Introduction

For years, Create React App (CRA) was the go-to tool for setting up React projects quickly. Developers appreciated its simplicity, built-in configurations, and zero-setup approach. However, in early 2024, the React team finally deprecated CRA, marking the end of an era.

So, what led to the downfall of Create React App? Let’s explore the reasons behind this decision, how it impacted developers, and what alternatives should be considered for new React projects.

The History of Create React App

Launched in 2016, Create React App was designed to simplify the process of bootstrapping a React project by eliminating complex configurations. At the time, Webpack, Babel, and ESLint configurations were challenging for beginners, and CRA provided a seamless way to get started without worrying about build tools.

For several years, CRA remained a widely-used solution, helping thousands of developers kickstart React applications effortlessly. However, as frontend tooling evolved, CRA began to show its age, leading to its eventual deprecation.

Why Create React App Was Deprecated

1. Lack of Maintenance and Updates

CRA remained unmaintained for over two years, leaving it behind in terms of modern JavaScript tooling. While React itself continued to evolve with significant updates, CRA did not keep pace, resulting in outdated dependencies and compatibility issues. This lack of updates made it a less reliable choice for new projects.

2. Performance Issues

One of the biggest complaints about CRA was its reliance on Webpack, which, although powerful, has longer build times compared to newer bundlers. Vite, for instance, uses esbuild, making it much faster in terms of project startup, hot module reloading (HMR), and build speeds.

Developers frequently reported that CRA took too long to compile even for simple changes, frustrating those working on large-scale applications. With modern alternatives offering near-instant feedback loops, CRA's sluggish performance became a major drawback.

3. React 19 Compatibility Issues

With the release of React 19, Create React App became incompatible with new projects. The tool failed to generate new React applications due to dependency mismatches, causing immediate issues for developers trying to start fresh projects. This breaking change solidified the need for deprecation, as CRA could no longer serve its intended purpose without significant updates, which were not forthcoming.

4. Bloated Default Setup and Configuration Issues

Create React App was often criticized for its bloated setup. The default configuration included features such as Service Workers, Jest for testing, and ESLint rules, many of which required manual modification or removal. For beginners, this extra configuration made CRA feel overwhelming, and for advanced users, it felt restrictive due to the difficulty in customizing build tools.

With tools like Vite and Next.js allowing more flexibility and efficiency, the extra baggage in CRA became a significant drawback.

5. Emergence of Better Alternatives

Several modern tools now outperform CRA in every aspect:

• Vite: Extremely fast build times, instant HMR, and optimized modern JavaScript support.

• Next.js: Full-fledged React framework offering server-side rendering (SSR), static site generation (SSG), and API routes.

• Remix: A newer framework that focuses on progressive enhancement, modern web fundamentals, and built-in SSR.

With these tools offering superior developer experience, better performance, and active maintenance, CRA no longer had a place in the React ecosystem.

How Developers Reacted to CRA’s Deprecation

The deprecation of Create React App was met with mixed reactions. While some developers were relieved, given CRA's performance issues, others found it difficult to transition away from a tool they had relied on for years. Many teams using CRA had to migrate their projects to alternative solutions, which, while beneficial in the long run, required effort and planning.

The Best Alternatives to Create React App

1. Vite (Recommended for New React Projects)

• Blazing-fast development server powered by esbuild.

• Instant HMR, making updates visible in milliseconds.

• Optimized for modern JavaScript, ensuring better performance.

• Better support for TypeScript, JSX, and CSS frameworks.

2. Next.js (For Production-Ready React Applications)

• Hybrid rendering support (SSR + SSG).

• Automatic static optimization for better performance.

• API routes and middleware support.

• Used by top companies for scalable applications.

3. Remix (For Full-Stack React Applications)

• Built-in support for SSR, making dynamic data fetching easier.

• Focuses on web fundamentals and progressive enhancement.

• Better handling of errors and nested routes.

The Future of React Project Setup

With CRA officially deprecated, developers must now adopt modern alternatives that focus on speed, efficiency, and maintainability. If you're starting a new React project today, Vite is the best choice for lightweight and fast development, while Next.js and Remix are excellent options for more advanced applications.

The deprecation of CRA is a clear sign that frontend development is moving towards faster, modular, and more scalable solutions. While Create React App played a crucial role in React’s growth, its time has passed, making way for a more modern ecosystem.