React Router v7 vs Remix: Understanding the Evolution and What to Use

Web development has been changing quickly, and developers often need to balance user experience, performance, and productivity. React Router has been a trusted tool for React developers for over a decade, helping manage client-side routing. But as apps became more complex, developers needed more features like server-side rendering (SSR) and better data handling. Remix initially stepped in to address these needs, building on React Router.

However, with the release of React Router v7, many of Remix's features are now part of React Router itself. This has made it important for developers to understand how these tools have evolved and what they offer today.

What is Remix?

Remix is a full-stack web framework created by the team behind React Router. It builds on React Router’s nested routing and adds features like SSR, improved data loading, and tools for building modern web apps. It focuses on performance, reliability, and creating smooth user experiences.

Originally, Remix filled gaps in React Router by providing:

1. Server-Side Rendering (SSR): Out-of-the-box support for rendering pages on the server.
2. Efficient Data Loading: Simplified fetching and caching of data.
3. SEO and Performance: Better support for search engine optimization and faster initial load times.

But with React Router v7, many of these features are now included, reducing the need for Remix in some cases.

Why Move Beyond React Router?

React Router has been a go-to solution for client-side routing in React apps. However, earlier versions had limitations:

1. No Built-In SSR: React Router needed extra libraries and setup for SSR.
2. Complex Data Management: Developers had to use additional tools like React Query for data fetching.
3. SEO Challenges: Client-side rendering alone could hurt SEO and initial load speeds. Remix solved these issues by offering SSR, nested routes with data loading, and other features. Now, React Router v7 also includes many of these capabilities, making it a strong choice for modern apps.

Key Features of Remix

A. Nested Routes with Data

Remix’s routing system, based on React Router, lets nested routes load their own data. This makes apps faster and easier to manage.

Example: A blog with nested routes for posts and comments.

// app/routes/posts.jsx

export default function Posts(){
  return(
    <div>
      <h1>Posts<h1>
      <Outlet />
    </div>
  );
}

// app/routes/posts/$postId.jsx
export async function loader({ params }) {
  const response = await fetch(`https://api.example.com/posts/${params.postId}`);
  if (!response.ok) {
    throw new Response("Error loading post", { status: 500 });
  }
  return response.json();
}

export default function Post({ data }) {
  return (
    <article>
      <h2>{data.title}</h2>
      <p>{data.body}</p>
    </article>
  );
}

// app/routes/posts/$postId.ErrorBoundary.jsx
export function ErrorBoundary({ error }) {
  return (
    <div>
      <h1>Oops!</h1>
      <p>{error.message}</p>
    </div>
  );
}

In this example, the ‘Posts’ page provides a layout, and each post fetches its own data using a ‘loader’ function. This approach to nested routes is now also available in React Router v7.

Also it lets you handle errors for each route separately, making it easy to show user-friendly error messages.

Each route can have its own ‘ErrorBoundary’ to catch and display errors cleanly.

B. Built-In Form Handling

Remix makes it easy to handle form submissions by connecting them directly to server-side logic.

Example: A user registration form with validation.

// app/routes/register.jsx
export async function action({ request }) {
  const formData = await request.formData();
  const username = formData.get("username");
  const email = formData.get("email");
  if (!username || !email) {
    return { error: "All fields are required" };
  }
  await saveUserToDatabase({ username, email });
  return redirect("/welcome");
}

export default function Register() {
  return (
    <form method="post">
      <div>
        <label>
          Username:
          <input type="text" name="username" required />
        </label>
      </div>
      <div>
        <label>
          Email:
          <input type="email" name="email" required />
        </label>
      </div>
      <button type="submit">Register</button>
    </form>
  );
}

With Remix, form submissions and server-side logic work smoothly without needing client-side JavaScript. While Remix excels in this area, React Router v7 now offers similar functionality

Transitioning to React Router v7

React Router v7 includes features like SSR, data loading, and form handling, which were once unique to Remix. This makes it easier to decide which tool to use: For most apps, React Router v7 is enough. Use Remix if your app needs advanced integrations or if you’re already using it.

Conclusion

React Router and Remix have evolved significantly. Remix introduced features that React Router has now adopted in version 7. For new projects, React Router v7 is often the best choice as it includes most of the features you need with minimal setup. However, Remix remains a great option for apps that need its unique features. Understanding the history and current capabilities of these tools will help you choose the best solution for your project.