React State Management Best Practices
⚛️ React State Management Best Practices
Managing state efficiently is crucial to building scalable and maintainable React applications. Below are best practices grouped by core principles:
1. Understand the Types of State
Different types of state should be managed differently:
Local/UI State: Component-specific (e.g., modal open/close, form input values)
Global State: Shared across components (e.g., user authentication, theme settings)
Server State: Fetched from external servers (e.g., API data)
Derived State: Computed from other state values (should be minimized)
2. Keep State as Local as Possible
Don't lift state unnecessarily. Prefer keeping state close to where it’s used.
✅ Good:
jsx
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function Modal() {
const [isOpen, setIsOpen] = useState(false);
}
🚫 Avoid lifting this to the app-level unless required globally.
3. Use React Context Sparingly
React Context is great for static or low-frequency data (e.g., theme, language).
Avoid using Context for high-frequency updates like form fields or animations—it causes unnecessary re-renders.
4. Use External State Libraries for Complex Apps
If your app grows large, consider using:
Zustand (simple and scalable)
Redux Toolkit (official Redux recommendation)
Recoil (fine-grained atom-based state)
Jotai (primitive and minimal)
MobX (observable state, OOP-style)
Pick the right tool for your needs. Avoid using Redux unless there's complex shared logic or middleware involved.
5. Normalize Global State
If using global state (e.g., Redux), structure it like a database:
js
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{
users: {
byId: {
1: { id: 1, name: 'Alice' },
2: { id: 2, name: 'Bob' }
},
allIds: [1, 2]
}
}
6. Use useReducer for Complex Local Logic
When local state involves multiple sub-values or transitions, use useReducer instead of useState.
jsx
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const [state, dispatch] = useReducer(reducer, initialState);
This improves predictability and maintainability.
7. Use useMemo and useCallback Wisely
Avoid unnecessary recalculations or re-renders by memoizing functions and values:
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const memoizedValue = useMemo(() => computeExpensiveValue(a, b), [a, b]);
Only use them when profiling shows performance issues.
8. Separate State and Effects
Don’t mix state logic with side effects. Use useEffect for effects like data fetching, subscriptions, etc., and avoid logic-heavy useEffects.
9. Prefer react-query or swr for Server State
Use data-fetching libraries like:
React Query: Handles caching, retries, background refresh
SWR: Simple fetch-on-render strategy
These libraries treat server state differently from client state, avoiding overusing global state for fetched data.
10. Write Custom Hooks for Reusable Logic
Encapsulate state + logic into reusable custom hooks.
jsx
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function useToggle(initial = false) {
const [value, setValue] = useState(initial);
const toggle = () => setValue(v => !v);
return [value, toggle];
}
11. Avoid State Duplication
Never store the same data in multiple places. Instead, derive or compute state when needed.
12. Type Your State (TypeScript Recommended)
Use TypeScript to type your state for better developer experience and fewer bugs.
ts
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type User = {
id: number;
name: string;
};
const [user, setUser] = useState<User | null>(null);
13. Use Dev Tools for Debugging
React DevTools (for component state)
Redux DevTools (for Redux state)
Zustand/React Query DevTools (if applicable)
✅ Summary Checklist
Use useState and useReducer for local state
Lift state only when necessary
Use React Context for low-frequency global state
Use external state libraries when needed
Normalize complex state structures
Keep server state out of global state
Memoize wisely for performance
Write custom hooks for reuse
Avoid state duplication
Prefer TypeScript for safety
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