HOCs (Higher-Order Components):
- Scenario: When you want to share cross-cutting concerns (such as data fetching, authentication, or logging) across multiple components.
- Use Cases:
- Data Fetching: Wrap components with an HOC that fetches data and provides it as props.
- Authentication: HOCs can handle user authentication and authorization checks.
- Logging and Analytics: Wrap components to log events or track user interactions.
- Example:
- React Router uses HOCs for route authentication and navigation.
Render Props:
- Scenario: When you need dynamic, flexible rendering behavior within a component.
- Use Cases:
- Conditional Rendering: Render different UI components based on state or props.
- Customizable Behavior: Allow users of your component to inject their rendering logic.
- Dynamic Children: Create components that can render different content dynamically.
- Example:
- Form libraries like Formik use render props to customize form rendering.
Combining Both:
- Sometimes, combining HOCs and render props provides maximum flexibility.
- Scenario: When you want to share behavior (HOC) but allow customization (render props).
- Use Cases:
- Data Fetching with Custom Rendering: Use an HOC for data fetching and a render prop for custom rendering.
- Composing Multiple Behaviors: Chain HOCs and render props together for complex components.
- Example:
- React Query library combines HOCs and render props for data fetching and caching.
In summary:
- HOCs are great for cross-cutting concerns and reusable behavior.
- Render props excel when you need dynamic rendering and customization.