React continues to evolve, and with React 19, a new hook called use() has been introduced. This has led to confusion: Do we still need libraries like React Query and Redux? The short answer: Yes — but for different reasons.

In this article, we’ll break down the roles of:

• use() (React 19 built-in)
• React Query
• Redux / Zustand / Client State stores

So you can understand when to use which — and why.

✅ The Core Difference

1) What is use() in React 19?

use() lets React suspend rendering while waiting for a Promise, context, or server function call. It makes fetching in components cleaner, but only handles the initial read of data.

Example

import { use } from "react";

function Pokemon() {
  const pokemon = use(fetch("https://pokeapi.co/api/v2/pokemon/pikachu")
    .then(res => res.json()));

  return <h1>{pokemon.name}</h1>;
}

Wrapped in Suspense:

<Suspense fallback="Loading...">
  <Pokemon />
</Suspense>

But use() does not:

• Cache responses
• Refetch automatically
• Retry on failure
• Share data across components
• Handle mutations (POST/PUT/DELETE)

It simply waits once and renders. Great for Server Components, SSR, and cases where caching doesn’t matter.

2) What is React Query?

React Query is made for server state — data that lives on the backend, changes over time, and needs syncing with UI.

Example

import { useQuery } from "@tanstack/react-query";

const { data, isLoading } = useQuery({
  queryKey: ["pokemon", "pikachu"],
  queryFn: () => fetch("https://pokeapi.co/api/v2/pokemon/pikachu")
    .then(res => res.json())
});

React Query gives you:

React Query is best when:

• Multiple components need the same data
• The data updates frequently
• You want smooth UI without flashing loading states
• You want to optimize network usage

use() cannot replace that.

3) Where Redux Fits In

Redux (or Zustand / Jotai / Recoil) manages client state, not server state.

Client State Examples:

• A modal open/close
• Sidebar expanded state
• Active tab selection
• Form wizard step
• Filters selected in UI

Redux is not good for:

Redux is purely for UI logic.

🎯 When to Use Each — Real World Comparison

🥜 One-Sentence Takeaway

use() handles reading async data. React Query handles managing and syncing async server data. Redux handles internal UI and business logic state. They don’t replace each other — they complement each other.

🔥 Recommended Architecture (Modern React)

Server Components → Fetch with async/await or use()
Client Components → Data syncing with React Query
UI State → Zustand / Redux / useReducer

This gives you:

• Minimal boilerplate
• Best performance
• Clear separation of concerns