These packages work together to handle webpage navigation in React applications. React Router is the core routing library containing the main routing logic, while React Router DOM adds specific tools for web browsers. Most web developers only need to install react-router-dom, as it includes react-router as a dependency and provides all the necessary browser-specific components.
Both packages provide client-side routing for React applications. react-router provides the core routing functionality, while react-router-dom provides additional DOM-specific features such as browser history management and link handling.
Both packages have excellent TypeScript support, with clear type definitions and documentation.
Both packages support modern browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.
react-router-dom depends on react-router, and both packages have minimal dependencies.
Both packages have excellent performance characteristics, with efficient route matching and rendering.
Both packages are designed specifically for React applications.
Both packages have an active community, with frequent updates and contributions.
Both packages have excellent documentation, with clear guides and API references.
Both packages are actively maintained by the React Router team, with regular updates and bug fixes.
1import { BrowserRouter, Route, Link } from 'react-router-dom';
2
3function App() {
4 return (
5 <BrowserRouter>
6 <div>
7 <h1>Home</h1>
8 <p><Link to="/about">Learn more</Link></p>
9 </div>
10 <Route path="/about">
11 <h1>About</h1>
12 </Route>
13 </BrowserRouter>
14 );
15}This example demonstrates basic routing with react-router-dom, using the BrowserRouter component to manage client-side routing.
1import { useHistory } from 'react-router';
2
3function App() {
4 const history = useHistory();
5
6 function handleClick() {
7 history.push('/about');
8 }
9
10 return (
11 <div>
12 <h1>Home</h1>
13 <p><button onClick={handleClick}>Learn more</button></p>
14 </div>
15 );
16}This example demonstrates programmatic navigation with react-router, using the useHistory hook to navigate to a new route.
Both packages are excellent choices for client-side routing in React applications. react-router provides a lightweight, flexible routing solution, while react-router-dom provides additional DOM-specific features.
A routing library built by the original creator of React Router. Focuses on accessibility and simplicity, with built-in focus management for screen readers.
Very similar to React Router but with better accessibility features built-in. Good for projects where accessibility is a top priority.
React RoutingA tiny router for React that's simpler than React Router. It has a very small size (1KB) and provides basic routing features like path matching and navigation.
Perfect for small to medium projects where you don't need all of React Router's complex features. It uses a similar API to React Router so it's easy to learn if you know React Router.
React RoutingThe built-in router that comes with Next.js framework. Provides file-system based routing and easy page transitions with zero configuration needed.
Great alternative if you're using Next.js. No need to install additional packages, and it's simpler to use because routing is based on your folder structure.
React RoutingA simple middleware-style router that can work with any JavaScript framework, not just React. Supports async routes and nested routes.
Good choice if you want a framework-agnostic router that might work across different projects. Simpler than React Router but still powerful.
JavaScript RoutingNo README available