
React Query - A Complete Guide
Master React Query with this comprehensive guide. Learn data fetching, mutations, pagination, and advanced techniques to optimize your React applications.

Yogini Bende
Oct 13, 2024 • 4 min read
React Query has emerged as a powerful library that simplifies data fetching and state management tasks, offering a robust solution for handling server state in React applications. Developed by Tanstack, React Query provides easy and robust way to fetch and manage remote data.
In this article, we will dive deep into React Query, exploring its features, benefits, and advanced techniques. By the end of this guide, you'll have a thorough understanding of React Query and how to leverage its capabilities in your React projects.
We'll cover everything from basic data fetching to advanced querying techniques, equipping you with the knowledge to optimize your applications and enhance user experience.
Let's dive in!
What is React Query?
React Query is a powerful data-fetching and state management library developed by TanStack for React applications. It provides a robust solution for handling server state, offering automatic caching, background synchronization, and optimized data fetching out of the box.
Installation and Setup
# Using npm
npm install @tanstack/react-query
# Using yarn
yarn add @tanstack/react-query
To get started, wrap your application with the QueryClientProvider:
import { QueryClient, QueryClientProvider } from '@tanstack/react-query'
const queryClient = new QueryClient()
function App() {
return (
<QueryClientProvider client={queryClient}>
<YourApp />
</QueryClientProvider>
)
}
Why Choose React Query?
React Query solves several critical challenges in modern web development:
Simplified State Management
Eliminates the need for complex global state management for server data
Reduces boilerplate code compared to traditional Redux/Context solutions
Provides an intuitive API for data fetching and updates
Automatic Performance Optimization
Implements smart caching strategies out of the box
Reduces unnecessary network requests
Handles background data synchronization automatically
Enhanced Developer Experience
Offers clear separation between server and client state
Provides built-in loading and error states
Includes powerful dev tools for debugging
Real-time Data Management
Maintains UI synchronization with server data
Supports optimistic updates
Handles concurrent requests efficiently
Core Concepts and Basic Usage
Querying Data with useQuery
The useQuery
hook is the foundation of data fetching in React Query:
import { useQuery } from '@tanstack/react-query'
import axios from 'axios'
function Posts() {
const { data, isLoading, error } = useQuery({
queryKey: ['posts'],
queryFn: async () => {
const { data } = await axios.get('https://api.example.com/posts')
return data
}
})
if (isLoading) return <div>Loading posts...</div>
if (error) return <div>Error: {error.message}</div>
return (
<ul>
{data.map(post => (
<li key={post.id}>{post.title}</li>
))}
</ul>
)
}
Mutations with useMutation
Handle data updates using the useMutation
hook:
import { useMutation, useQueryClient } from '@tanstack/react-query'
function CreatePost() {
const queryClient = useQueryClient()
const mutation = useMutation({
mutationFn: (newPost) => {
return axios.post('https://api.example.com/posts', newPost)
},
onSuccess: () => {
queryClient.invalidateQueries({ queryKey: ['posts'] })
}
})
return (
<form onSubmit={(e) => {
e.preventDefault()
mutation.mutate({ title: e.target.title.value })
}}>
<input name="title" />
<button type="submit">Create Post</button>
</form>
)
}
Advanced Features and Integration
Integration with Next.js
React Query works seamlessly with Next.js. Here's how to set it up:
// pages/_app.js
import { QueryClient, QueryClientProvider } from '@tanstack/react-query'
import { ReactQueryDevtools } from '@tanstack/react-query-devtools'
const queryClient = new QueryClient()
function MyApp({ Component, pageProps }) {
return (
<QueryClientProvider client={queryClient}>
<Component {...pageProps} />
<ReactQueryDevtools initialIsOpen={false} />
</QueryClientProvider>
)
}
Implementing Pagination
React Query simplifies pagination implementation:
function PaginatedPosts() {
const [page, setPage] = useState(1)
const { data, isPreviousData } = useQuery({
queryKey: ['posts', page],
queryFn: () => fetchPosts(page),
keepPreviousData: true
})
return (
<div>
{data.posts.map(post => (
<div key={post.id}>{post.title}</div>
))}
<button
onClick={() => setPage(old => Math.max(old - 1, 1))}
disabled={page === 1}
>
Previous
</button>
<button
onClick={() => setPage(old => old + 1)}
disabled={isPreviousData || !data?.hasMore}
>
Next
</button>
</div>
)
}
Infinite Scrolling
Implement infinite scrolling using useInfiniteQuery
:
function InfinitePostList() {
const {
data,
fetchNextPage,
hasNextPage,
isFetchingNextPage
} = useInfiniteQuery({
queryKey: ['posts'],
queryFn: fetchPostPage,
getNextPageParam: (lastPage) => lastPage.nextCursor
})
return (
<div>
{data.pages.map((page, i) => (
<React.Fragment key={i}>
{page.posts.map(post => (
<div key={post.id}>{post.title}</div>
))}
</React.Fragment>
))}
<button
onClick={() => fetchNextPage()}
disabled={!hasNextPage || isFetchingNextPage}
>
{isFetchingNextPage
? 'Loading more...'
: hasNextPage
? 'Load more'
: 'Nothing more to load'}
</button>
</div>
)
}
Best Practices and Optimization Tips
Query Keys
Use array syntax for dynamic query keys
Include all dependencies in the query key
Keep keys consistent across your application
Caching Strategies
Configure
staleTime
based on data freshness requirementsUse
cacheTime
to control cache persistenceImplement optimistic updates for better UX
Error Handling
Set up global error handlers
Implement retry logic for failed queries
Provide meaningful error messages to users
Conclusion
React Query transforms how we handle server state in React applications, providing a powerful yet intuitive API for data management. Whether you're building a simple CRUD application or a complex data-intensive platform, React Query's features and optimizations make it an excellent choice for modern web development.
For more detailed information and advanced use cases, refer to the official React Query documentation.
Remember to:
Start with basic queries and gradually incorporate advanced features
Utilize the React Query DevTools during development
Keep your query keys consistent and well-organized
Configure caching strategies based on your specific use case
And if you are looking for a Frontend Developer Job, you will find many good opportunities on Peerlist Jobs. Don't forget to check them out.
Until then, keep building! 👨💻
Happy querying!