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How to get history on React Router v4?

Peer-reviewed by HireXTech Technical Panel Updated for 2025/2026 hiring Editorial standards
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Interviewer Expectations for this Question
01
Core Competency

Assesses fundamental understanding of React conventions, runtime behavior, and memory/performance considerations.

02
Evaluation Criteria

Hiring managers look for precision, avoidance of ambiguous jargon, and ability to explain trade-offs under real production conditions.

Comprehensive Model Answer Verified Solution

Below are the list of steps to get history object on React Router v4,

  1. Create a module that exports a history object and import this module across the project.

For example, create history.js file:

        import { createBrowserHistory } from "history";

        export default createBrowserHistory({
          /* pass a configuration object here if needed */
        });
        
  1. You should use the <Router> component instead of built-in routers. Import the above history.js inside index.js file:

```jsx harmony
import { Router } from "react-router-dom";
import history from "./history";
import App from "./App";

ReactDOM.render(
<Router history={history}>
<App />
</Router>,
holder
);


    3.  You can also use push method of `history` object similar to built-in history object:

        
javascript
// some-other-file.js
import history from "./history";

history.push("/go-here");


> **Modern React Note (React 18/19):** `ReactDOM.render` was deprecated in React 18 and removed in React 19. In modern applications, always use `createRoot` from `react-dom/client`:
> 
jsx
> import { createRoot } from 'react-dom/client';
> const root = createRoot(document.getElementById('root'));
> root.render(<App />);
> ```

Candidate Response Strategy & Interview Tips

  1. Start with a concise one-sentence summary: Deliver a direct, confident answer first before expanding into nuances.
  2. Demonstrate real-world trade-offs: Discuss where this approach excels and when you would avoid it in production systems.
  3. Discuss complexity & edge cases: Proactively explain time/space complexity or boundary conditions (null values, scale limits).
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