Webpack is virtually indispensable, it has a poor reputation because the docs weren't great in v1.x and because it takes some effort to understand and configure

Webpack is virtually indispensable, it has a poor reputation because the docs weren't great in v1.x and because it takes some effort to understand and configure correctly. When it's configured it's rock solid and it rarely needs touching again. I have this theory that people dislike it because that complexity comes front loaded - the most fun part of any new project development is right at the start and if you're spending time setting up webpack then the developer perceives that as frustrating time wasted rather than an investment in the project that pays off long term. A big part of create-react-app's success is because it means the developer can get started right away and not have to worry about that.