Zustand vs vuex: What are the differences?

Key Differences Between Zustand and Vuex

1. Integration with Framework

Zustand: Zustand is a state management library that can be used with any JavaScript framework, including React, Angular, and Vue.

Vuex: Vuex is a state management library specifically designed for Vue.js. It is tightly integrated with the Vue ecosystem and provides a seamless experience for Vue developers.

2. Size and Complexity

Zustand: Zustand is a lightweight state management library with a small bundle size. It has a simple API and minimal boilerplate code, making it easier to adopt and use.

Vuex: Vuex is a more comprehensive state management solution that comes with a larger bundle size and a more complex API. It introduces concepts like modules, actions, and mutations, which provide a structured way to handle state and side-effects.

3. Reactivity

Zustand: Zustand leverages the React hooks system to handle state changes and reactivity. It provides a useState hook to create and update state, as well as a useStore hook to access state from components.

Vuex: Vuex uses Vue's reactivity system to handle state changes and reactivity. It provides a mapState helper to access state in components and automatically updates components when state changes.

4. Middleware Support

Zustand: Zustand does not provide built-in middleware support. However, it allows you to define custom middleware functions to intercept state changes and perform additional actions.

Vuex: Vuex has built-in support for middleware, which allows you to intercept actions and mutations before they reach the store. This enables features like logging, caching, and asynchronous actions.

5. DevTools Integration

Zustand: Zustand has a lightweight devtools extension that provides basic debugging capabilities, such as inspecting state changes and time-travel debugging.

Vuex: Vuex comes with a powerful devtools extension that provides advanced debugging features, including a state inspector, mutation tracker, and time-travel debugging. It integrates seamlessly with the Vue DevTools extension.

6. Community and Ecosystem

Zustand: Zustand is relatively new compared to Vuex and has a smaller community and ecosystem. It may have fewer third-party plugins and integrations available.

Vuex: Vuex has a large and active community with a wide range of plugins and integrations. It is widely used in the Vue ecosystem and has established best practices and patterns.

In summary, Zustand is a framework-agnostic, lightweight state management library with simpler APIs and a smaller footprint. On the other hand, Vuex is a more comprehensive solution specifically designed for Vue.js, with a larger ecosystem and advanced features such as middleware and devtools integration.