isn't surprising, given CRA’s stagnation and the rise of faster, more optimized build tools like Vite. However, the decision has sparked mixed reactions across the developer community.

In this post, we'll cover:

• Why CRA is being deprecated
• How the React community is reacting
• What you should do next as a React developer

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Why Is Create React App Being Deprecated?

When CRA launched in 2016, it was a game-changer. It eliminated complex configurations and provided an easy way to bootstrap React apps. However, frontend development has evolved, and CRA has struggled to keep up.

Here are some key reasons for its deprecation:

1. Performance Bottlenecks

CRA's reliance on Webpack made it slow, especially compared to modern tools like Vite. The slow startup times and inefficient builds led many developers to seek alternatives.

2. Lack of Built-in Features

Unlike modern frameworks, CRA lacked essential features like:

• File-based routing 📂
• Server-side rendering (SSR) 🖥️
• Code splitting and optimization ⚡
• Efficient data fetching 🔄

Developers had to manually configure these, defeating CRA’s original purpose.

3️. No Active Maintainers

React's team confirmed that CRA has no active maintainers. Instead of reviving it, they decided to push developers toward better solutions.

4. Frameworks Already Solve These Problems

Modern frameworks like Next.js, Remix, and Expo provide a complete development experience, including routing, data fetching, and performance optimizations.

With React officially endorsing frameworks, it no longer makes sense to maintain CRA.

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Community Reaction: Shock, Relief, and Frustration

The React developer community has mixed reactions to the announcement:

😱 "Wait, I still use CRA!"

Many beginners and small teams still use CRA because of its simplicity. Some developers are frustrated because they now have to migrate their projects.

😌 "Finally, it's dead!"

Others have welcomed the move, seeing it as an opportunity to move forward with better tooling.

🤔 "What should I use now?"

Many devs are asking: What’s the best alternative? The answer depends on your project:

• For new projects → Use Next.js, React Router v7, or Expo.
• For existing CRA projects → Migrate to Vite for a similar experience.

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What Should You Do Next?

If you’re currently using CRA, here’s your game plan:

1. For New React Projects → Use a Framework

React now officially recommends frameworks instead of standalone build tools. Your best options:

• Next.js → Best for full-stack applications, SSR, and API routes.
• React Router v7 → Best for client-side routing and SPAs.
• Expo (with Expo Router) → Best for React Native and cross-platform projects.

Use the new CLI commands to get started:

# Create a new Next.js app
npx create-next-app my-app

# Create a new React Router v7 app
npx create-react-router-app my-app

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2. For Existing CRA Projects → Migrate to Vite

If you have an existing CRA app, the best alternative is Vite. It offers:

✅ Faster build times
✅ Better developer experience
✅ Improved performance

To migrate from CRA to Vite:

• Install Vite:

npm create vite@latest my-app --template react

• Move your src and public folders into the new project.
• Update dependencies in package.json.
• Test your app to ensure everything works smoothly.

Bonus: Vite is officially recommended by React as a base for custom frameworks.

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3. Explore Other Options

If you're interested in learning React deeply, you can build a custom setup using:

• Vite + React Router
• Parcel
• Custom Webpack setup (if you're a masochist 😆)

React has new docs for rolling your own framework here.

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The Future of React Development

This is a major shift in the React ecosystem. By deprecating CRA, React is fully embracing frameworks, bringing React closer to the developer experience of Vue (Nuxt), Svelte (SvelteKit), and Solid (SolidStart).

Expect:

• More framework-first tools from React.
• A decline in standalone React setups.
• Vite becoming the de facto build tool for non-framework apps.

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Final Thoughts

The death of Create React App might seem like a big change, but it's for the better. It pushes React development forward, encourages better tooling, and ultimately results in faster, more scalable apps.

If you’re a React developer, now is the perfect time to upgrade your workflow and embrace framework-based development.

The React ecosystem is evolving, are you keeping up?
Read more about the change here.

Stay tuned for more tech content and tutorials. Hit me up on my socials and let me know what you think, I’m always up for a good tech convo.

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