Choosing a Data Fetching Library: A Look at React Query and SWR
JavaScript
Tutorial
Overview
Configuration and Customization
React Query configuration is a bit more complex, especially when using it with the latest Next.js 13 app directory. Its configuration can be tricky when setting up with server components.
On the other hand, SWR requires less configuration due to its simpler API, making it easier to get started with. Its minimalist approach to configuration allows developers to quickly integrate it into their projects and start fetching data with minimal setup.
Features
React Query offers slightly more advanced API. It has some features which are missing in SWR, such as:
- Query cancellation: React Query supports query cancellation out-of-the-box, which means it can automatically abort unfinished requests if a user navigates away from the current view or if a new request replaces the previous one. This prevents unnecessary network traffic and reduces the load on the server. Besides that, it also prevents memory leaks when a component unmounts.
- Offline Mutation Support: React Query allows to perform mutations even when the user is offline and automatically syncs the changes with the server once the user regains connectivity
- Auto garbage collection: This feature helps to manage the cache by automatically removing unused data over time. This is essential for optimizing performance and preventing memory leaks.
While SWR doesn’t offer as many advanced features as React Query, it still provides essential data-fetching capabilities. It focuses on simplicity and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for projects with more straightforward data-fetching needs.
Both libraries come with features such as:
- Request Deduplication: Avoid unnecessary network requests by automatically deduplicating identical queries.
- Prefetching: Boost performance by preloading data in the background.
- Parallel Queries: Enhance efficiency by running multiple queries concurrently, cutting down on the overall time it takes to fetch data.
- Paginated/Infinite Queries: Easily manage large data sets with cursor paginated or infinite queries.
- React Suspense: Integrate with React Suspense to create smoother user experiences while waiting for data to load.
- Refetching: Automatically refetch data based on various triggers, such as when a user refocuses the app, at specified intervals, upon changes in network status, or in case of errors.
- Persisting Cache: Store your cache in external locations, like local storage, to maintain a consistent state across browser sessions.
DevTools
React Query comes with its own set of DevTools. These tools provide real-time insights into queries, mutations, and cache data, allowing developers to easily inspect and manage queries.
SWR, on the other hand, does not come with official developer tools. However, the developer community has risen to the challenge by creating an unofficial toolset. While it may not be as comprehensive or advanced as the React Query DevTools, the toolset still provides valuable insights into queries and data fetching.
Ease of use
React Query has a steeper learning curve, but its extensive features make it a powerful tool for advanced users. Once mastered, React Query can offer developers better control over their data-fetching processes.
SWR, on the other hand, is designed to be easy to understand and use right out of the box, making it an ideal choice for developers who are just starting their journey into data-fetching or who are working on projects that do not require complex data-fetching logic.
Performance
SWR’s smaller bundle size can contribute to faster initial page loads, making it a suitable choice for applications where minimizing bundle size is a priority. Its simplicity and flexibility allow for easy integration and customization, which can be beneficial for applications that don't require advanced features.
SWR’s smaller bundle size can contribute to faster initial page loads, making it a suitable choice for applications where minimizing bundle size is a priority. Its simplicity and flexibility allow for easy integration and customization, which can be beneficial for applications that don't require advanced features.
Community Support / Documentation
React Query is backed by Tanstack company, which is known for developing open-source projects such as TanStack table or TanStack router. It has 35.8k GitHub stars and around 1 775 000 npm downloads/week.
SWR also has a strong community and is backed by Vercel - the company responsible for creating and maintaining Next.js. It has 27.6k GitHub stars and fewer npm downloads/per week, which makes react query likely to win in this category.
Both libraries offer example projects/code snippets for developers, however, React Query has slightly better documentation, and due to its higher popularity, it may provide better support if you encounter a problem.
React Query docs:https://tanstack.com/query/v4/docs/react/overview
Comparison table
React Query | SWR | |
|---|---|---|
Maintainer | TanStack | Vercel |
Bundle size | 13KB | 4.4KB |
NPM downloads/week | ~1 775 000 | ~1 283 000 |
Github stars | 35.8k | 27.6k |
API | A bit complex with more features | Simple, less customizable, but enough for most use cases |
Performance | Features more optimizations, but for the cost of bundle size | Smaller bundle size (also when compared to other popular fetching libraries) |
Devtools | yes (official solution) | yes (unofficial solution) |
Community/Documentation | Bigger community / detailed documentation with more examples | Fewer GitHub stars and npm downloads / sufficient documentation |
Paginated/Infinite queries | yes | yes |
Request deduplication | yes | yes |
Prefetching | yes | yes |
Parallel Queries | yes | yes |
React Suspense | yes | yes |
Cache Persistence | yes | yes |
Auto Garbage Collection | yes | no |
Offline Mutation Support | yes | no |
Query Cancellation | yes | no |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between React Query and SWR depends on the specific requirements and complexity of your application. React Query, with its advanced features like query cancellation, automatic garbage collection, and offline mutations support, is well-suited for more complex applications. On the other hand, SWR, with its simpler API and smaller bundle size, is ideal for applications where a lightweight and flexible approach to data fetching is prioritized. Both libraries have strong community support and backing from reputable companies, making them reliable choices. It's essential to remember that more features do not always equate to a better solution. Generally, if your app's primary focus isn't client-side data fetching and it's just one aspect of your functionality, SWR is likely to be sufficient
On the other hand, if your application demands a more complex data-fetching flow with advanced features, React Query might be the better fit.
Ultimately, by evaluating the nuances of each library and considering your application's needs, you can make an informed decision that will contribute to the success of your application.
