⚖️ Props vs Context vs Redux
React offers multiple ways to share data between components. Let's compare Props, Context API, and Redux to understand when to use which one.
🔗 Props
- Best for passing data from parent to child.
- Simple and built-in to React.
- No setup or configuration needed.
- Can become tedious for deeply nested components (prop drilling).
🌐 Context API
- Used to share data globally without prop drilling.
- Great for theme, auth, language, etc.
- Works well for low-frequency updates.
- Can cause performance issues if overused (every consumer re-renders).
📦 Redux
- Best for managing large, complex global state.
- Good for debugging and time-travel with DevTools.
- Involves extra setup and boilerplate.
- Supports middleware (e.g., for async operations).
📊 Comparison Table
Feature | Props | Context | Redux |
---|---|---|---|
Complex State | ❌ | ⚠️ | ✅ |
Global Access | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Async Actions | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Ease of Use | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ |
🧠 Conclusion
- Use Props for basic parent-child communication.
- Use Context for simple global state (theme, auth).
- Use Redux for large-scale apps with complex state logic and async actions.