When building a React application, understanding how data flows between the frontend, backend, and database is crucial. This blog will explore the full-stack data flow, both without Redux and with Redux, explaining why Redux was introduced and what problems it solves.
Data Flow in React Without Redux
In a traditional React application without Redux, the data flow follows these steps:
UI State Management
The UI consists of multiple React components, each of which may have its own state using React's built-in state management (e.g., useState). When a user performs an action, such as clicking a button, the state updates accordingly.API Request Using Axios
Once the UI needs data (e.g., fetching a list of users), it sends an API request to the backend using Axios. Axios is a popular library for making HTTP requests, helping React applications interact with a server.
3.API Query to the Database
The back end receives the request and queries the database for the required data. This step involves querying a relational or non-relational database. The database processes the query and returns the requested data to the backend.
4.Response from API to UI
The backend processes the data and sends it back to the front end. The front end then updates the component state, triggering a re-render of the UI to display the new data.
Challenges Without Redux:
State is scattered: Each component manages its own state, making state management complex.
Prop drilling: Passing data through multiple component layers creates inefficiencies.
Reusability issues: Data fetching logic gets repeated across multiple components, leading to duplication.
Data Flow in React With Redux
Redux was introduced to solve the state management problems in larger applications by centralizing state in a single store. Instead of managing state locally in individual components, Redux maintains a single source of truth for the entire application.
Why Redux?
Centralized state management: A global state allows data to be easily shared across components.
Avoids prop drilling: Components can access state directly without passing props manually.
Improved debugging: Redux DevTools provides a clear view of state changes and dispatched actions.
Efficient state updates: Redux ensures that only necessary components re-render when the state changes.
Data Flow in Redux:
User Interaction: A user performs an action (e.g., clicking a button), triggering an event in the UI.
Dispatching an Action: Instead of directly calling an API, the event dispatches an action to Redux.
Middleware & API Request: If the action requires data from an API, Redux middleware (like Redux Thunk) makes the API request.
API Query to the Database: The backend retrieves data from the database and sends it back as a response.
Redux Store Update: Upon receiving the API response, Redux updates the global state.
Component Re-Render: The updated state triggers a UI re-render, ensuring the latest data is displayed.
Advantages of Redux in Data Flow:
Global State Management: Eliminates scattered state, making data management more predictable.
Performance Optimization: Components only re-render when necessary, avoiding unnecessary updates.
Better Asynchronous Handling: Redux middleware like Redux Thunk efficiently manages API calls.
Improved Debugging: Redux DevTools enable developers to track actions, making debugging easier.
Conclusion
Without Redux, state management in large applications becomes difficult due to scattered state and repeated API calls. Redux simplifies state handling by centralizing data, improving scalability, performance, and maintainability.
For small projects, React’s built-in state management or the Context API may be sufficient. However, for complex applications, Redux is a powerful tool to manage state efficiently and ensure a structured, maintainable codebase.
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