The open-source projects React and React Native, along with supporting projects like JSX, are transitioning to a new, independent organization called the React Foundation. The move is designed to formalize the governance of the popular JavaScript library and give a larger role to the community and companies that have contributed to its development.
The React Foundation will operate as part of the Linux Foundation, providing a vendor-neutral environment for the project’s future.
New governance structure
The foundation’s governing board will include representatives from Amazon, Callstack, Expo, Meta, Microsoft, Software Mansion, and Vercel, with plans to expand its membership over time.
A key aspect of the new structure is a clear separation between the foundation’s business governance and the project’s technical direction. The React Foundation will be responsible for maintaining React’s infrastructure, organizing events like React Conf, and creating initiatives to support the ecosystem.
The technical governance—including decisions about releases, features, and the project’s direction—will be managed by a new, separate structure driven by the maintainers and contributors of React. This technical body will be independent of the React Foundation. Details about the new technical governance structure are expected to be shared in a future announcement.
Meta’s continued commitment
Meta, which open-sourced React over a decade ago, has committed to a five-year partnership with the new foundation. This commitment includes:
- Over $3 million in funding.
- Dedicated engineering support to ensure a smooth transition.
Meta will continue to invest in React, use it as its primary tool for building user interfaces, and maintain a dedicated team of full-time engineers working on both React and React Native.
The creation of the React Foundation is intended to unlock new opportunities for collaboration and growth within the ecosystem. With broader industry participation and a more formalized governance model, the project is positioned to address the next generation of challenges in UI development.
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