When to use redux state vs internal component state

In the realm of React development, state management is a critical component that can define the architecture and performance of an application. While there are various state management systems like Zustand or React Context, this article focuses on Redux and the useState React hook due to it's widespread use.

Understanding the Overhead of Redux
Redux is a powerful state management tool, but it comes with an overhead. The time invested in creating and maintaining actions, reducers, selectors, and dispatchers can be significant. This leads many developers to initially lean towards using useState or this.setState for managing state within a component. The simplicity of these hooks is appealing, especially when dealing with straightforward state logic.

Deciding Early: Redux or Internal State?
Speed in development is crucial, but so is foresight. Making an early decision on whether to use Redux or internal component state can streamline your development process. Consider the following factors:

Shared State Across Components: If the state of your component is likely to be used across different parts of your application, Redux is a suitable choice. For instance, a 'dark mode/theme' setting in a <UserSettings/> component should be accessible across all UI components. Using Redux, you can easily maintain consistency and avoid prop drilling.

Component-Specific State: For states that are confined to a single component, useState offers a quick and efficient solution. For example, managing the state of an for image uploads can be effectively handled with useState.

Here, useState provides a straightforward way to manage the file URL.

const [fileUrl, setFileUrl] = useState('');
// render the file input and image
  <input
    type="file"
    accept="image/*"
    onChange={e => 
      setFileUrl(URL.createObjectURL(e.target.files[0]))
    }
  />
  <img src={fileUrl}/>

Weighing the Trade-Offs
While useState allows for rapid development and proof of concept, Redux ensures a scalable solution for complex state management. It's crucial to assess each component's needs:

• Will the component's data be required elsewhere in the app?
• Is a quick proof of concept with internal state beneficial before transitioning to Redux?

Analogy: Bicycle vs. Car
Think of useState as a bicycle and Redux as a car. The bicycle (useState) is quick and efficient for short distances, just like managing simple state within a component. The car (Redux), though more complex, is essential for longer journeys, akin to managing shared state across an application.

Key Takeaways

Assess Data Usage: Before building a new component, consider where and how its data will be used.

Balance Simplicity and Scalability: Weigh the benefits of a quick implementation with useState against the scalability and shared state management of Redux.

Avoid Overhead: Don't default to Redux for every component; use it judiciously to avoid unnecessary complexity.

Debugging Simplicity: Internal state is often easier to debug due to its confined nature within a component.

Conclusion

Choosing between Redux and internal component state is a decision that impacts both the development process and the application's architecture. By understanding the specific needs of each component and considering the overall structure of your application, you can make informed decisions that balance development efficiency with scalable, maintainable code.