React wants to win you back…

Overview

This episode dives into the major announcements from React Conf 2025, exploring updates to the React API, the introduction of new components, the release of the React Compiler 1.0, and the shift of React to an independent foundation. It also touches on the emergence of Remix 3 as a potential alternative to React.

Notable Quotes

- The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was making referential stability a prerequisite to writing React apps that don't blow up. - On the challenges of using React's useEffect hook.

- Thankfully, now the React compiler is stable. It'll autooptimize your app for you so you can stop pretending you care about how many times it rerenders. - On the significance of React Compiler 1.0.

- Remix 3...won't come with 15 years of oopsie, never minds. - On why Remix 3 might appeal to developers frustrated with React's legacy issues.

🛠️ React API Updates

- useEffectEvent Hook: A new addition to simplify useEffect by allowing developers to use functions inside the hook without declaring them in the dependency array. This prevents unnecessary reruns of effects when values change.

- Activity Component: Functions like a smarter display: none, maintaining the state of hidden components and deprioritizing their work, improving performance.

- ViewTransition Component: Available in React's Canary version, this enables smooth animations between UI states.

- Fragment Refs: Developers can now pass refs to fragments, making integration with platform APIs more seamless.

🚨 Cloudflare’s useEffect Bug

- A recent Cloudflare outage was caused by misuse of React's useEffect hook, leading to unnecessary API calls.

- The incident highlights the complexity of useEffect, requiring developers to read multiple guides to use it correctly.

- React's new useEffectEvent aims to address these challenges by simplifying the process.

⚡ React Compiler 1.0

- The first stable version of the React Compiler was announced, promising automatic optimization of React apps.

- It reduces reliance on manual memoization with hooks like useMemo and useCallback, which often degrade performance when misused.

- This marks a significant step forward in improving React's developer experience and app efficiency.

🏛️ React’s New Governance Structure

- React and React Native are moving to an independent foundation after 15 years under Meta's ownership.

- The new governance structure aims to ensure the long-term sustainability and independence of React.

🌐 Remix 3: A React Alternative

- Remix 3, developed by the creators of React Router, embraces web fundamentals like closures and events.

- It offers TypeScript and JSX support but avoids React's legacy issues, presenting a simpler, AI-friendly framework.

- While still in development, Remix 3 is positioned as a promising alternative for developers seeking a fresh approach.