A quick online search about Redux will present you with enough accounts of people trying to demystify the framework, and in the process, failing at it. With its abundance of new terms and concepts, understanding Redux can be daunting. This guide represents a simplified example of Redux implementation with React.
What exactly is Redux?
Before going into the details of how to apply Redux, let’s look at what really is Redux. At a high level, Redux is all about state management. State management is the process of user interface control. Redux is a predictable state container that is designed to aid developers write JavaScript apps that behave uniformly across client, server, and native environments.
Redux is generally deployed as a state management tool with React. Since it is lightweight at 2KB, you don’t have to worry about making your application’s asset bigger. Essentially with Redux, the state of your applications is kept in a store. Each element can access any state that it needs from that store.
State management in Redux
It was not long after its release that Redux became one of the hottest topics in online forums. With Redux, it is easier to reason about the changes being done to your app. It keeps those changes predictable and traceable.
If we talk about state management, it facilitates communication and sharing of data across components. State management helps you to create a data structure that represents the state of your app. State management can also get messy as the complexity of an app increases. Why? Because most libraries are built in a way where components can internally manage their state without the need of an external library. However, as apps get more complex, managing states across the components become an uphill task. Redux makes this management a whole lot easier.
Why use Redux
When you use Redux with React, states will no longer need to be lifted up. Everything is handled by Redux. But that is not the only benefit that Redux provides.
1. Predictability
As we have already pointed out, Redux makes the state predictable. Always. Furthermore, if you pass the same state and action to a reducer, the same results are produced. The state is not muted and remains unchangeable. For developers, it makes it possible to implement tedious and complex tasks like infinite undo and redo.
2. Maintainable
In Redux, there is a strict rule on how codes should be organized and applied, making it easier for developers with Redux knowledge to understand any application with Redux. This makes it easier for the developer to maintain the app.
3. Easier debugging
Debugging an application is easier with Redux. With Redux, it is simple to understand coding errors, network errors, and other forms of bugs. This stands true even for middle- and large-scale app`s where debugging usually takes more time.
4. Rendering
Redux is especially beneficial for the initial render, making way for enhanced user experience and search engine optimization.
5. Community
This is another plus and gives developers an added attraction point to understand and implement Redux applications. Having a community behind Redux makes it more appealing to use.
Using Redux with React
The association of React with Redux is the most common amongst developers. However, Redux can be used with a number of view libraries. These include using Redux with AngularJS, Vue.js, Polymer, Ember, Backbone.js, and Meteor. However, Redux plus React remains the most common combination.
While React components can accept properties and manage their own state, Redux offers a global app state with the option that any component can link into. The following steps can help you understand how to create your React native app with Redux.
- Step one is to create a basic React native app which you can run in a device or stimulator.
- Step two is to run app on device. For Android app, you should start emulator first.
- Step three is to add simple counter into your App.js.
- Step four is to install the necessary packages to connect your app with Redux. For instance, React Redux is used for React binding with Redux.
- Step five is to develop relevant folders inside root. You can create folders for actions, constants, reducers, and components.
- Step six is to create actions and reducers functions.
- Step seven is to create a redux store.
- Step eight is to pass the store to the React Native app.
- Step nine is to connect React Native app to Redux store.
- And finally, step ten is to test your app made with Redux.
In conclusion
Compared to managing state locally, Redux implementation might feel like a lot of work. You first have to create a store via an external package, execute dispatch event and more. However, as you move forward, you will save time. As the state grows, it will become increasingly difficult to keep up with the app interactions. Redux is one way out of the increased load.