Mastering react-query: Properly Handling Pagination in React Apps

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Mastering react-query: Properly Handling Pagination in React Apps

Handling pagination in web applications requires precise control over data fetching, especially when using libraries like react-query. A common challenge developers face is ensuring that the correct arguments are passed during data fetching, which can lead to stale or incorrect data. In this post, we will explore how to properly implement pagination with react-query using the example of re-fetching data with changing arguments.

The Problem: Stale Data on Argument Change

When implementing a feature such as pagination, it's crucial to update the input parameters dynamically as the user interacts with pagination controls. In the provided code snippet, the developer encounters an issue where the previous value of arrivals is being sent as an argument to the getProductList function. This results in stale data being displayed to the user. The developer attempted to rectify this by using setTimeout to call the refetch function, but it did not feel like a clean solution.

Here's a brief overview of the initial code segment:

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

While this approach works, it introduces unnecessary complexity and doesn't leverage the full capabilities of react-query. Let's explore a better approach.

The Solution: Leveraging Query Keys Effectively

The key to resolving this issue lies in the way react-query handles fetching data through its query keys. Instead of relying on useEffect for triggering a manual refetch, you can make use of the query key's dynamic nature to signal changes in the input parameters directly. This allows react-query to automatically re-fetch data as soon as the key changes.

Step-by-Step Implementation

Update the Query Key: Include the arrivals state as a part of the query key. This ensures that any change in arrivals will lead to a re-fetch.

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

Handle Derived State: Recognize that arrivals might not need to be managed as a separate state because it can be derived directly from the page variable. By doing this, you can simplify your state management.

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

Setting Page State: Allow your pagination controls to directly change the page value. react-query will manage the fetching based on changes in the query key.

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

Final Implementation Overview

By implementing the strategy outlined above, your final component can look like this:

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

Conclusion

Handling pagination effectively in a React app using react-query can significantly enhance user experience by ensuring that the displayed data is always fresh and relevant. By intelligently leveraging query keys, you can simplify your component logic while ensuring that data fetching occurs at the right moments without unnecessary complications.

Remember, the simplicity of your code often leads to improved maintainability and readability. Embrace the capabilities provided by react-query, and you’ll find that your data-fetching patterns become more intuitive.