useContext provides a way to share values between components without passing props through every level of the tree.
Basic Usage#
Creating Context with Types#
Provider Pattern#
Multiple Contexts#
Context with Reducer#
Performance Optimization#
Default Values#
Nested Providers#
Context Selectors (Custom Pattern)#
Testing with Context#
Common Patterns#
Best Practices#
Context Design:
✓ Split state and dispatch contexts
✓ Memoize context values
✓ Create custom hooks
✓ Use meaningful defaults
Performance:
✓ Keep context values stable
✓ Split contexts by update frequency
✓ Use memo for consumers
✓ Consider external state libraries for complex needs
Organization:
✓ One context per concern
✓ Colocate provider with related components
✓ Export custom hooks, not raw context
✓ Document context requirements
Avoid:
✗ Putting everything in one context
✗ Frequent context value updates
✗ Deeply nested providers
✗ Using context for local state
Conclusion#
useContext eliminates prop drilling and enables clean state sharing across component trees. Create custom hooks to encapsulate context access, split contexts by update frequency for performance, and memoize values to prevent unnecessary re-renders. For complex state management, consider combining context with useReducer or external libraries.