React PropTypes vs Flow: Which Should I Use?

What are the main differences between React PropTypes and Flow?

React PropTypes is a runtime type checking tool, while Flow is a static type checker. PropTypes checks types during runtime, helping catch errors in development, whereas Flow analyzes your code before it runs, providing more comprehensive type safety.

When should I use PropTypes instead of Flow?

You might choose PropTypes for simpler projects or when you want to quickly add type checking without a build step. Flow is better for larger applications where you need more robust type safety and can afford the setup.

Can I use both PropTypes and Flow together?

Yes, you can use both together. PropTypes can provide runtime checks while Flow offers static analysis, giving you the benefits of both approaches.

What are some advantages of using Flow over PropTypes?

Flow provides static type checking, which can catch errors before runtime, offers better integration with IDEs for autocompletion, and supports more complex type definitions.