React, being a widely adopted JavaScript library for building user interfaces, has seen the development of several frameworks and tools that augment or complement its capabilities. Among the most prominent frameworks associated with React are Next.js, Gatsby, and Create React App, each serving different purposes and use cases.
Next.js – This framework, developed by Vercel, is renowned for its server-side rendering (SSR) capabilities, static site generation (SSG), and out-of-the-box routing. It is ideal for building performant web applications and sites, as it allows developers to choose between SSR, SSG, or client-side rendering based on the needs of their project. It also comes with extensive support for API routes, internationalization, and security features.
Gatsby – Known for its specialty in static site generation, Gatsby is often chosen for content-rich websites where speed and performance are crucial. It integrates well with different data sources using GraphQL and is a good choice for blogs, portfolios, and e-commerce sites where compiling data at build time makes sense. It also offers a vast plugin ecosystem to extend functionality and optimize performance.
Create React App (CRA) – CRA is a tool to set up a new React project with a standard configuration, ideal for developers looking for a quick start without diving into intricate configurations. It provides a strong developer experience with fast refresh, a build pipeline, and sensible defaults, making it suitable for small to mid-sized applications or for those getting acquainted with React development.

The choice of React framework often depends on the specific requirements of the project, including factors like the need for SEO, data fetching strategy, and deployment preferences. Additionally, factors such as team familiarity, community support, and scalability are also considered when selecting the appropriate framework.