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Upgrade React: A Step-by-Step Guide

Keeping your React application up-to-date ensures you benefit from new features, performance improvements, and security updates. This guide walks you through upgrading your existing React app to the latest version.

Step 1: Install the Latest upgrade React Version #

To upgrade your project to the latest version of React, open a terminal inside your project folder and run the following command:

npm i react@latest react-dom@latest

This will install the most recent stable versions of both react and react-dom.

Step 2: Update the Root API #

With the latest version of React, you can leverage concurrent rendering features by switching to the new root API. This is an improvement over the legacy ReactDOM.render method.

Before: Using ReactDOM.render #

import ReactDOM from 'react-dom';
import App from './App';

ReactDOM.render(<App />, document.getElementById('root'));

This method will still work, but your app won’t take advantage of the latest features.

After: Using the New Root API #

import ReactDOM from 'react-dom/client';
import App from './App';

const root = ReactDOM.createRoot(document.getElementById('root'));
root.render(<App />);

Key Benefits of the New Root API: #

  • Concurrent Rendering: Enables smoother user experiences with React’s concurrent mode features.
  • Performance Improvements: React automatically prioritizes rendering tasks to ensure responsive UIs.

Note: Even if you continue using ReactDOM.render, your application will behave as it did in the older version of React. However, adopting the new root API ensures your app is future-proof and performs optimally.

Final Check #

After upgrading your React app, test it thoroughly to ensure everything works as expected. You can also review the React documentation to explore new features introduced with the latest version.

What’s Next? #

Now that your React app is upgraded, explore advanced features like React Suspense, concurrent mode, and improved state management. Keep experimenting and enhancing your project with the latest capabilities React offers, only on Coaching Wallah!

Want to learn React with an instructor, either offline or online? Find experienced tutors near you and join Coaching Wallah—completely free for students!

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