React Native: What is the difference between React Navigation v5 and v6?

v5 — older API. v6 — simplified API.

v5:

• createStackNavigator() returns component.
• screenOptions prop on navigator.
• options prop on screen.

v6:

• createNativeStackNavigator() returns object.
• screenOptions prop on navigator.
• options prop on screen.
• Improved TypeScript support.
• Better default styles.

Migration:

1// v5
2import { createStackNavigator } from '@react-navigation/stack';
3const Stack = createStackNavigator();
4
5// v6
6import { createNativeStackNavigator } from '@react-navigation/native-stack';
7const Stack = createNativeStackNavigator();

Key differences:

• v5 — JavaScript stack.
• v6 — native stack (better performance).
• v6 — better default header styles.
• v6 — simplified API.