Redux vs MobX: Which Is Best For Your Project?

Overview Of State Management Apps – MobX vs Redux

Managing your website from the front end can be a herculean task if you do not have the right set of applications. State management of front-end applications is solvable if we adopt two approaches with two different library sets. This blog discusses the Redux vs MobX comparison.

One is Redux, and the other one is MobX. Developers have a workaround with these external library sets to implement state management to their website building projects.

Like two sides of a coin, there are perks and shortcomings of either of these two libraries. Still, we cannot make do without them as state management within a web application is of paramount importance. It’s as important as the Noteworthy React Developer Tools.

With a wee bit of an idea on React state management, readers can figure out the advantages of working with them. Finally, they can zero in on a particular library and work with it.

Redux – A predictable state container for JavaScript apps

If a state management tool for your web application is what you seek right now, how about  Redux?

It is based on the synergistic concepts of Flux and functional programming. Any Leading Company can hire React JS developers as it can help you to develop Redux-based solutions.

Mobx – Simple, scalable state management

Besides Redux, what else do we have concerning the local state management within the web app? The answer lies with MobX.

The primary comparison is discussed below:

Redux vs. MobX: The Comparison Parameters

Criterion #1: Core Principles

Redux

For the uninitiated, here are a few attributes of Redux which you must know.

• Redux has a singular store – a solitary starting point of truth
• You cannot expect a change in the state of the store.
• To address changes, users have to execute specific actions.
• State updates are carried out by reducers

MobX

For the uninitiated, here are a few attributes of MobX which you must know.

• Not just one, but MobX boasts multiple stores to save the state of the application.
• There is an opportunity to derive many features from the state, without much ado.
• Users can actively employ codes to bring about a change in the app’s action.
• There is no manual intervention. All codes, logics, algorithms, and other derivations update in an automated fashion.

Criterion #2: Single Store vs Multiple Store

Redux

Redux essentially has a single store, which is its sole source of truth. Since the state in Redux is not prone to changes, we find it easy to discover the state.

In Redux, one can find a singular, impressive JSON object that depicts the store. With such objects, it is easy to fragment the algorithmic logic into multiple derivatives. Such separations help us achieve many reducers.

Developers regard it as a spontaneous approach so that they can cite the single store to ascertain the application’s state.

On the bright side, they can evade chances of duplication or uncertainty associated with the prevailing state of the data.

MobX

Try MobX, and you can work with multiple stores. There is a coded logical sequence to separate stores, as a result, the entire application’s state is not available at one instant.

Most web applications are built with no less than two stores. The first store is for the UI state, and the other one is for the domain state.

When stores are segregated in this way, users can reuse the very domain for additional purposes. However, the UI store is particular to one application only.

Criterion #3: Data Structure

Redux

With Redux, developers can not only use their JS skills but also use JS objects as data structures to stock the state.

One downside of Redux here is that developers have to monitor the updates in person as no automation is developed yet.

This becomes puzzling, especially during the maintenance of an enormous application.

MobX

Then how does MobX resolve the problem? Observable data of MobX inadvertently track changes via inherent subscriptions. This feature makes it more comfortable for the developer.

Criterion #4: Immutable vs Mutable

Redux

Talking about an immutable state in the store then probably it is Redux where all the states are in read-only mode. Redux can incite revisions to state, and the reducers can supersede the preceding state with a fresh state.

MobX

The state is mutable or does not change easily with MobX. It allows developers to refresh the state values with brand-new data. Thus, the impure methods are more obstinate to test and sustain as the results are inconsistent.

Criterion #5: Debugging

Redux

If you want to ace in debugging and make a name for yourself, Redux is what you need. Get an out-of-the-box debugger loaded with pure functions and minimal abstraction with Redux.

MobX

The debugging facilities obtainable from MobX are nothing compared to Redux. Talk about abstraction, it is a lot more in MobX making debugging a painful task for web app developers.

Not only are the developer tools not outstanding, but the outcomes are inconstant as well.

Criterion #6: Maintenance

Redux

Time and again, the pure functions feature along with the functional programming paradigm has made developers trust Redux more than any other tool for website maintenance. There is better control on a website using Redux.

MobX

Maintaining MobX is not easy as it does not offer the configuration and functions that most developers find in Redux.

Criterion #7: Popularity

Redux

Towards the end of the first quarter of 2019, Redux topped the scoreboards as the most sought after theory on Google in opposition to MobX.

MobX

Indeed the demand for Redux soared in terms of its popularity. It is the developers’ first thing when they need to deal with state management. MobX is overshadowed by Redux and still has a long way to go.

Criterion #8: Learning Curve

Redux

Whoever said that Redux is hard to learn, spoke some true words. And that is because there is not just one component that we learn about Redux.

There are several syntaxes, patterns, and attributes that users have to learn if they want to hone their skills with Redux.

If learning Flux architecture and practical programming concepts are on your agenda, studying or taking a course on Redux can help you.

For those software individuals who yearn to have a career as a functional programmer, adopt the learning process of Redux with ease.

People who are well versed with object-oriented coding can have a tough time in comprehending Redux.

There are additional components which make the study of Redux wholesome and resourceful. These include the middlewares such as Thunk, Saga.

MobX

What about its competitor MobX? If you have to determine which one is better between MobX vs ReduX, you need to understand a few things first.

