State machines make complex UI logic predictable. Here's how to use XState effectively.
Why State Machines#
Basic State Machine#
Form State Machine#
Authentication Machine#
Wizard/Multi-Step Form#
Parallel States#
Testing State Machines#
Best Practices#
Design:
✓ Model states explicitly
✓ Use context for data
✓ Define all transitions
✓ Handle all edge cases
Organization:
✓ One machine per feature
✓ Extract services and guards
✓ Use TypeScript for events
✓ Document state charts
Testing:
✓ Test all state transitions
✓ Test guards and actions
✓ Test service invocations
✓ Use model-based testing
Conclusion#
State machines eliminate impossible states and make complex UI logic explicit. XState provides powerful tools for modeling workflows, forms, and async operations. Start simple and add complexity as needed. The upfront modeling investment pays off in reliability and maintainability.