Is It Possible To Serve Static Files With Create React App From Public Folder

When working with Create React App, a common question that often arises is whether you can serve static files directly from the public folder. The short answer is yes, it is possible to serve static files with Create React App from the public folder. This feature allows you to include assets such as images, videos, or any other static files in your web application without going through the React component tree.

To serve static files from the public folder in Create React App, you need to understand how the project is structured. The public folder in a Create React App project is the perfect place to include files that you want to be served as-is without any processing by Webpack or Babel.

To include a static file in the public folder, simply place it in the public directory of your project. For example, if you have an image called "logo.png" that you want to include in your project, you can place it in the public folder like this: public/logo.png. Once the file is in the public folder, Create React App will serve it at the root of your application.

To reference the static file in your React components, you can use the `process.env.PUBLIC_URL` environment variable. This variable provides the absolute path to the public folder in your project. For example, if you want to display the "logo.png" image in your React component, you can use the following code:

import React from 'react';

const App = () => {
  return (
    <div>
      <img src="{process.env.PUBLIC_URL" alt="Logo" />
    </div>
  );
}

export default App;

By using `process.env.PUBLIC_URL`, you can ensure that your static files are properly referenced, regardless of where your application is deployed.

It is important to note that when serving static files from the public folder in Create React App, you should avoid hardcoding the paths to these files. Instead, always use `process.env.PUBLIC_URL` to reference static assets. This approach ensures that your application remains flexible and works correctly, even if the deployment environment changes.

In conclusion, serving static files from the public folder in Create React App is a straightforward process that can enhance the performance and maintainability of your web application. By understanding how to include and reference static files correctly, you can create dynamic and engaging user experiences while optimizing the overall development workflow.