MobX is uncomplicated for developers with a hint of JavaScript knowledge. They must also have working object-oriented programming knowledge.

With MobX, developers seldom fuss about normalizing the state or executing theories like Thunk. Thanks to the inherent abstract future, you don’t have to rack your brains on coding.

Criterion #9: Boilerplate Code

Redux

Most developers have never heard a complaint concerning Redux except for the presence of boilerplate code that is complementary to the React library.

Boilerplate code further increases when developers interweave Redux with React. Redux is specific in its form, so hardcoding of several features is required.

MobX

Want to know about a less explicit tooling device that does not require a lot of boilerplate coding? We bet you want to know about MobX.

So, choose MobX over Redux which covers lesser boilerplate code, making it easier for freelancers and newbies to learn the concepts and configure them in the web app.

Criterion #10: Developer Community

Redux

Why do you think Redux is above other tools when it comes to state management? A primary reason for that can be the exquisite community that Redux has.

Redux dev tools are invaluable to the people in that community. Developers, by the hundreds, use it for the extraordinary simplicity it offers to Redux codes.

Talking about numbers, Redux does a good job there with close to fifty thousand stars, and nearly 675 contributors. An average of 3 million downloads of Redux take place weekly.

MobX

Redux raises the benchmark pretty high with its numbers, and MobX thus cannot live up to the expectations of web builders.

There is also a little compromise in the quality of debugging support one gets from MobX, which clocks close to 250K downloads a week.

MobX has approximately 20K stars and 155 contributors.

Criterion #11: Scalability

Redux

Most people wonder the reasons for which Redux is exceedingly simpler to scale than MobX. Some experts are of the view that the reducer functions are purer, which empowers the scalability of the web apps.

MobX

Pure functions are advantageous as testers consider it to be an easy job to examine these expected and simple codes. The codes that are constructed thanks to MobX are scalable and maintainable.

Criterion #12: Data Flow Logic

Redux

There is a saying that states that:

“Redux structure propagates in an absolutely unidirectional flow of data”.

Developers execute an action or trigger an event so that the state can be dispatched.

The application state upgrades itself when it is triggered by the appropriate action of a pure function termed as the ‘reducer’.

Modifications in the settings of actions and reducers are perfectly aligned to bring about a significant amount of boilerplate code for big-sized applications.

MobX

It is not a surprise that the unidirectional flow of data is a feature of MobX as well. Here, users do not need a reducer to render changes in actions.

These changes are manifested in the form of modified views. In MobX, one can observe a change in state data as it sequentially triggers newer components.

Criterion #13: Developer Tools

Redux

Redux comes with the “Redux Dev Tools” that is used by thousands of developers. It offers amazing support for debugging the Redux code.

MobX

Mobx tools do not have the same quality of debugging support that Redux provides. Hence, the winner is Redux.

Criterion #14: Application

Redux

If the size of your web app is considerably large, you should go for Redux as it suits complex applications.

MobX

For simplicity in usage and projects with small applications, Mobx serves the need.

Criterion #15: Code Comparison

Let us have a look at how coding using these two tools are comparable.

Redux

In Redux, developers must delineate the store and transfer it to the App using Provider. There are some important middleware applications namely redux-thunk and redux-promise-middleware which when called help to control asynchronous functions effectively.

Lastly, an extension termed as redux-devtools-extension helps out-of-the-box debugging in the time-travelling mode.

MobX

Not one, but many stores are configured when a developer uses MobX. These collections of stores are conveyed to the app using a Provider.

It is not surprising that MobX comprises limited lines of code and can manage asynchronous actions as it has no usage of external libraries. But one thing we cannot do without is the Mobx-remotedev to connect with the redux-devtools-extension debugging tool.

Read also: Analyzing The Top 20 Advantages Of ReactJS

Advantages and disadvantages of using Redux vs Mobx

Advantages in Redux

You need a standalone library, you need Redux. You can practice using Redux with UI framework viz. Angular, Vue, Ember, React, and Vanilla JS.

The gifted features are:

• Extensibility through middlewares
• Fame and a social platform
• Application support
• Foreseeable and integral
• Unidirectional data flow that does not change easily

Disadvantages in Redux

Surely, you cannot use Redux for some reasons. Here is why you should turn your head away from Redux.

• Boilerplate codes
• Actions are disengaged from their influence
• No break-through solution for managing side effects available via middleware.

Advantages in Mobx

There has been ample testing and analysis of MobX as a simple and effective state management tool. It helps developers employ functional reactive programming transparently. Coupled with React, MobX can deliver an impressive and powerful performance.

• Shorter size of codes
• Can be memorized in easy steps
• Storing data is no hassle
• Aids in object-oriented programming

Disadvantages in Mobx

Read plenty of reasons why you should use MobX. But if you are still not ready to consider using it, we know why. The reasons are mentioned below.

• Debugging is an arduous task
• Why choose the second best?
• Too many possibilities and lack of integrity

Conclusion

So, which one did you decide you are going to go with? Either tool can be beneficial to you depending on what is your requirement and how you would like to engage in its use. You can always connect with adroit React Development Company to seek assistance to choose the best one for developing robust solutions

Hopefully, this article gives a detailed analysis of what pros and cons you should look for before you settle down with a particular tool.

We hope you had a great experience reading this article and it proves to be of great value for any React developer in the near future. Thank You.!