What is the difference between RouterLink and anchor tags in Vue 3?

What is the difference between RouterLink and anchor tags in Vue 3?

In Vue 3, RouterLink is a component that allows you to navigate between routes in your application without reloading the page, while anchor tags (<a>) are standard HTML elements that navigate to a URL, which can cause a full page reload.

When should I use RouterLink instead of an anchor tag?

You should use RouterLink when you want to leverage Vue Router's features like route transitions, programmatic navigation, and keeping the application state intact. Use anchor tags for external links or when you don't need Vue Router's functionality.

Can I style RouterLink like an anchor tag?

Yes, you can style RouterLink just like an anchor tag using CSS. You can apply classes or inline styles to customize its appearance.

Are there any performance differences between the two?

Yes, using RouterLink can improve performance by preventing full page reloads, which allows for faster navigation and a smoother user experience.