How to handle react-scripts in a fast-changing React landscape

React-scripts, a crucial component of Create React App (CRA), has historically simplified the process of bootstrapping React applications by providing a zero-configuration setup that abstracts complex configurations involving tools like webpack, Babel, and Jest. This utility facilitates development by offering pre-configured scripts for starting a development server, running tests, building production-ready apps, and even ejecting for more customization. However, by 2025, react-scripts and CRA have become outdated due to stagnation in updates and an evolving JavaScript ecosystem, leading developers to migrate to more modern and efficient tools like Vite. Despite its decline in popularity, understanding react-scripts remains beneficial for maintaining legacy projects. The article highlights troubleshooting tips for common issues with react-scripts, such as missing dependencies and memory errors, while also suggesting alternatives like CRACO for configuration overrides and advocating for a transition to Vite for better performance and up-to-date practices. As React continues to evolve, developers are encouraged to stay informed about new tools and methodologies to maintain fast, maintainable, and future-proof applications.