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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteFor a new React app, React recommends starting with a framework. Choose one that fits your target platform and the features you need; use a build tool such as Vite when you want a custom client-side setup or are learning the fundamentals. For local development, install Node.js, create and run a project, then add editor linting and React Developer Tools as useful follow-ups.
Choose a framework or a build tool
React’s Creating a React App guide says, “If you want to build a new app or website with React, we recommend starting with a framework.” Frameworks can integrate production-oriented features, but choosing one does not mean your app must render every page on a server: client-side rendering and static generation may also be options.
| Starting point | Best fit | What you take on |
|---|---|---|
| React framework | A new app where you want integrated application features; choose based on whether you are building for the web or native mobile. | The framework supplies more of the application architecture and production features. Its rendering options depend on the framework and project. |
| Build tool, such as Vite, Parcel, or Rsbuild | Learning React, meeting project constraints, or deliberately creating a custom client-side stack. | You choose and maintain additional pieces such as routing, data fetching, styling, and any server-rendering strategy. |
Pick a framework for the target platform
React names Next.js, React Router, and Expo among its framework options. Its documentation describes Expo as supporting native Android and iOS as well as web; Next.js and React Router are web and full-stack options. Match the choice to your platform and project needs rather than assuming one is best for every app.
Pick a build tool for a custom foundation
React’s guide lists Vite, Parcel, and Rsbuild for starting from scratch. A build-tool starter is a flexible foundation, not a complete application architecture: you remain responsible for decisions such as navigation, data loading, styling, and whether server rendering is needed as the project grows.
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Install what local development needs
For a local project, install Node.js. React notes that most JavaScript development tools require it. The official React setup guidance cited here does not establish one universal minimum Node.js version for every framework and build tool, so check the current installation requirements for the specific tool you choose.
If you only want to try React before creating a local project, a browser sandbox or a simple HTML page can be useful. Those are ways to experiment; they are not substitutes for the local development tooling you will use for a typical project.
Create and run a Vite React project
For a custom client-side starter using TypeScript, React documents this Vite command:
npm create vite@latest my-app -- --template react-ts- Run the command in a terminal from the directory where you keep projects. It creates a Vite project named
my-appusing the React TypeScript template. - Change into the project directory with
cd my-app. - Install the dependencies with
npm install. - Start the development server with
npm run dev. Open the local address printed by Vite in your browser.
The starter gives you a running client-side single-page app foundation. It does not decide your routing, data-fetching, styling, or server-rendering approach. Those choices can remain simple while learning, but should be made deliberately when your application needs them.
Do not start a new app with Create React App
Create React App is deprecated for new applications. In its February 14, 2025 announcement, the React team said it was “deprecating Create React App for new apps” and encouraging developers to migrate existing apps to a framework or a build tool such as Vite, Parcel, or Rsbuild. For a new project, follow React’s framework recommendation or choose one of its documented scratch build tools instead of using old Create React App setup instructions.
Read the React team’s Sunsetting Create React App announcement.
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Add editor and browser support when useful
Enable React lint rules in your editor
Editor support can help catch mistakes while you work. React’s editor setup guide highlights enabling the React Hooks lint rules. This is a useful addition for a React project; it does not need to be a first-day requirement if you are still exploring the basics.
Use React Developer Tools to inspect a running app
React Developer Tools is a browser extension for inspecting component structure, props, and state, as well as profiling performance. Add it when you want to understand how components behave or investigate performance, rather than treating it as a prerequisite to create and run the app.
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