Different between Redux and Redux Tool-kit

Redux and Redux Toolkit (RTK) are related but distinct tools used for managing state in JavaScript applications. Redux is the core library, while Redux Toolkit is a set of utilities and best practices that build on top of Redux to simplify and streamline its usage.

1. Redux

• Core Library: Redux is a predictable state container for JavaScript applications, providing a central store for all application states and ensuring that state can only be changed by dispatching actions.
• Boilerplate Code: Using Redux often requires writing a significant amount of boilerplate code, including action creators, action types, reducers, and store configuration.
• Reducer Structure: Reducers in Redux must be written as pure functions that explicitly handle state changes based on action types. This often leads to verbose and repetitive code.
• Middleware: Redux provides a way to extend its functionality using middleware like redux-thunk or redux-saga for handling side effects such as asynchronous actions.
• Learning Curve: Redux’s flexibility comes with a steeper learning curve, as developers must understand its core concepts, including immutability, actions, reducers, and middleware.

2. Redux Toolkit (RTK)

• Simplified Setup: Redux Toolkit provides a set of tools and best practices that simplify the setup and usage of Redux. It reduces boilerplate code by providing pre-built configurations and helper functions.
• configureStore: RTK’s configureStore function simplifies the store setup by combining reducers, middleware, and dev tools integration with sensible defaults.
• createSlice: The createSlice function in RTK allows us to write reducers more concisely. It combines the reducer logic, action creators, and action types in a single slice, reducing the need for boilerplate code.
• Built-in Middleware: RTK includes built-in support for redux-thunk by default, and it is easier to add additional middleware if needed.
• Immutability Handling: RTK uses the Immer library under the hood, allowing you to write “mutative” code in reducers, which is then automatically converted to immutable updates. This simplifies the reducer logic and reduces the risk of accidentally mutating the state.
• Redux DevTools Integration: RTK automatically integrates with Redux DevTools Extension, making it easier to debug and inspect the state changes.
• Opinionated Best Practices: RTK is opinionated and encourages best practices like using slices, dispatching actions with thunks, and structuring the state in a normalized way.

Key Differences:

• Boilerplate: RTK significantly reduces the amount of boilerplate code required to use Redux, making it more accessible and easier to set up.
• Reducer Simplicity: With createSlice, RTK simplifies the creation of reducers by bundling actions and reducers together and allowing direct mutation of state (thanks to Immer).
• Built-in Features: RTK comes with built-in support for middleware like redux-thunk, making it easier to handle asynchronous logic, whereas Redux requires manual configuration of such middleware.
• Opinionated vs. Flexible: RTK is more opinionated, promoting a specific way of using Redux with best practices baked in, while Redux provides more flexibility but at the cost of potentially more complexity.