Higher-Order Components vs Render Props: What's the Difference?

Can you explain the difference between higher-order components and render props in React?

Sure! Higher-order components (HOCs) are functions that take a component and return a new component, enhancing it with additional props or behavior. Render props, on the other hand, are a technique for sharing code between components using a prop that is a function.

When should I use HOCs instead of render props?

Use HOCs when you want to enhance a component's behavior without changing its structure. Render props are better for sharing stateful logic between components.

Can you give me an example of each?

Absolutely! For HOCs, you might create a withAuth HOC that adds authentication logic to a component. For render props, you could have a DataFetcher component that uses a function as a child to render data once it's fetched.

Are there any downsides to using either approach?

Yes, HOCs can lead to 'wrapper hell' if overused, making the component tree complex. Render props can make the JSX less readable due to nested functions.