State Management in 2025: The Complete Guide

With React 19 and new patterns, state management has evolved significantly. Here's what matters now.

The Modern State Landscape

1. Server State

• Tools: React Query, SWR, Apollo
• When: Data from APIs/backend
• Benefits: Caching, deduping, background updates

2. Client State

• Tools: Zustand, Jotai, Redux
• When: UI state, local data
• Benefits: Performance, flexibility

3. URL State

• Tools: Next.js searchParams, React Router
• When: Shareable state, filters
• Benefits: Deep linking, back button

Library Comparison

Practical Examples

Zustand Store

import { create } from 'zustand';

interface BearState {
  bears: number;
  increase: () => void;
}

const useBearStore = create<BearState>((set) => ({
  bears: 0,
  increase: () => set((state) => ({ bears: state.bears + 1 })),
}));

// Usage
function BearCounter() {
  const bears = useBearStore((state) => state.bears);
  const increase = useBearStore((state) => state.increase);
  
  return <button onClick={increase}>Bears: {bears}</button>;
}

React Query Example

function Posts() {
  const { data, error, isLoading } = useQuery({
    queryKey: ['posts'],
    queryFn: fetchPosts,
    staleTime: 1000 * 60 * 5, // 5 minutes
  });

  if (isLoading) return <Loader />;
  if (error) return <Error message={error.message} />;
  
  return data.map(post => <Post key={post.id} {...post} />);
}

Server Components Impact

1. Less Client State: Move to server when possible
2. Serializable State: Pass data from server to client
3. Hybrid Patterns: Combine server and client state

Emerging Patterns

1. State Machines

Using XState:

const toggleMachine = createMachine({
  id: 'toggle',
  initial: 'inactive',
  states: {
    inactive: { on: { TOGGLE: 'active' } },
    active: { on: { TOGGLE: 'inactive' } }
  }
});

function Toggle() {
  const [state, send] = useMachine(toggleMachine);
  
  return (
    <button onClick={() => send('TOGGLE')}>
      {state.matches('inactive') ? 'Off' : 'On'}
    </button>
  );
}

2. Atomic State

Using Jotai:

const countAtom = atom(0);
const doubledAtom = atom((get) => get(countAtom) * 2);

function Counter() {
  const [count, setCount] = useAtom(countAtom);
  const [doubled] = useAtom(doubledAtom);
  
  return (
    <div>
      <button onClick={() => setCount(c => c + 1)}>
        Count: {count}
      </button>
      <div>Doubled: {doubled}</div>
    </div>
  );
}

When to Choose What

1. Small Apps: Zustand + React Query
2. Medium Apps: Jotai + React Query
3. Large Apps: Redux + RTK Query
4. Microfrontends: Zustand + Module Federation

Future of State Management

1. More Server Integration: Less client state
2. Compiler Optimizations: React Forget
3. Standardization: Possible React-native solution
4. AI-Assisted: Automatic state organization

"State management is about finding the right balance between predictability and productivity." - Dan Abramov