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Redux vs Context API

Redux and Context API are two different approaches to state management in React applications. Each of them has its advantages and use cases.

Context API

Context API Advantages:

  • Built into React
  • Simple to use
  • Suitable for small applications
  • Less boilerplate code
  • No additional dependencies required

Context API Disadvantages:

  • Can cause unnecessary re-renders
  • Harder to organize large applications
  • No built-in debugging tools
  • Limited performance with frequent updates

Redux

Redux Advantages:

  • Predictable state management
  • Powerful developer tools
  • Large middleware ecosystem
  • Good performance when scaling
  • Convenient testing

Redux Disadvantages:

  • More boilerplate code
  • Additional dependency
  • Steeper learning curve
  • Can be excessive for small applications

Context API Usage Example

// Creating context
const ThemeContext = React.createContext();

// Provider
function ThemeProvider({ children }) {
  const [theme, setTheme] = useState('light');

  return (
    <ThemeContext.Provider value={{ theme, setTheme }}>
      {children}
    </ThemeContext.Provider>
  );
}

// Usage
function ThemedButton() {
  const { theme, setTheme } = useContext(ThemeContext);
  
  return (
    <button onClick={() => setTheme(theme === 'light' ? 'dark' : 'light')}>
      Current theme: {theme}
    </button>
  );
}

Redux Usage Example

// Action Types
const SET_THEME = 'SET_THEME';

// Action Creator
const setTheme = (theme) => ({
  type: SET_THEME,
  payload: theme
});

// Reducer
const themeReducer = (state = { theme: 'light' }, action) => {
  switch (action.type) {
    case SET_THEME:
      return { ...state, theme: action.payload };
    default:
      return state;
  }
};

// Component
function ThemedButton() {
  const theme = useSelector(state => state.theme);
  const dispatch = useDispatch();
  
  return (
    <button onClick={() => dispatch(setTheme(theme === 'light' ? 'dark' : 'light'))}>
      Current theme: {theme}
    </button>
  );
}

When to Use What

Use Context API when:

  • You have small application
  • State updates rarely
  • Need to pass data deep into component tree
  • Don't need complex state management logic

Use Redux when:

  • You have large application
  • Need complex state management logic
  • Require good performance with frequent updates
  • Need debugging tools
  • Require middleware support

Recommendation:

Start with Context API for simple cases, and move to Redux when you feel you need its additional capabilities.