If you’ve been in the React world for a while, you probably remember create-react-app (CRA). It was like the training wheels of React—helpful at first, but eventually, a bit clunky and limiting. And now? The React team has officially moved on from CRA.
Yep, CRA is no longer the go-to way to spin up a React project. If you're sitting there thinking, “Well, what do I use now?”—don’t worry. We’re diving into your new, better options.
Why Did React Ditch Create React App?
Performance Issues
CRA’s reliance on Webpack made builds painfully slow, especially as projects grew in complexity. Large bundle sizes led to longer load times, negatively impacting both developer experience and user performance in production. In contrast, modern tools like Vite and Next.js leverage smarter bundling strategies and optimized build pipelines, dramatically improving both development speed and runtime performance.
Outdated Dependencies & Maintenance Struggles
Webpack’s dominance in CRA became a burden as newer, more efficient bundlers emerged. CRA’s dependency tree often lagged behind, leading to version mismatches, security vulnerabilities, and frustrating maintenance challenges. Meanwhile, tools like Vite leverage ESBuild for lightning-fast compilation, and frameworks like Next.js introduce native optimizations with React Server Components and incremental static regeneration.
Lack of Flexibility & Poor Developer Experience (DX)
Modern React applications demand more than just a basic setup. Features like server-side rendering (SSR), static site generation (SSG), and API routes are now common needs. CRA, built for a different era, lacked the flexibility to support these patterns without extensive workarounds. Developers found themselves wrestling with overrides, ejecting configurations, or switching tools altogether.
Your New Go-To: Vite (It's Like CRA, But on Steroids)
If CRA was a slow bicycle, Vite is a Tesla. It’s incredibly fast and feels like magic when developing. The best part? It’s super easy to set up:
Setting Up a React App With Vite:
# Create a new project with Vite
npm create vite@latest my-react-app --template react
# Move into the project folder
cd my-react-app
# Install dependencies
npm install
# Start the dev server
npm run dev
That’s it. Seriously. CRA could take ages to start; Vite gets you up and running in milliseconds.
Other Options (Because Choices Are Cool)
While Vite is the most recommended, here are some alternatives depending on your needs:
Next.js (For the Overachievers)
If you’re building a server-rendered or static React app, Next.js is a beast. It comes packed with:
✅ File-based routing
✅ Built-in API routes
✅ Automatic code splitting for performance
npx create-next-app@latest my-next-app
cd my-next-app
npm run devIf Vite is a Tesla, Next.js is a full-blown spaceship.
Remix (For the Cool Kids Who Like Full Stack Features)
Remix is a new contender that gives you:
✅ Server-side rendering by default
✅ Better handling of data fetching
✅ Nested routing that makes life easier
npx create-remix@latest my-remix-app
cd my-remix-app
npm install
npm run dev
What Should You Use?
Vite → If you just need a React app quickly with great DX.
Next.js → If you want server-side rendering (SSR) or a static site.
Remix → If you want better full-stack capabilities inside your React project.
For most React developers, Vite will feel the closest to CRA, but way better.
Should You Migrate Your Existing React App?
If your project is already running on Create React App (CRA), you might be wondering: do I really need to migrate? The answer depends on your app's size, performance needs, and long-term goals.
✅ You should migrate if:
- Your build times are slow, and you're experiencing performance issues
- You're struggling with outdated dependencies and Webpack limitations
- You want a faster, modern development experience with tools like Vite
❌ You can wait (for now) if:
- Your app is stable and CRA is working fine for your needs
- You have a complex Webpack setup that would require heavy reconfiguration
- You're planning a major rewrite or framework switch soon
How to Migrate from CRA to Vite (Step-by-Step)
If you decide to switch, Vite is the closest alternative and offers blazing-fast performance. Here's how to migrate:
1. Install Vite in Your Existing Project
Run the following in your project folder:
npm install --save-dev vite @vitejs/plugin-react
2. Replace CRA Scripts in package.json
Update your scripts section:
"scripts": {
"start": "vite",
"build": "vite build",
"test": "jest"
}
3. Remove CRA Dependencies
npm uninstall react-scripts
4. Move index.html to the Root
Vite requires index.html at the root level (not in public/). Move it and update the script tag:
Before (CRA format in public/index.html):
<script src="%PUBLIC_URL%/index.js"></script>
After (Vite format in index.html):
<script type="module" src="/src/main.jsx"></script>
5. Update Environment Variables
Rename REACT_APP_* variables to VITE_*:
REACT_APP_API_URL=https://api.example.com # Old
VITE_API_URL=https://api.example.com # New
And update your app code:
const apiUrl = import.meta.env.VITE_API_URL;
6. Start Your App with Vite
npm run dev
The React ecosystem is constantly evolving, and the retirement of Create React App is a clear sign that it's time to embrace faster, more modern tooling. Whether you choose Vite for performance, Next.js for server-side rendering, or Remix for a full-stack approach, there’s never been a better time to optimize your React workflow.
If your team is still using CRA, now is the time to evaluate your options. Migrating can improve performance, enhance developer experience, and ensure long-term maintainability.
Looking for React Development & Consulting?
Karly and the team at Aviron Software specialize in custom software development, offering expertise in React Native mobile apps, React web applications, and .NET & ASP.NET Core. With a diverse client base spanning SaaS, healthcare, eCommerce, and management industries, Aviron Software delivers highly intuitive solutions designed to set your brand apart.
To discuss your project, email: hello@avironsoftware.com or contact us.
