What are the differences between SWR and React Query in Next.js?

What are the differences between SWR and React Query in Next.js?

SWR and React Query are both libraries for data fetching in React applications, but they have different philosophies. SWR is focused on simplicity and revalidation, while React Query offers more features like caching and background updates.

Can you explain how SWR handles caching?

SWR uses a cache-first strategy, meaning it will return cached data first and then revalidate it in the background. This ensures that users see data quickly while keeping it up-to-date.

What about React Query's caching mechanism?

React Query also has a robust caching mechanism, allowing you to configure cache time, stale time, and more. It automatically manages cache invalidation and refetching based on your settings.

Which one would you recommend for a new Next.js project?

It depends on your needs. If you want a lightweight solution with minimal setup, SWR is great. If you need advanced features like pagination and query invalidation, React Query might be the better choice.