Vite vs. Create React App: Which is Better for React in 2024?

When building a React app, you need a good tool to help you code quickly and easily. Two of the most popular tools are Vite and Create React App (CRA). But which one is better in 2024? Let’s break it down and see how Vite vs. Create React App compare.

What is vite?

Vite is a fast and modern tool for building apps. It was first created for Vue.js but works really well with React too. Vite has become popular because it makes your development faster and smoother.

Why Choose vite?

  • Faster start-up times: vite starts your project almost instantly, even for large apps.
  • Quick updates: When you change your code, vite shows the results in your browser right away without refreshing the whole page.
  • Smaller builds: When your app is ready to go live, vite makes it smaller and faster for users.

What is Create React App (CRA)?

Create React App (CRA) is a tool made by Facebook that helps developers start a React project easily. It sets everything up for you so you can focus on writing code. CRA has been around for many years and is a go-to choice for React developers.

Why Choose CRA?

  • Simple setup: CRA is easy to use, and you don’t have to worry about setup or configuration.
  • No extra steps: CRA handles everything for you, so you can start building your app without doing any extra work.
  • Reliable: It’s been around for years and is trusted by many developers.

Vite vs. Create React App: Performance

When looking at Vite vs. Create React App, performance is one of the biggest differences. Vite is much faster than CRA, especially when you’re developing your app. With Vite, your project starts instantly, and any changes you make show up immediately.

CRA, while still fast for smaller apps, takes more time to start and update changes because it uses Webpack, which is slower. So in the Vite vs. Create React App speed race, Vite wins easily.

Ease of Use: Vite vs. Create React App

For beginners, Vite vs. Create React App can feel like a tough choice. CRA is super easy because it handles everything for you. You just run one command, and everything is set up, so you can start coding right away.

Vite is also easy to use, but it offers more options if you want to tweak things. If you need a tool that is fast and flexible, Vite is a good pick. In the Vite vs. Create React App battle for ease of use, CRA is a bit simpler, but Vite offers more control.

Build Speed: Vite vs. Create React App

Another key point in Vite vs. Create React App is build speed. Vite doesn’t just help you during development—it’s also faster when you’re building the final version of your app. Vite produces smaller files, which means your app loads faster for users.

CRA’s build process works well but can be slower, especially if your project grows. In the Vite vs. Create React App comparison, Vite again comes out ahead when it’s time to deploy your app.

Customization: Vite vs. Create React App

When comparing Vite vs. Create React App for flexibility, Vite wins. CRA is great if you want to use the default setup, but if you need more control, you’ll have to “eject” from CRA, which makes things more complicated.

Vite, on the other hand, lets you customize your setup easily without needing to go through a tricky process. This makes Vite a better option for developers who want more freedom.

TypeScript Support: Vite vs. Create React App

Both Vite and CRA support TypeScript, a tool that helps you write safer code. In the Vite vs. Create React App debate, Vite integrates with TypeScript more smoothly and quickly. CRA also handles TypeScript well, but it might take a bit longer to set up.

Community and Support: Vite vs. Create React App

When it comes to community support, Vite vs. Create React App is a close call. CRA has been around longer, so it has a larger community. This means you can find plenty of tutorials, help, and resources if you run into issues.

Vite is newer but growing fast. Many developers are switching to Vite because of its speed and modern features. While the Vite community isn’t as big as CRA’s yet, it’s getting bigger every year.

Which One is Easier to Learn?

For beginners, CRA is often easier to pick up. It’s simple, and everything is already set up for you, so you can focus on learning React. However, Vite is also pretty easy to learn, and you might prefer it if you’re comfortable making small tweaks.

In the Vite vs. Create React App debate for beginners, CRA takes the lead for simplicity, but Vite is close behind with its modern features.

Scalability: Vite vs. Create React App

If you plan to build a large app, Vite is the better option in the Vite vs. Create React App comparison. Vite’s build process is faster and handles large apps better. It keeps things running smoothly as your project grows.

CRA works well for small to medium projects, but as your app gets bigger, it might slow down. For larger apps, Vite’s speed makes it the better choice.

Vite vs. Create React App: Which Should You Choose?

So, in 2024, which one should you pick—Vite vs. Create React App?

  • Choose Vite if you want a tool that’s fast, modern, and easy to customize. It’s great for larger projects and offers more control over your build process.
  • Choose CRA if you want something simple that works right away. It’s perfect for beginners or smaller projects where speed and flexibility aren’t a big concern.

Conclusion

In the ongoing battle of Vite vs. Create React App, both tools are good choices, but Vite is the winner for 2024. It’s faster, more flexible, and better suited for modern web development. Create React App is still a great choice, especially for beginners or small projects, but if you’re looking for the best tool for React development in 2024 by Briefing Ideas , Vite is the way to go.

FAQs

1. Is Vite faster than Create React App?
Yes, Vite is faster during development and produces smaller files for production compared to Create React App.

2. Can I switch from Create React App to Vite?
Yes, you can easily switch from Create React App to Vite, and there are guides available to help with the migration process.

3. Which tool is better for beginners, Vite or Create React App?
Create React App is a bit better for beginners because it’s simpler to set up, but Vite is also easy and offers more flexibility.

4. Does Vite support TypeScript?
Yes, Vite has built-in support for TypeScript, making it a strong choice for projects using TypeScript.

5. Is Create React App still popular in 2024?
Yes, Create React App is still popular, but Vite is quickly gaining attention due to its speed and modern features.