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May 18, 2024 6 min read

State Management in React: A Complete Comparison

ReactState ManagementRedux

State Management in React: A Complete Comparison


Choosing the right state management solution is crucial for React applications. Let's compare the options.


Built-in Solutions


useState and useReducer

Perfect for local component state. Use for simple state that doesn't need to be shared.


Context API

Good for sharing state across components without prop drilling. Best for infrequently changing data.


Third-party Libraries


Redux

Most popular and battle-tested. Great for complex applications but requires boilerplate.


Zustand

Lightweight and simple. Great alternative to Redux with less boilerplate.


Jotai

Atomic state management. Very flexible and performant.


Recoil

Facebook's solution for complex state management. Good for large teams.


When to Use What


  • Local state: useState
  • Shared UI state: Context API
  • Server state: React Query or SWR
  • Complex global state: Redux, Zustand, or Jotai

  • Conclusion


    Choose based on your needs. Start simple and upgrade when necessary.

    Dibyan Maharjan | Frontend Engineer