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

What are the main differences between render props and higher order components in React?

Render props and higher order components (HOCs) are both patterns for sharing code in React. Render props involve passing a function as a prop to a component, which allows for dynamic rendering. HOCs, on the other hand, are functions that take a component and return a new component, enhancing it with additional props or behavior.

Can you give me an example of each?

Sure! For render props, you might have a component like <DataFetcher render={data => <Display data={data} />} />. For HOCs, you could use a function like withAuth(WrappedComponent) that adds authentication logic to the wrapped component.

When should I use one over the other?

Use render props when you need more control over the rendering logic and want to share behavior without altering the component hierarchy. HOCs are great for cross-cutting concerns like authentication or logging, where you want to enhance multiple components consistently.

Are there any downsides to using these patterns?

Yes, both patterns can lead to more complex component trees and can make debugging harder. Render props can lead to 'prop drilling', while HOCs can create issues with static methods and ref forwarding.