Not every page needs React. Not every app should avoid it. Here's my rule of thumb.
Use Vanilla JS (or static HTML) When
- Content site with minimal interactivity
- Landing page, blog, portfolio
- Less than 3 interactive components
- SEO and performance are top priority
Use React When
- Complex client state (forms, filters, real-time updates)
- You'll reuse components across many pages
- Team already knows React
- You need the ecosystem (auth libs, data fetching)
The best framework is the one that matches your project's complexity, not your resume.