Contents of React Interview Questions

Comprehensive collection of React interview questions and answers covering hooks, components, state management, and best practices.

Difference between Context API and Redux

Both Context API and Redux are used for state management, but they are quite different in purpose, flexibility, and complexity.

AspectContext APIRedux
PurposeShare simple global stateManage complex state logic and side effects
BoilerplateMinimalHigh (needs actions, reducers, store setup)
State updatesLocalized (Context Provider updates)Centralized (dispatch actions, reducers handle updates)
Middleware supportNot built-inRich ecosystem (e.g., redux-thunk, redux-saga)
DevToolsLimitedExcellent (Redux DevTools for time-travel debugging)
Learning CurveEasyModerate to steep
Use CaseThemes, auth status, user preferencesLarge apps needing complex state flows

When to use which?

  • Use Context API when:

    • You have a small to medium-sized app.
    • You need to share simple state like user authentication, app theme, or language settings.
  • Use Redux when:

    • You have a large app with complex state logic.
    • You need features like time-travel debugging, middleware, or advanced performance optimizations.

Final Thought:

Context API is simpler and built into React — ideal for sharing simple, global data.
Redux is powerful — better suited for big apps with complex, structured data flow.