Axios vs Fetch: Which One is Better?

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Comparing Axios vs fetch: Pros & Cons

In this article, I'll explore the differences between two popular JavaScript libraries, Axios and the fetch libraries, with a focus on which is a better option for use in your web apps. By the end of this article, you should have a clear understanding of why fetch is the superior option.

Overview

The purpose of the Axios and fetch libraries is the same - they both allow developers the ability to make network requests in a more optimized way than plain, vanilla JavaScript (i.e., AJAX). Let's take a quick look at what each one does before diving into the pros and cons.

Axios is an open-source library for creating asynchronous HTTP requests from within Node or the browser. It can also be used for creating RESTful APIs, as it supports both HTTP and HTTPS protocols and provides multiple levels of security. On the other hand, the Fetch API is a JavaScript interface for creating Ajax requests without having to install any external libraries. It works from within modern browsers and supports the same security levels as Axios.

Now that we've got an overview of both Axios and fetch, let's discuss the pros and cons of each in more detail.

Pros & Cons of Axios

The first library we'll be discussing is Axios. It has many advantages and disadvantages that developers need to be aware of when deciding whether or not to incorporate it into their projects.

Pros

  • Supports both HTTP and HTTPS so you can use whichever protocol you prefer.
  • Modern and up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies
  • Advanced security options, including cross-origin resource sharing (CORS), and support for encryption protocols like SSL and TLS.
  • Easy to use, with concise syntax and excellent documentation.
  • Compatible with most browsers and platforms.

Cons

  • Requires an extra library to be installed.
  • If you're working with large data sets, it could cause memory and performance issues.
  • It's not always the most user-friendly, as some commands may be difficult to understand.

Pros & Cons of Fetch

Next, let's discuss fetch, another popular library for making network requests.

Pros

  • Doesn't require the overhead of an extra library needing to be installed and takes up fewer resources.
  • Lasts longer, with fewer bugs and better support for older browsers and platforms.
  • Developed using modern standards such as Promises, making it easy to read, understand, edit, and maintain code.
  • Easily supports caching and can be used with frameworks or libraries like React or Angular.

Cons

  • Older browsers don't support fetch, so developers must use polyfills to make it work.
  • It doesn't provide the same security features as Axios, such as CORS and encryption protocols.
  • It can be inefficient if the server doesn't provide the right headers when responding.

Conclusion

When it comes to Axios vs fetch, it's clear that fetch is the superior option in almost every way. Its conservation of resources and lack of reliance on a library make it both more efficient and cost-effective. Furthermore, fetch is supported by all modern browsers, meaning it will likely last you much longer than Axios. So if you're looking for a robust, reliable, and secure solution for making web requests, then fetch is the library for you! 🤩