Context API vs. Redux

The Context API and Redux are both used for managing global state in React, but they are designed for different use cases and have different levels of complexity.

🧠 Context API:

  • The Context API is built into React and allows you to share state across components without having to pass props through every level of the component tree (avoiding prop drilling).

  • Simpler: It is more lightweight and easier to implement than Redux.

  • Usage: Ideal for smaller to medium-sized apps or when the state doesn't change often.

Example:

javascript
1const MyContext = React.createContext(); 2 3function App() { 4 return ( 5 <MyContext.Provider value={/* value */}> 6 <ComponentA /> 7 </MyContext.Provider> 8 ); 9}

🧠 Redux:

  • Redux is a more powerful state management library designed for large-scale applications.

  • Centralized State: It uses a single store to manage state and provides middleware for handling async actions.

  • Complexity: Redux requires more setup and boilerplate code compared to Context API, but it provides more control over your app's state.

In short:

Use Context API for simpler, smaller apps, and Redux for more complex applications that require powerful state management and additional features like middleware.