Redux & Redux Toolkit Course
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RTK Query vs React Query

Definition

A comparison between the two dominant data-fetching and caching libraries in the React ecosystem.

Explain Like I'm New

They do the exact same thing: fetch data, cache it, and provide loading spinners. If you are ALREADY using Redux for global state, use RTK Query (it's built-in). If you are NOT using Redux, use React Query (TanStack Query) because it is lightweight and standalone.

Real World Example

Migrating a legacy Redux app to RTK, and replacing thousands of lines of `useEffect` fetching logic with RTK Query.

Common Use Cases

  • •Choosing a data fetching library

Interactive Example

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Interview Questions

basic

  • If your app does not use Redux, should you install RTK Query or React Query?

intermediate

  • Where does RTK Query store its cache, versus where React Query stores its cache?

Flash Cards

Question

Which to install?

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Answer

React Query (TanStack Query). You should not install the entirety of Redux Toolkit just to use RTK Query.

Question

Where is cache stored?

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Answer

RTK Query stores all of its cached data directly inside the Redux Store (you can see it in Redux DevTools). React Query maintains its own separate, invisible cache.