#United States #Henderson #Linux Foundation #React Native #React Foundation

New Era for React: Launching the React Foundation

The Linux Foundation has made a significant announcement during React Conf, stating its intentions to establish the React Foundation. This move marks a pivotal moment for the React community, providing a dedicated space for the ongoing development of React and React Native, both of which have become indispensable tools in front-end development.

What is React?

React, a JavaScript library developed by Meta, is widely used for building user interfaces. Its ability to create dynamic and interactive web applications has made it one of the most adopted open source technologies worldwide. React Native, an extension for cross-platform mobile applications, has seen enormous success, being utilized by hundreds of thousands of developers. With over 4 million downloads weekly and powering nearly 55 million websites, React and its mobile counterpart have become cornerstones of modern development practices.

The Vision Behind the React Foundation

Executive Director of the Linux Foundation, Jim Zemlin, expressed that moving React into a neutral home is crucial for its evolution. This foundation aims to nurture innovation, governance, and community-led development, ensuring that React and React Native continue to thrive in a welcoming and collaborative environment. The establishment of the React Foundation represents a commitment to maintaining an open ecosystem that encourages collaboration among developers.

Founding Members and Their Involvement

The founding members include influential tech giants such as Amazon, Callstack, Expo, Meta, Microsoft, Software Mansion, and Vercel. Each of these companies has a vested interest in the success of the React ecosystem and will participate in the governance and management of core infrastructure. This collaborative effort will also involve event organization, including the annual React Conf, and the launch of new programs aimed at enhancing global community engagement.

Seth Webster from Meta has been appointed as the foundation’s executive director, underscoring the commitment from industry leaders to support the ongoing growth of the React community.

Community Impact and Future Directions

Andrew “Boz” Bosworth, Meta's CTO, highlighted that React has been integral to the software industry for over a decade, allowing developers across various platforms—mobile, desktop, and even gaming consoles—to leverage its power. Many industry leaders have expressed excitement regarding the new foundation's potential impact. For example, Tapas Roy from Amazon Devices emphasized that collaborating within this foundation will immensely benefit their product development processes.

CTO of Callstack, Mike Grabowski, noted that joining the React Foundation solidifies their commitment to fostering a healthy ecosystem around React Native. He believes that a neutral governance structure will enhance innovation and ensure the long-term viability of the framework.

Conclusion

The formation of the React Foundation signifies a paradigm shift in how this technology will be managed and evolved. As the community and industry leaders come together to shape its future, both developers and end-users can look forward to enhanced collaboration and innovation. The React community is encouraged to engage actively with the new foundation, ensuring that their voices are heard as it advances the future of front-end development.

For further details about the foundation and opportunities to get involved, visit react.dev.