Vue.js: Ref vs Reactive and Which One Should I Use?

When diving into Vue.js 3, one of the first things you’ll encounter is the Composition API. It's a game-changer, bringing new ways to handle reactivity in your components. Two of the core tools you’ll use are ref and reactive. But what’s the difference? When should you use one over the other? Let’s break it down.

Understanding ref

Think of ref as a way to create reactive references to primitive values. It’s simple, straightforward, and perfect for single values.

import { ref } from 'vue';

const count = ref(0);

function increment() {
  count.value++;
}

Here, count is a reactive reference. Notice the .value - this is crucial. When you need to access or modify the value of a ref, you always use .value. It’s like unwrapping a present!

Embracing reactive

On the other hand, reactive is your go-to for making entire objects reactive. It’s like wrapping a magic cloak around your object, making every property reactive.

import { reactive } from 'vue';

const state = reactive({
  count: 0,
  name: 'Vue.js'
});

function increment() {
  state.count++;
}

With reactive, you don’t need to worry about .value. You can directly access and modify properties, and Vue will handle the rest.

When to Use ref vs reactive

So, when should you choose ref? When you’re dealing with a simple primitive value or want a reference that can be easily passed around. It’s great for counters, booleans, and any single value that needs to be reactive.

reactive shines with objects. If you have an object with multiple properties and you want all of them to be reactive, reactive is your best friend. It’s perfect for state management within components, where you have a bunch of related properties.

Mixing and Matching

One of the beauties of Vue.js is that you don’t have to stick to one. You can mix ref and reactive in the same component, using each where it makes the most sense.

import { ref, reactive } from 'vue';

const count = ref(0);
const user = reactive({
  name: 'Alfatta',
  age: 25
});

function updateName(newName) {
  user.name = newName;
}

Here, count is a ref because it’s a single value, while user is a reactive object with multiple properties.

Conclusion

Both ref and reactive are powerful tools in Vue.js, each with their own strengths. By understanding when and how to use them, you can make your components more efficient and your code cleaner. So, whether you’re dealing with a single reactive value or a complex state object, Vue’s got you covered!

Happy coding with Vue.js!