React is one of the most popular JavaScript libraries for building user interfaces. However, if you’ve been following React development, you may know that Create React App (CRA) is now officially deprecated. This has left many beginners wondering: How do I start learning and creating React apps without CRA?
In this guide, we’ll explore why CRA is being left behind and discuss the best modern approaches for setting up a React project in 2025.
Why Move On from Create React App (CRA)?
1. Performance Issues: CRA produces large bundles with slow builds, which is inefficient for modern web apps.
2. Outdated Configurations: CRA relies on Webpack and outdated configurations that require manual updates to stay relevant.
3. Better Alternatives Exist: Newer tools like Vite and Next.js offer faster development speeds, improved performance, and built-in optimizations.
If you’re still using CRA, it’s time to move forward with modern alternatives that enhance your development experience.
Best Ways to Start Learning and Creating React Apps
1. Using Vite (Recommended for Beginners)
Vite is a fast and lightweight build tool that has become the go-to alternative to CRA. It’s optimized for speed and developer experience.
How to Create a React App with Vite:
# Install Vite and create a new project
npm create vite@latest my-react-app --template react
# Navigate to the project folder
cd my-react-app
# Install dependencies and start the dev server
npm install
npm run dev
Why Choose Vite?
- Lightning-fast development server
- Out-of-the-box support for modern JavaScript and CSS
- Built-in Hot Module Replacement (HMR)
2. Next.js (For Learning React with Server-Side Features)
Next.js is a powerful React framework with built-in features like static site generation (SSG) and server-side rendering (SSR). It’s an excellent choice for beginners who want to learn full-stack React development.
How to Create a React App with Next.js:
# Create a new Next.js project
npx create-next-app@latest my-next-app
# Navigate to the project folder
cd my-next-app
# Start the development server
npm run dev
Why Choose Next.js?
- File-based routing system (no need for React Router)
- Optimized performance with automatic code-splitting
- Full-stack capabilities with API routes
3. Parcel (Zero-Config Option)
Parcel is another bundler that offers zero configuration and faster builds compared to Webpack.
How to Create a React App with Parcel:
# Create a project folder
mkdir my-parcel-app && cd my-parcel-app
# Initialize a new project
npm init -y
# Install dependencies
npm install react react-dom parcel
# Create an entry file (index.html and index.js) and start the dev server
npx parcel index.html
Why Choose Parcel?
- No configuration required
- Automatic code splitting and caching
- Fast builds and smaller bundles
4. Using React with Online Playgrounds (For Quick Learning)
If you want to experiment with React without setting up a local environment, try these online tools:
- CodeSandbox (Great for rapid prototyping)
- StackBlitz (Instant React environments)
- Replit (Browser-based coding IDE)
Which Approach Should You Choose?
| Approach | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Vite | Most beginners | Fast development, easy setup |
| Next.js | Learning full-stack React | SSR, SSG, API routes |
| Parcel | Simple projects | Zero config, automatic optimizations |
| Online Playgrounds | Experimenting | No setup required |
Final Thoughts
With CRA officially deprecated, Vite and Next.js have become the best choices for React development in 2025. Beginners should start with Vite for a smooth learning experience, while those interested in full-stack development can explore Next.js.
No matter which approach you take, React is evolving, and learning modern tools will help you build better, faster, and more scalable applications.
Ready to move forward? Try one of these approaches today and start your React journey!
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