# A New Chapter for Decentralized Development

> River React SDK Overview

**Published by:** [River Protocol](https://blog.river.build/)
**Published on:** 2024-12-05
**URL:** https://blog.river.build/a-new-chapter-for-decentralized-development

## Content

We're thrilled to announce the official launch of the River React SDK—a major milestone in our mission to revolutionize decentralized communication. With 300,000+ members, 200,000+ spaces, and ~24,400 daily active users, River has proven the demand for decentralized communication. Now, we're making it accessible to every React developer.Why the River React SDK MattersOur platform's rapid growth tells a compelling story:254% month-over-month growth in highly active spaces230% month-over-month growth in power users25.1% Week 1 retention (up from 15.3% in October)~3,000 new users joining dailyThe React SDK transforms this thriving ecosystem into a developer-friendly toolkit, enabling anyone to integrate secure, scalable, and user-owned messaging into their React applications—no deep blockchain expertise required.Core FeaturesPre-configured React components and hooks for messaging and Space managementBuilt-in security and scalability from River's battle-tested protocolStreamlined UX development with blockchain complexity handled under the hoodGetting StartedGetting Started with the River React SDKThe SDK makes building on River simple and accessible. You can find all of our documentation in https://docs.river.build/sdk/react-sdk/getting-started Here’s how you can get started today:Step 1: Scaffold a New AppTo quickly set up a new React project pre-configured for River:yarn create river-build-app my-appStep 2: Install the SDKFor existing projects, install the required packages:yarn add @river-build/react-sdk @river-build/sdk vite-plugin-node-polyfillsStep 3: Configure ViteUpdate your vite.config.ts file to include the necessary polyfills for Node.js compatibility:javascript Copy code import { nodePolyfills } from 'vite-plugin-node-polyfills'; import react from '@vitejs/plugin-react'; export default defineConfig({ plugins: [ react(), nodePolyfills(), ], });Step 4: Set Up the ProviderWrap your app with the RiverSyncProvider to enable SDK features: console.log('Token expired!') }}> ;">javascript Copy code import { RiverSyncProvider } from '@river-build/react-sdk'; <RiverSyncProvider config={{ onTokenExpired: () => console.log('Token expired!') }}> <YourApp /> </RiverSyncProvider>;Step 5: Authenticate and ConnectUse the useAgentConnection hook to authenticate users and connect to River: { const { connect, isAgentConnected } = useAgentConnection(); return ( connect(signer, { riverConfig })}> {isAgentConnected ? 'Connected' : 'Connect'} ); };">javascript Copy code import { useAgentConnection } from '@river-build/react-sdk'; const ConnectButton = () => { const { connect, isAgentConnected } = useAgentConnection(); return ( <button onClick={() => connect(signer, { riverConfig })}> {isAgentConnected ? 'Connected' : 'Connect'} </button> ); };Step 6: Build FeaturesUse River’s extensive hooks to implement advanced features like:Messaging: useSendMessage, useScrollbackSpaces: useCreateSpace, useJoinSpace, useSpaceChannels and DMs: useCreateChannel, useDm, useThreadsCustom Member Actions: useSetDisplayName, useSetNftStep 7: Deploy and InnovateShip your app and showcase how decentralized communication can redefine user interactions.Building on River's SuccessWith 40,000 spaces having active daily conversations and consistent 20% week-over-week growth, River provides a robust foundation for:Social Networks with user-owned dataGaming communities with token-gated accessDecentralized messaging tools with end-to-end encryptionCreator platforms with programmable spacesGet Started TodayVisit our documentation at docs.river.build to start building. Join our growing developer community that's already serving hundreds of thousands of users across decentralized applications. The future of communication is decentralized, and with the River React SDK, it's now more accessible than ever.

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