Indeed, you wouldn't (probably) use re-frame unless you're also using reagent (although you could). I think vga805 is referring to the "atom pattern" where you

Indeed, you wouldn't (probably) use re-frame unless you're also using reagent (although you could). I think vga805 is referring to the "atom pattern" where you have a atom on the outside and/or inside the components that you interact directly with, which is mostly (but not always) replaced by subscriptions and setting up dispatches. So re-frame would replace the typical state management pattern you use when you're using reagent, but it wouldn't replace the view layer. Extra clarification I guess...