ℹ️ We now use React Three Fiber exclusively for all new 3D features.
Historical comparison showing why we migrated from pure WebGL to React Three Fiber
Characteristics:
• Direct WebGL API calls
• Manual shader compilation
• Manual buffer management
• ~50KB of code
• Full control over pipeline
Characteristics:
• React components
• Automatic resource management
• Built-in controls & helpers
• ~150KB library (gzipped)
• Easier to maintain
Development Speed:
Three.js is 3-5x faster to develop with due to its high-level abstractions and extensive ecosystem of helpers.
Performance:
Pure WebGL can be slightly faster for simple scenes, but Three.js has excellent optimizations for complex scenes.
Bundle Size:
Pure WebGL: ~0KB extra, Three.js: ~150KB gzipped. Consider code splitting for Three.js.
Maintainability:
Three.js code is more readable and maintainable, especially for teams and complex projects.
For most React applications, Three.js with React Three Fiber is the better choice unless you have specific requirements for minimal bundle size or need low-level GPU control. The developer experience and ecosystem make it worth the additional bundle size for most 3D web applications.