Notes on Use Context in React

Introduction

• Overview of the use context hook in React.
• Best practice tips included at the end.
• Mention of a full React course available in the description.

Sponsorship

• Sponsored by Atlantic.net Hosting:
  • One year of free hosting.
  • Use code "Kyle" for an additional $50 credit.
  • Benefits include powerful servers and great data reliability.

Context in React

Creating Context

• Use react.createContext to create a context (e.g., themeContext).
• Export the context for use throughout the application.

Setting Up State

• Use useState to create a toggle for dark/light theme.
• Create a function to toggle between the two themes.

Implementing Context Provider

• The context provider wraps components needing access to context.
• Use a single prop called value for the context's value.
  • Children of the provider can access this value without manual prop passing.

Class Component vs Functional Component

Class Component

• Utilizes themeContext.Consumer to access context.
• More complex nesting required to access context value.

Functional Component

• Use the useContext hook to access context directly without nesting.
• Simplifies code significantly compared to class components.

Custom Hook for Context

Extracting Logic

• Create a file themecontext.js to house theme information and logic.
• Create a ThemeProvider component to manage theme state and provide context.

Updating Theme

• Create a second context for updating the theme.
• Wrap both contexts in the ThemeProvider to provide theme value and update function to children.

Using Custom Hooks

• Create useTheme and useThemeUpdate hooks for easier access to context values.
• Import and use these hooks in components instead of accessing context directly.

Summary

• The ThemeProvider cleans up code by managing state and context in one place.
• Custom hooks streamline access to context values.
• This approach simplifies working with context and enhances maintainability.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to explore further React knowledge and check out the full React course linked in the description.