Thank you John and Jazzcnc for your replies.
My original thought was to go with steppers with built in rotary encoders. but then during my research I found the following YouTube video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5JD2-hlvtw&t=172s

And several articles on linearrmotiontips.com

"In contrast, using a linear encoder means that the controls track the X-Y position of the drill over the raw material. Here, the linear encoder accounts for thermal expansion through measurements of linear displacement, so controls can compensate for induced errors."

"Linear encoders boost accuracy by correcting errors downstream of mechanical linkages.

Linear encoders track axis position without intermediate mechanical elements. The encoders even measure transfer errors from mechanical linkages (such as rotary-to-linear mechanical devices), which helps controls correct for errors originating from the machine. Thus, this feedback lets controls account for all mechanics in position-control loops."

It appears that I can get regular stepper motors with the encoder or ones without the encoder and a linear encoder for about the same price or slightly higher.
So am I missing something here? Though this is my first DIY router build I would also like to do it up right so that it will be my last build. I'm not set on the software I would just like something mainstream with a not to complex learning curve.