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What are the pros and cons of using redux-saga with ES6 generators vs redux-thunk with ES2017 async/await?

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Both Redux-Saga and Redux-Thunk are middleware libraries for managing side effects in Redux applications. They offer different approaches for handling asynchronous actions and have their own sets of pros and cons. Let’s compare using Redux-Saga with ES6 generators versus Redux-Thunk with ES2017 async/await:

Redux-Saga with ES6 Generators:

Pros:

1. Explicit Control Flow

Redux-Saga uses generators, which provide explicit control flow for asynchronous operations. This can make complex asynchronous logic easier to understand and debug.

2. Cancellation and Forking

Saga effects like take, cancel, and fork allow for advanced control over asynchronous tasks, such as cancellation of pending requests or forking multiple tasks in parallel.

3. Testing

Sagas are easy to test because they are pure functions that return generator objects. We can test each generator step-by-step using unit tests.

4. Non-Blocking

Sagas run in parallel to Redux actions, making them non-blocking and allowing for better separation of concerns.

5. Advanced Error Handling

Sagas provide built-in error handling capabilities, allowing for more advanced error recovery strategies.

Cons:

1. Learning Curve

Sagas have a steeper learning curve compared to Redux-Thunk due to the use of generators and the different approach to handling side effects.

2. Complexity

Sagas can introduce complexity to our codebase, especially for simpler applications where Redux-Thunk might suffice.

3. Boilerplate

Writing sagas might require writing more boilerplate code compared to Redux-Thunk, especially for simple asynchronous actions.

Redux-Thunk with ES2017 async/await:

Pros:

1. Simplicity

Redux-Thunk is simpler to grasp and use compared to Redux-Saga, especially for developers already familiar with async/await syntax.

2. Ease of Integration

Redux-Thunk integrates seamlessly with existing Redux applications and requires minimal setup.

3. Straightforward

Redux-Thunk allows for straightforward dispatching of actions, making it suitable for simpler asynchronous operations.

4. Familiarity

If we are already comfortable with async/await syntax, using Redux-Thunk with ES2017 async/await can feel more natural and require less cognitive overhead.

Cons:

1. Lack of Control Flow

Redux-Thunk doesn’t provide explicit control flow for asynchronous actions, which can lead to more nested callback functions and less readable code for complex asynchronous operations.

2. Limited Features

Redux-Thunk lacks some of the advanced features provided by Redux-Saga, such as cancellation, forking, and built-in error handling.

3. Testing

Testing thunks that contain asynchronous logic might require mocking asynchronous operations, which can be more cumbersome compared to testing sagas.

In conclusion, Redux-Saga with ES6 generators offers more advanced control flow and error handling capabilities, making it suitable for complex asynchronous logic but with a steeper learning curve and potentially more boilerplate.

Redux-Thunk with ES2017 async/await, on the other hand, is simpler and more straightforward, making it suitable for simpler applications or for developers who prefer a more familiar syntax.

Ultimately, the choice between Redux-Saga and Redux-Thunk depends on the specific requirements and complexity of our Redux application.

By John Au-Yeung

Web developer specializing in React, Vue, and front end development.

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