Whether to use Create-React-App (CRA) or a custom frontend build pipeline depends on your specific needs and goals. Here are some factors to consider:
Pros of using Create-React-App:
- Quick setup: CRA provides a quick and easy way to set up a new React project without having to worry about configuring a build pipeline from scratch.
- Pre-configured settings: CRA comes with pre-configured settings that work well for most React projects, such as Webpack, Babel, and ESLint.
- Easy to use: CRA provides a simple and easy-to-use interface for starting, developing, and building React projects.
Cons of using Create-React-App:
- Limited customization: CRA provides a set of pre-configured settings, which may not be optimal for more complex projects that require specific build configurations or plugins.
- Bloat: CRA includes a lot of boilerplate code and dependencies, which may not be necessary for smaller projects or projects with specific performance requirements.
If you have specific requirements for your project or want more control over your build pipeline, then starting with a custom frontend build pipeline may be a better choice. Here are some benefits of a custom build pipeline:
Pros of using a custom frontend build pipeline:
- Customization: You have full control over the configuration and settings of your build pipeline, allowing you to optimize performance, reduce bloat, and add specific plugins or features.
- Scalability: A custom build pipeline can be optimized for your specific project needs and can scale as your project grows and evolves.
- Flexibility: You can use a custom build pipeline with any frontend framework or library, allowing you to switch between technologies as needed.
Cons of using a custom frontend build pipeline:
- Steep learning curve: Setting up a custom build pipeline requires more upfront knowledge and experience with build tools such as Webpack, Babel, and other plugins.
- Time-consuming: Creating a custom build pipeline can be time-consuming, especially for developers who are not familiar with build tools or plugins.
Ultimately, the choice of whether to use CRA or a custom build pipeline comes down to your specific needs and goals. If you are new to React or want to quickly set up a project without worrying about build configurations, then CRA may be the better option. However, if you have specific requirements for your project or want more control over your build pipeline, then a custom build pipeline may be a better choice.