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Asked: 2024-09-23T11:03:29+05:30

What are the differences between using React Router and React Router DOM, and in which scenarios should each be utilized?

I’ve been digging into React for my latest project, and I keep stumbling across these two terms: React Router and React Router DOM. At first glance, they seem pretty similar since they both deal with routing in a React application, but I’m starting to realize there are definitely some differences between the two.

From what I gather, React Router is more of the core library that handles routing logic, but React Router DOM seems to extend that functionality specifically for web applications. It’s like React Router is the foundation, and React Router DOM builds on that to make routing work in a browser context? But here’s where it gets a bit confusing: I’ve seen developers mention using one over the other depending on the project type.

So, for those of you who are more seasoned with React, can you shed some light on this? In what scenarios would you go for plain React Router? Is it mostly when you’re building something specially tuned for a different environment, like mobile apps or even server-side rendering? And then, should someone like me always lean towards React Router DOM for standard web apps?

It seems like there could be performance implications depending on which of the two you choose, and I’m curious about those too. Also, are there specific features in React Router DOM that aren’t available in just React Router that would really make it a no-brainer to use it in your web projects?

I’m ready to learn from your experiences! How have you navigated (pun intended) this dilemma in your own projects? Any pros and cons you could share would be super helpful. I’m sure there are nuances and real-world examples that could help clarify when to use each. I’ve got my mind running in circles here, so I’d really appreciate your take on it!

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    2 Answers






    1. React Router vs. React Router DOM


      React Router vs. React Router DOM

      So, you’ve got the basic idea right! React Router is indeed the core library that provides the essential routing functionality for your application. It sets the stage for routing, but it won’t do much without the context it needs for a web environment, which is where React Router DOM comes in.

      Think of React Router as the engine, while React Router DOM is the body of the car that makes it usable. You usually want the whole car for a web app, so using React Router DOM makes a lot of sense!

      Now, about when to use plain React Router—that’s generally when you’re working on different types of environments. For instance:

      • If you’re developing a mobile app with React Native, you’d stick with React Router because it’s tailored for mobile experiences.
      • For server-side rendering (SSR), you might also use just React Router with a server implementation that handles routing before sending the content to the client.

      For a standard web application, though, you’re right to lean towards React Router DOM. It provides important components like <BrowserRouter>, <Link>, and <Route> that help you create a smooth navigation experience in the browser!

      As for performance implications, generally, using the right tools helps streamline your app’s performance because each library is optimized for specific tasks. Missing the right extensions can slow down your app or make development trickier, especially when you have specific needs for a web app.

      To answer your last question, yes, there are unique features in React Router DOM that aren’t found in React Router like:

      • Built-in handling for browser history.
      • Components designed specifically for the web, like <HashRouter> or <Prompt>.
      • Enhanced Route matching logic that feels more natural in a web context.

      In my own projects, it’s typically a no-brainer to go with React Router DOM for any web development. The potential features and smoother integrations just make life easier. Hope this helps clear up some of the confusion!


    2. React Router is indeed the core library that provides the fundamental routing logic for any React application. It is designed to manage route definitions and navigation within your application. However, React Router DOM is an extension that is tailored specifically for web applications. It provides additional components and functionalities that are necessary for routing in a browser environment, such as the `` and `` components, which simplify navigation and handling of browser history. Hence, if you are developing a standard web application, React Router DOM is generally the preferred choice as it offers the necessary tools and optimizations specific to web routing while leveraging the core routing capability of React Router.

      However, there are situations where you may opt for React Router without the DOM extension. For example, if you are developing a React Native application, you would use React Router in combination with React Router Native, which is tailored for mobile environments. Additionally, in server-side rendering projects or when using other platforms such as Electron, you might also utilize React Router directly. When it comes to performance, while React Router handles the logic efficiently, React Router DOM introduces optimizations and components specific to the web that may improve your app’s responsiveness and user experience. In practice, sticking with React Router DOM for web applications is usually the best bet, as it covers all aspects of routing for browsers and comes equipped with features like route-based code splitting and navigation prompts that are beneficial for most projects.

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