Difference between mobx, redux and zustand

When choosing a state management library for a React application, developers often consider MobX, Redux, and Zustand. Each of these libraries offers different approaches and features for managing state. Here’s a comparison to help understand their differences, use cases, and pros and cons.

MobX

Overview

MobX is a simple and scalable state management library that makes state observable and reacts to changes in a straightforward manner.

Key Features

• Reactivity: Automatically tracks and reacts to changes in state.
• Simplicity: Minimal boilerplate code compared to Redux.
• MobX State Tree (MST): An additional library that provides structure and tools for MobX applications.

Use Cases

• Applications that require fine-grained reactivity.
• Projects where simplicity and minimal boilerplate are priorities.

Pros

• Less boilerplate compared to Redux.
• Highly intuitive and easy to use.
• Fine-grained reactivity out of the box.

Cons

• Can be less predictable and harder to debug due to implicit reactivity.
• The learning curve for MobX State Tree can be steep.

Example

import { observable } from 'mobx';
import { observer } from 'mobx-react';

class Store {
    @observable count = 0;

    increment() {
        this.count++;
    }
}

const store = new Store();

const Counter = observer(() => (
    <div>
        <button onClick={() => store.increment()}>Increment</button>
        <p>{store.count}</p>
    </div>
));

Redux

Overview

Redux is a predictable state container for JavaScript apps, often used with React. It follows a strict unidirectional data flow and uses actions, reducers, and a global store.

Key Features

• Single Source of Truth: Maintains all state in a single store.
• Predictability: State changes are explicit and predictable.
• Middleware: Supports middleware for handling side effects.

Use Cases

• Large-scale applications with complex state logic.
• Applications where predictability and debugging capabilities are crucial.

Pros

• Predictable state management.
• Strong community and ecosystem.
• Excellent debugging tools (e.g., Redux DevTools).

Cons

• Requires a lot of boilerplate code.
• Can be complex and verbose for simple use cases.

Example

import { createStore } from 'redux';

// Action
const increment = () => ({ type: 'INCREMENT' });

// Reducer
const counter = (state = 0, action) => {
    switch (action.type) {
        case 'INCREMENT':
            return state + 1;
        default:
            return state;
    }
};

// Store
const store = createStore(counter);

store.subscribe(() => console.log(store.getState()));

store.dispatch(increment());

Zustand

Overview

Zustand is a small, fast, and scalable bearbones state management library for React. It focuses on simplicity and ease of use.

Key Features

• Minimal Boilerplate: Very simple API with minimal setup.
• React Hooks: Leverages hooks for state management.
• Performance: Efficient state updates with minimal re-renders.

Use Cases

• Small to medium-sized applications.
• Projects where simplicity and performance are important.

Pros

• Minimal boilerplate and easy to set up.
• Excellent performance with selective re-rendering.
• Simple API and integration with React hooks.

Cons

• Less established and smaller ecosystem compared to Redux.
• May lack advanced features required for very complex state management.

Example

import create from 'zustand';

const useStore = create(set => ({
    count: 0,
    increment: () => set(state => ({ count: state.count + 1 }))
}));

const Counter = () => {
    const { count, increment } = useStore();
    return (
        <div>
            <button onClick={increment}>Increment</button>
            <p>{count}</p>
        </div>
    );
};