Mastering the refetch Method: Handling Dynamic Queries with useQuery in React-Query

Discover how to efficiently use the `refetch` method with `useQuery` in React-Query to handle different API responses, even in the event of errors like 404s.
---

Visit these links for original content and any more details, such as alternate solutions, latest updates/developments on topic, comments, revision history etc. For example, the original title of the Question was: How to use refetch method to send different queries using useQuery in react-query

If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
---
Mastering the refetch Method: Handling Dynamic Queries with useQuery in React-Query

When building a dynamic web application, handling API calls effectively is crucial for user experience and efficiency. In this guide, we'll dive into a common issue many developers face when using the useQuery hook from React-Query – specifically, how to use the refetch method to send different queries based on whether an API call fails, such as receiving a 404 response. Let’s explore the problem and provide you with a clear solution.

The Problem: Handling 404 Errors Gracefully

Imagine you are fetching data from multiple APIs to display in your React app. However, you occasionally encounter a 404 error from one of these APIs. This can throw a wrench in your application's operations if not handled properly. In this case, you want to continue using results from an API that returns data while ignoring the failed one.

The Initial Code

Here is an example of a typical use of the useQuery hook:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

In the above code, we are fetching data from two APIs simultaneously. But if one of the APIs returns a 404 error, you'll need a way to retry the call to the other API without running into a block due to the error.

The Solution: Restructuring for Flexibility

To effectively manage API fetching in your application, we will restructure the process by introducing an exterior fetching function and utilizing error handling techniques. Here's the step-by-step approach to make this happen:

Step 1: Create a Separate Fetching Function

Create a separate function for fetching data that allows you to customize your requests. This function will accept parameters to decide which API to call.

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 2: Implement Try-Catch for Error Handling

In your useQuery, wrap the query function using a try-catch block to handle any errors encountered during the fetching process.

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

How It Works

Initial Fetch: The useQuery calls fetchData with no parameters, so both APIs are requested.

Error Handling: When a fetch fails, the error is caught. If it’s a 404 error, the function is called again with the isDataFoundInApi2 parameter set to true. This indicates that only the first API should be fetched.

Final Output: The final response contains data only from the API that was successfully retrieved.

Conclusion

Handling errors gracefully when fetching data from multiple APIs is essential in creating a robust and user-friendly web application. By restructuring your useQuery call and leveraging error-handling techniques, you can easily adapt to different scenarios and ensure your application behaves as expected even when facing API errors.

Now that you understand how to effectively use the refetch method within the useQuery hook, you can ensure that your React application is resilient and responsive regardless of API conditions.

Happy coding!