Zustand Explained: Simple & Fast React State Management

If you're building a React app and tired of using heavy tools like Redux or the confusing React Context API, then let us introduce Zustand — the new favorite tool for easy and fast React state management.

In this blog, we will explore what Zustand is, why developers love it, how it works, and how you can use Zustand for state management in React.

What is Zustand?

Zustand means "state" in German. It is a small and powerful state management library for React. Created by Jared Palmer and Daishi Kato, Zustand helps you manage global state in your React apps with just a few lines of code. Unlike traditional state libraries, this tool doesn't require wrapping your component in Provider, and there are no strict design patterns to follow.

Zustand is:

• Easy to learn
• Fast and lightweight
• Free of boilerplate
• Ready to use in React, Next.js, and TypeScript projects.

Key Features of Zustand 

Zustand stands for a lightweight, easy-to-use, and flexible library for React state management that offers a range of features. Let's have a look.

• Small and Performant 

Zustand is extremely small in size, and it is optimized for performance. The small bundle size results in faster load times without relying on external dependencies, making it ideal to build lightweight apps. 

• Minimal Boilerplate 

Unlike Redux, Zustand requires minimal setup, so you can create a fully functional app in just a few lines of code. So, rather than dealing with Boilerplate, you can focus on building features. 

• Typescript Support 

Zustand works well with TypeScript, making it easier to manage type safety in apps. It offers an excellent type interface and lets you define the type of your state, actions, and selectors.

• Built-in Middleware Support 

Zustand supports a powerful middleware option, enabling features like logging, devtools integration, and persistence. This way, you can enhance your store with minimal effort. 

• Hook-based Access

Zustand provides seamless access to React Hooks, making it easier for state management in React. This approach prevents unnecessary re-renders and optimizes performance. 

• Global & Local State Management

Zustand handles global and state management requirements, making it an excellent fit for small-scale local component state and complex global state without any complex setup.

How to Use Zustand in React

Installation: First, install Zustand using npm or yarn:

npm install zustand
# or
yarn add zustand

Creating Your Store: Create a file (e.g., store.js) and define your store using the create function:

import { create } from 'zustand';
const useCounterStore = create((set) => ({
 count: 0,
 increment: () => set((state) => ({ count: state.count + 1 })),
 decrement: () => set((state) => ({ count: state.count - 1 })),
 reset: () => set({ count: 0 }),
}));
export default useCounterStore;

export default useCounterStore;

In this example:

• create is the function that creates our store.
• The function passed to create receives a set function, which is used to update the state.
• We define our state (count) and actions (increment, decrement, reset) within the returned object.

Using the Store in Your Components: In your React components, you can use the useCounterStore hook to access and update the state:

import React from 'react';
import useCounterStore from './store';
function Counter() {
 const { count, increment, decrement, reset } = useCounterStore();
 return (
 <div>
 <h1>Count: {count}</h1>
 <button onClick={increment}>Increment</button>
 <button onClick={decrement}>Decrement</button>
 <button onClick={reset}>Reset</button>
 </div>
 );
}
export default Counter;

export default Counter;

Here, the useCounterStore() hook returns the state and actions defined in our store, making them easily accessible within the component.

Why Use Zustand for React State Management?

More developers are now choosing Zustand for React state management. Here are some reasons why:

• Easy to Learn: Zustand uses a simple API and React hooks. There’s no need to write reducers or actions.
• Less Code: With Zustand, your code is clean and short. You don’t need to create many files like in Redux.
• Better Performance: Zustand only re-renders the components that use the changed state. This means your app runs faster than with the Context API.
• Flexible and Powerful: You can use Zustand with localStorage, logging, async actions, and more. Zustand works with server-side rendering and TypeScript, too.

Zustand vs Redux vs Context API

Let’s compare Zustand with Redux and Context API. 

Zustand gives you the benefits of both Redux and Context API, with none of the downsides.

What Can Zustand Be Used For?

You can use Zustand in many ways:

• Manage global state in React apps
• Store authentication data
• Toggle themes (light and dark mode)
• Control modals or notifications
• Store cart or wishlist data in eCommerce apps
• Save user settings and preferences
• Share state between pages in Next.js

Zustand is perfect for both small and large applications.

End Note

If you want a fast, simple, and effective way to manage state in your React applications, Zustand is a great choice. It saves time, reduces code, and improves performance.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced React developer, Zustand can make your development faster and easier.

Looking for a reliable partner to build your next React project with expertise in state management and more, reach out to us. Lucent Innovation is a top-tier ReactJS development company helping businesses build tailored apps using efficient state management solutions.