What is the role of the Switch component in React Router v5 and how does it differ from Routes in v6

Question

Can you tell me What is the role of the Switch component in React Router v5, and how does it differ from Routes in v6?

Answer 1

Switch Component (React Router v5)

Role: Renders the first matching <Route> or <Redirect> child exclusively

Behavior:

Stops searching for matches after the first route match is found

Order of routes matters (more specific paths should come first)

Doesn't support relative routing

Requires exact prop for strict path matching

import { Switch, Route } from 'react-router-dom';

<Switch>

  <Route exact path="/" component={Home} />

  <Route path="/about" component={About} />

  <Route component={NotFound} /> {/* Catch-all route */}

</Switch>

Routes Component (React Router v6)

Role: Replacement for Switch with smarter matching and new features

Key Improvements:

Uses best match algorithm instead of first match

Automatically handles relative routing and nested routes

No need for exact prop (paths match exactly by default)

Requires element prop instead of component/render

Better TypeScript support

import { Routes, Route } from 'react-router-dom';

<Routes>

  <Route path="/" element={<Home />} />

  <Route path="/about" element={<About />} />

  <Route path="*" element={<NotFound />} /> {/* Catch-all route */}

</Routes>